ABA Family Legal Guide

Buying and Selling a Home

Meeting the Players

Buying and Selling Without an Agent

Are there advantages to selling my home without an agent?

The advantage of selling without an agent is that you will not have to pay a sales commission. However, while this may seem like a large saving, you must prepare yourself to assume all the responsibilities and costs associated with selling your home. These include advertising your home, spending time with potential buyers, making required disclosures, and negotiating the sale.

Sellers familiar with local sales procedures and the real estate market may choose to sell their homes themselves, and there are various books that can help guide you through the process. Experts generally recommend that the seller hire both an appraiser and a lawyer at the beginning of the process. An appraiser can help you establish a price for your home, and the lawyer can help you with the legal issues and necessary documentation.