Selling to Us Direct vs. Listing with a Local Realtor
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Selling to us direct versus listing with a local Realtor
Most sellers think that they will achieve a higher price if they list with a Realtor than if they sell directly to us. That may or may not be true — and there are some substantial non-cash considerations as well. Let’s go through the monetary considerations first.
Issue
Selling with an agent
Selling direct to us
IssuePre-marketing costs (cleanup)
With an agentPaid by seller
Direct to usNone — we take it “as-is”
IssueCommissions
With an agentUp to 10% paid by you
Direct to usNone
IssueClosing costs
With an agentAbout 2%, generally paid by seller
Direct to usNone — we pay all costs
IssueInspection costs
With an agentBuyer pays, but asks for money off
Direct to usNone — we take it “as-is”
IssueSeller concessions to buyer closing costs / mortgage fees
With an agentHappens often
Direct to usNever happens with us
IssueSurvey
With an agentAgent recommends, seller pays
Direct to usNo survey necessary
IssueDiscount from list price
With an agentRoutine from MLS
Direct to usWe pay the agreed price quickly
IssueTime to sell
With an agentOften 90–180 days
Direct to usWe pay on the agreed date
IssueHave to disclose problems with the property (legal requirement of seller)
With an agentRequired by state real estate commission — agents make you fill out a form
Direct to usNo disclosure to us
IssueBonus commission to agent above their normal commission
With an agentRequired for low-cost parcels (can’t make enough money otherwise)
Direct to usNone
IssueDealing with “tirekickers”
With an agentRoutine when dealing with agents
Direct to usNot so with us
IssueDeals falling through
With an agentRoutine when dealing with agents
Direct to usWe put money into the deal immediately
IssueFinding an agent knowledgeable about land
With an agentMost Realtors only sell houses or building lots, rarely any other type of land
Direct to usWe specialise in land, not houses — a different market and different techniques
Listing with a Realtor can still be the right move for some sellers — see our FAQ for when that makes sense. But if certainty, speed and zero out-of-pocket cost matter to you, selling direct is worth a look.