Barnegat and Manahawkin For Sale By Owner

For Sale By Owner - Why Do They Do It?

There seems to be a growing treand in the Barnegat and Manahawkin areas for home owners to try and sell thier own home. As we all know, owners who try and sell their own home are doing it for one reason and one reason only; To save money! But what most sellers don't realise is that, according to the latest statistics, they will actually get less for their house when trying to sell on their own; The typical For Sale By Owner (FSBO) home sold for $153,000 compared to $211,000 for agent-assisted home sales. What? Yes, that's a 58,000 dollar difference!

What else doesn't the FSBO know? When an owner puts their property on the market themselves, they are subject to all the laws that apply to the sale of any real estate and ignorance of state and federal real estate laws are not a viable defense if sued. Sellers usually never talk to an attorney until after the process has started. By then laws pertaining to, property disclosure, fair housing and lead disclosure may have already been broken.

And here's the most important issue, or it should be, to all you FSBO's out there; if you are trying to sell your own home, please, please think about your safety. Ask yourself, "Who would willingly let strangers walk into their home without hesitation or asking for any identification"? Another pertinent question to ask yourself (a FSBO) is this, "if I strolled up to a complete strangers door before they put thier house up for sale and asked to look around, would they let me in?" Of course not! Well, how does the sign in your front yard negate safety concerns for your spouse and family? It doesn't! I know, I know, you're thinking, "I have to sell my house, so I'll do what's necessary." Which is completely understandable....but think 'safety.'

While crime isn't a factor for most home sellers in this market area, folks in Barnegat and Manahawkin to Little Egg Harbor along this part The Jersey Shore, you need to be aware of the possible ramifications of trying to sell thier own home.

To me the problem, as with most things, is lack of knowledge. I, as a Real Estate Professional need to help you "FSBO's" about the true nature of selling your house on your own and that I can help...just ask, I'd be happy to...AND oh, by the way, you can make more money!


Karl Hess, Barnegat and Manahawkin Homes and Real Estate
Your Agent on The Jersey Shore