Should I sell myself or hire an agent?
Updated October 10, 2026
Selling a home involves more than finding someone interested in buying it. You need a pricing strategy, a compelling presentation, a way to reach qualified buyers, and a plan to carry the transaction through closing. Taking the For Sale By Owner (FSBO) route may fit some situations. Hiring an agent gives you someone responsible for guiding that work. Let’s compare the services, costs, and demands before you decide.
Watch Larry’s explanation
Captions are included.
Ten things to compare before choosing your path
Start with your goals
Consider your preferred timing, likely net proceeds, available time, and comfort with the process. Let’s discuss what a successful sale looks like to you before choosing how to approach it.
Establish a supported list price
Review comparable sales, competing homes, condition, and buyer expectations. An online estimate or the amount you hope to receive is not enough. I’ll explain the evidence and tradeoffs so you can make an informed pricing decision.
Create a strong first impression
Preparation, photography, video, and the description shape how buyers first see your home. Decide who will produce the materials and what it will cost. A listing should make the home’s strengths easy to understand.
Understand where the home will be promoted
Compare the actual reach and services included in each approach. Some sellers purchase limited or flat-fee listing services; these vary. Ask what is included, what remains your responsibility, and how inquiries will be handled.
Plan for showings and buyer questions
Someone must respond, coordinate access, follow up, and manage schedules. Think about your availability and privacy. I’ll help establish showing arrangements and keep you informed about buyer activity.
Evaluate the buyer as well as the offer
The offer price matters, but so do financing, available funds, contingencies, deposits, and timing. Review supporting information and the full proposal. An enthusiastic buyer is not the same as a completed sale.
Negotiate beyond the headline number
Repairs, credits, closing dates, possession, and other terms can affect the result. My role is to help you understand the tradeoffs, communicate your position, and work toward an agreement that fits your goals.
Keep the transaction moving
Inspections, financing, title work, and contract deadlines require attention. I’ll coordinate the process and help address issues, working with your attorney so you understand how the contract applies to your situation.
Compare fees with the services provided
Real estate compensation is negotiable. Review the written agreement, the services included, the term, and your financial obligations. A lower advertised fee does not by itself establish the best net outcome.
Choose someone you know, like, and trust
Ask me about the pricing, marketing, showing, communication, and review plan. You should understand the strategy and feel comfortable asking questions. All final selling decisions are ultimately yours.
A clear plan gives you something to evaluate
Ask me what will be done, who will do it, what you will pay, and how results will be reviewed. If you hire me, I want you to understand the plan and be on board with it before your home is listed.
A practical example: a lower fee is only part of the comparison
Illustrative example: A seller is comparing taking the For Sale By Owner (FSBO) route with a full-service listing. The FSBO approach has a lower upfront service cost, but the seller still needs photography, promotion, showing coordination, negotiation, and help with the contract and closing process.
Build two realistic estimates. Include the expected selling price, preparation, service fees, concessions, closing expenses, carrying costs, and the time each path demands. Use the same assumptions where possible, and consider more than one selling-price scenario. Neither approach guarantees a particular price.
The lesson: Compare the likely net outcome and the responsibilities you would take on. Saving a fee can matter; so can the strategy, execution, and guidance that help a sale reach closing.
Questions to answer before you decide
- What evidence supports the proposed list price?
- Who will prepare the photos, video, description, and other marketing materials?
- How will buyers find the home, arrange showings, and submit offers?
- Who will handle negotiations, follow-up, and transaction deadlines?
- What services and financial commitments are included in the written agreement?
- Let’s compare your expected net proceeds, timing, and workload.
Common questions
Can I sell my home without an agent?
The For Sale By Owner (FSBO) route is an option. Decide whether you have the time, information, and support to handle the responsibilities. Your attorney can help you understand the documents and requirements that apply to your sale. If you want to compare that approach with working together, let’s discuss it.
Is the agent with the lowest fee the best choice?
Not automatically. Compensation is negotiable, and you should understand exactly what you will pay. Compare the services, experience, marketing plan, communication, and likely net outcome rather than looking at the fee alone. Remember, you have to buy into and believe that the agent has a strategy to sell your home in the quickest amount of time, for the most amount of money. That is the goal in most cases.
What if I already have a buyer?
Finding a buyer is an important step, but terms still need to be agreed upon and the transaction completed. Let’s discuss the help you need and any available service arrangement. Be clear about the services, representation, and fees before moving forward.
Will hiring an agent guarantee a higher selling price?
No. An agent cannot guarantee a price or a completed sale. My job is to put experience, pricing evidence, marketing, and negotiation to work for you, keep you informed, and help you make decisions as the market responds.
What should I look for when comparing agents?
Hire an agent you know, like, and trust. Make certain you are all in agreement on strategy, list price, showing access, open houses, marketing, and review schedule. Have goals set, and a schedule to review results. Ask for a specific plan you understand.
“Your Marketing Matters”
Before you make your next move…
Let’s discuss your selling plan, the services you need, and how I can help you move from preparation to closing. You deserve an experienced broker and a strategy built around your goals.
Straightforward answers. Smart solutions. Real results.
Further reading: NAR guidance on listing agreements · NAR questions to ask a seller’s agent.
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