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.
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.
To continue reading this article
please register for free
This is different from signing in to your print subscription
Why am I seeing this? Find out more here
-
How to Navigate an Extra-Busy Summer Travel SeasonThe Kiplinger Letter Tips for beating the exceptional crowds expected this year and keeping your vacation budget manageable.
-
How Will the 2024 Election Impact Your Retirement?Investors should expect volatility but also try not to overreact to news. To prepare, focus now on tax minimization, protecting your portfolio and more.
-
Best Foreclosure Sites for Finding PropertiesMaking 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.
-
Luxury Home Prices Rise as the Rich Dodge High Mortgage RatesLuxury home prices rose 9% to the highest third-quarter level on record, Redfin reports, growing nearly three times faster than non-luxury prices.
-
Four Tips for Renting Out Your Home on Airbnbreal estate Here's what you should know before listing your home on Airbnb.
-
Five Ways to Shop for a Low Mortgage RateBecoming a Homeowner Rates are high this year, but you can still find an affordable loan with these tips.
-
Looking to Relocate? Plan for Climate Changebuying a home Extreme weather events are on the rise. If you’re moving, make sure your new home is protected from climate change disasters.
-
Retirees, A Healthy Condo Has a Flush Reserve FundSmart Buying Reserve funds for a third of homeowner and condo associations have insufficient cash, experts say. Here are some cautionary steps you should take.
-
Cash Home Buyers: New Services Offer Help Making All-Cash OffersBecoming a Homeowner Some firms help home buyers make all-cash offers on homes. Weigh the fees before you sign on.
-
Home Sale Prices in the 50 Largest Metro AreasBecoming a Homeowner What’s happening in the market where you live?
