Sell My Own Home?

When people sell their homes 'on their own' it's about the money, right? Their thoughts are to keep as much money in their pockets as possible - it makes sense. How hard could it be, place an ad, hold a few open houses, get an attorney to do the closing, wha-la they just saved a bunch of money because they didn't have to pay a realtor, right? It sure sounds good doesn't it? Why then don't more people do it? Are they lazy, or afraid, or not smart enough? Maybe. Or maybe they know intrinsically, inside themselves, that they may lose more money than they'd save if they sold it on their own.

My experience with fisbo (for sale by owner) sellers are only after they've tried to do it on their own, or when they want to brag a little to let me know they 'sold it' on their own. I recently got a call from a fsbo seller who was finally giving up after trying to sell his home on his own. He was in the desporate mode because he couldn't handle the two mortage payments any more. His reserve cash was depleted or at least way past his comfort zone. I had another call with someone who bought a fsbo and paid way to much money for his home and his life fell apart so he had to sell it. He ended up bringing eleven thousand dollars to the closing - he had to pay eleven thousand dollars just so he wouldn't go bankrupt! He borrowed it from his parents, ugh.

I'm sure there's great stories out there, maybe.

For people selling homes and for every week or every month it doesn't sell there are costs, hello! Carrying costs like: ongoing mortgage payments, insurance, utility costs, maintainance costs, taxes, stress, spouse abuse, headaches, disappointment ... if you've ever tried to sell your own home you know what I mean.

I don't see where the real saving is. Just the family stress alone should make people reconsider. This is one of the biggest assests (or liabilties) a person has. Why try to go it alone - ugh!