Homeowners looking to sell their homes without the help of a real estate agent have to make a choice: Is saving a 6 percent commission worth giving up certain resources and conveniences?
According to Trulia, for-sale-by-owner (FSBO) sellers list their homes at a 2 percent premium, but their properties tend to linger on the market for longer than agent-listed homes. The site says that real estate agents, in many cases, are well worth the money for sellers: They have stronger selling and pricing strategies, and access to home stagers, lenders, home inspectors and legal help.
Trulia also found where listings from FSBO sellers are most and least common. Tulsa, Okla., has the most FSBO listings, with 12.7 percent of all homes. Honolulu, with a 1.3 percent share, is lowest. Nationally, 6.2 percent of all homes are FSBO. Pittsburgh FSBO sellers have the highest premium, and Philadelphia has the largest negative difference.
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