Over the last couple of columns we discussed various ideas on how to achieve the sale of your real estate in a tough market. We all know price and condition are major factors in selling. Now here is one more.
The National Association of Realtors reports that the number of For Sale By Owner (FSBO) properties has dropped to 12 percent of all real estate sales from a high of 18 percent in 1997. In addition, the report stated that in real estate sales involving a realtor, the sales price was 16 percent higher than those sold by an owner directly. It all makes sense as full-time realtors know exactly what is happening in the local market.
Selling your real estate in today's market is not an easy task by any means. Utilizing the services of a realtor is a no brainer. Many FSBOs talk about saving the commissions to the realtor. That thought process is not necessarily correct. After all, if the sales price is 16 percent higher than a FSBO sale, the fees charged by the realtor are more than covered by the increased sales price. In addition to the increased price, your property usually sells faster and the hassle of a closing will disappear because your realtor handles that aspect of the sale.
Like I said, it makes $ense to hire a professional full-time realtor.
Ric Cornelius is the Broker/Manager of Sand Key Realty Sales and Rentals, Inc. Sand Key Realty has three offices with 40 agents. One office is at 740 S. Gulfview Blvd., Clearwater Beach, 727-443-0032; the second office is at 2701 Gulf Blvd., Indian Rocks Beach, 727-595-5441; and the third office is at 309 Belleview Blvd., Belleair, 727-461-4200.