Myths Debunked: The Truth About Selling Your House Without a Realtor in Southern California
The average realtor commission of 5-6% doesn’t sound like much at first glance.
Realtors handle dreary paperwork and navigate the intricacies of a complex, dynamic, and ever-changing real estate market. They’re masters of their craft and know how to negotiate hard and fast, how to stage a house, and how to close a deal.
But here’s the thing.
That’s what they want you to think in order to charge commissions (and pass other costs on to you) that can come out to eye-watering amounts.
Keep reading to find out how you’ve been misled about selling your house without a realtor.
The Real Problem of Selling Your House Using California Realtors
Traditionally, most people think of a realtor when selling a house.
The realtor guides you through the process.
As mentioned, realtors typically charge a 5-6% commission. Some charge even more than that. While it may not sound like much, a 6% commission on a house valued at $300,000 comes out to $18,000.
That’s the price of a mid-market SUV that vanishes into thin air. And let’s not forget that housing prices in the U.S. increase year-on-year. In 2022, the average house sold for more than half a million dollars.
As housing values go up, so do realtor fees. That half-a-million-dollar price tag quietly increases the average realtor’s fee to $30,000.
That’s not to mention that homeowners have no guarantees the realtor keeps their best interests at heart. Many prefer to rush the process to get their commission faster – and not necessarily get you the best price.
Why Homeowners in California Are Adapting Their Approach to Selling Their House
Selling your house without a realtor can be empowering.
You have the freedom to set your own pace and choose the buyers you want to negotiate with. That’s why we’re seeing a resurgence in the popularity of selling a house by owner, or “FSBO” (For Sale By Owner).
Most importantly, you sidestep expensive realtor commissions – and all the other, hidden fees that come with the territory.
How do you sell your house without paying a commission? Broadly speaking, you’ve got two options:
- FSBO
- Selling to property buyers
Both of these options have their own benefits. The decision is ultimately with you and depends on how fast you need to sell and how much legwork you’re willing to put in yourself.
The Truth About Selling Your House in California Without a Realtor
Is it hard to sell your house without a realtor? Well yes – but actually, no.
That’s what we’re here to debunk.
Myth #1: You Can’t Sell a House Without a Realtor
A common misconception about selling a house is that you can’t do it without a realtor. Many homeowners believe they require the expertise and connections of a realtor to find potential buyers.
But this isn’t the case.
Reality: You Can Sell Your Home Easily in Different Ways
Selling your house on your own is not only possible – it’s also quite common.
With the right tools and resources, you can handle the entire process yourself. The steps to sell your house without a realtor are really quite simple. You list your property, stage it, negotiate with buyers, and handle the legalities.
It might sound like a lot of work. But if it puts tens of thousands of dollars back in your pocket, then it’s more than worth the price of admission. A quick online search will help you find online platforms where you can list your property for free – or for a nominal charge – reaching a huge audience of potential buyers.
Premier Property Buyers is also a viable option.
These companies buy houses in most conditions, offering a quick and hassle-free sale. They handle all the paperwork, and you won’t have to worry about staging your house or negotiating on price. It’s an excellent alternative if you need to sell a house for cash fast. Additionally, you don’t have to make repairs so selling the house as-is is actually pretty easy.
Myth #2: It’s Too Complicated To Sell Your House Yourself
Another myth that leaves homeowners feeling uneasy at the prospect of selling their house without a realtor is the belief that the process is too complicated. It needs the guiding hand of an experienced professional to see it through.
Indeed, selling a house involves several steps from prepping to paperwork. But it’s not nearly as complicated as it’s made out to be.
Reality: Realtors Want You To Think That
Let’s be real.
Of course realtors want you to think the process is unmanageable. They have a vested interest in attracting your business and making the home-selling process seem more daunting than it really is.
But the truth is, people successfully sell their houses on their own every day: In 2022, 10% of home sales were FSBO. With a little research and preparation, you can understand the steps to sell your house on your own with confidence.
Myth #3: You’ll Earn Less Money Selling Without a Realtor
Realtors want you to think you’ll earn less money if you sell your house without them. The core belief is that realtors can negotiate a higher price for your property.
However, this isn’t always true.
Reality: Realtors Eat Into Your Profits
While realtors are (usually) good negotiators and can land a slightly higher price, the commission they charge often negates the benefits.
You’re not just paying for their services – but also for various other costs. Costs like:
- Listing fees
- Marketing costs
- Staging costs
- Cleaning costs
- Closing costs
The total can be quite significant when you add these up. By selling your house without a realtor, you can avoid these fees entirely.
And selling to property buyers can often get you a better deal. These buyers offer you a fair price for your property, irrespective of its condition. The biggest benefit is that they close a deal fast – giving you capital on-hand to put a downpayment on your next piece of real estate.
Sell Your Home for Fast Cash
Selling your house without a realtor isn’t just possible – it can be very beneficial.
You save on commission and regain control over the procedure. And potentially, you’ll get a better deal. Remember, Premier Property Buyers is always ready to buy your house fast, offering you a simple, hassle-free solution that’s always a phone call away.
As long-time South California residents, Premier Property Buyers provides fair, fast, and confidential options for selling your home without a realtor. Learn more about how we buy houses here.
