Should I Hire a Real Estate Agent or Sell My House Myself
This is one of the 21 tough financial questions posed in the “Do This or That?” cover story in the September 2011 issue of Kiplinger’s Personal Finance.
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- Newsletter sign up Newsletter
This is one of the 21 tough financial questions posed in the “Do This or That?” cover story in the September 2011 issue of Kiplinger’s Personal Finance. Use the drop-down menu above to consider other financial conundrums and the right answers for you; share your own experiences and insights in the Discuss field at the bottom of this page.
Hire an agent if you’ve never sold a home before and your market is highly competitive. In 2010, the average commission nationally was 5.4%, according to Real Trends, but the best agents are sometimes able to command the traditional 6%. That pays both the listing agent and the buyer’s agent.
Sell it yourself if you have the time and energy to market and show your home. To ensure success, advertise your for-sale-by-owner home on a multiple listing service. For $395, Owners.com (opens in new tab) will post your home on the local MLS as well as on Realtor.com. To entice buyers’ agents to bring their clients, advertise a 2% to 3% commission.

Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
SEE ALSO:
QUIZ: How Smart a Home Seller Are You?
-
-
Stock Market Today: Stocks End the Week on a High Note
Intel stock plunged after a big earnings miss, but encouraging inflation and consumer sentiment data created tailwinds for the broad market.
By Karee Venema • Published
-
Marijuana Legalization Efforts Gain Traction: This Week in Cannabis Investing
Marijuana Legalization Efforts Gain Traction: This Week in Cannabis Investing
By Morgan Paxhia • Published
-
Best Foreclosure Sites for Finding Properties
Making Your Money Last Wondering how to find foreclosed homes for sale for your next residence or to flip for a profit? These websites will guide you to foreclosures and real estate owned properties to buy.
By Bob Niedt • Last updated
-
How to Shop for a Low Mortgage Rate
Becoming a Homeowner Rates are higher this year, but you can still find an affordable loan.
By Daniel Bortz • Published
-
Looking to Relocate? Plan for Climate Change
buying a home Extreme weather events are on the rise. If you’re moving, make sure your new home is protected from climate change disasters.
By Rivan V. Stinson • Published
-
Retirees, A Healthy Condo Has a Flush Reserve Fund
Smart Buying Reserve funds for a third of homeowner and condo associations have insufficient cash, experts say. Here are some cautionary steps you should take.
By Patricia Mertz Esswein • Published
-
Cash Home Buyers: New Services Offer Help Making All-Cash Offers
Becoming a Homeowner Some firms help home buyers make all-cash offers on homes. Weigh the fees before you sign on.
By Emma Patch • Published
-
Home Sale Prices in the 50 Largest Metro Areas
Becoming a Homeowner What’s happening in the market where you live?
By the editors of Kiplinger's Personal Finance • Published
-
How Much Will Home Prices Continue to Rise in 2022?
Becoming a Homeowner It’s still a seller’s market, but higher mortgage rates will slow the torrid price increases. Know how to be a smart buyer or seller in these conditions.
By Daniel Bortz • Published
-
Conforming Mortgage Loan Limits Rising
Becoming a Homeowner For 2022, the standard conforming limit for single-unit properties is $647,200, up nearly $100,000 from the 2021 cap.
By Lisa Gerstner • Published