Thinking about selling your house yourself, without a realtor? It might seem like a money-saver at first, but hold up—have you considered all the extra hassle it could bring? Handling everything solo means you’re taking on a heap of responsibilities, and unless you’re a pro, mistakes can sneak in and overwhelm you faster than you’d expect.

According to a report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), folks who go the FSBO route often struggle most with getting the price right and managing all the necessary paperwork.

Here’s where having an agent really smooths things out.

Getting the Price Spot-On

One of the trickiest parts of selling your own home is nailing down the right price. Without an agent’s savvy, it’s easy to slip up. You might price too high, scaring off potential buyers, or go too low and leave money on the table. As NerdWallet points out:

“First impressions count in home sales. Your listing’s debut sets the stage, and pricing plays a huge role. Price it too high, and buyers might not even notice it. Price it too low, and you risk missing out on serious cash. Plus, buyers might wonder if there’s a catch.”

Working with a real estate agent means tapping into their market smarts—they know your local area inside out and can set a price that matches what buyers are willing to pay. That way, your home stands out from the get-go.

Navigating the Paper Trail

Selling a house isn’t just about staging and open houses—it’s a paperwork marathon. And let’s face it, legal jargon isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. Handling it solo opens doors to risks and legal tangles.

Agents? We eat paperwork for breakfast. We’re pros at all the contracts and forms needed, making sure every ‘t’ is crossed and every ‘i’ dotted. According to First American:

“Buying or selling a home involves a mountain of paperwork. A real estate agent ensures you handle it all correctly, avoiding any costly hiccups or missed steps.”

Instead of drowning in documents, teaming up with an agent means you’ve got a guide by your side, smoothing the path and steering clear of any legal bumps.

The Bottom Line

Selling your house by yourself might seem appealing, but remember, it could end up costing you more time and stress than it’s worth. Let’s chat about how we can handle the nitty-gritty details together—setting the perfect price, managing all the paperwork, and more—so you can breathe easier knowing it’s taken care of.