Why should you pay an agent a 6% commission when you can just sell your house yourself? That’s a valid question—and one many homeowners ask when considering their options. However, while selling on your own might seem like a good way to save money, it often comes with hidden costs, longer time on the market, and more stress.
Recent statistics show that homes sold with the help of a real estate agent sell for an average of 13% more than those sold by owner—even after factoring in commissions. So, if you’re wondering whether you need an agent to sell your Anderson house, the answer lies in the results: better pricing, professional marketing, negotiation expertise, and fewer legal headaches. Let’s take a closer look at why working with an experienced agent is worth it.
Ethical Code
First of all, most agents are bound by the National Association of Realtors’ (NAR’s) code of ethics, which requires them to put clients’ interests above their own at all times. The NAR also holds real estate agents accountable for proper disclosures, honest communication, and truth in advertising. This level of professional responsibility ensures that your agent is not just skilled but also trustworthy.
So, in addition to benefiting from your agent’s knowledge, experience, and market expertise, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that they are held to a strict ethical standard. You’re not just hiring someone to sell your house—you’re gaining a committed business partner who is legally and ethically obligated to prioritize your success throughout the entire home selling process.
Pricing Expertise and Wider Marketing Reach
One of the chief reasons you need an agent to sell your Anderson house is that pricing right is so critical. Agents know the market and where it’s trending, so they know the sweet spot for pricing. If you price too high, buyers won’t be inclined to view or even consider your house, and, as a result, it may languish on the market for a long time. But if you price too low, potential buyers may think something is wrong with your house and so, again, won’t look at it. Remember, a house gets the bulk of its traffic during the first week on the market, and you definitely want it correctly priced during that critical period.
Real estate agents also have a much wider marketing reach than you’d have on your own – a solid reason why you need an agent to sell your Anderson house. Consider that most of them have access to the nation-wide Multiple Listing Service (MLS), which allows them to take the pulse of the market, get listing details, and list your house. In addition, most agents today are conversant with all the online marketing venues, and they have a host beneficial industry connections and contacts.
Legal Knowledge
If you intend to sell your home on your own through an FSBO deal, you’ll need to become familiar with your state’s laws concerning real estate transfers. Otherwise, you may inadvertently land in some legal hot water. It takes a lot of effort and involves some fairly opaque legal complexities.
Such laws, for example, govern the kinds of documents and contracts you’ll need and who has to sign them. Also, you need to know what to do if it turns out there are any encumbrances on your home. Further, you need to be up to speed on your state’s mandatory disclosure laws. A qualified agent, however, is knowledgeable about all these legal intricacies and can assume that burden and risk for you.
Better Sale Price
Statistics from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) strongly support the idea that working with a real estate agent is key when selling your Anderson house. According to the most recent NAR data, the typical “for sale by owner” (FSBO) home sold for $380,000 in 2023, while the typical agent-assisted home sold for $435,000. That’s a difference of $55,000—meaning homes sold by agents consistently fetch significantly higher prices than those sold without professional representation.
It should be fairly obvious, then, that you need an agent to sell your Anderson house if you want to price it correctly, market it effectively, avoid legal hassles, and ultimately make more money. Studies show that homes sold with an agent typically sell faster and for a higher price—even after factoring in commission. Plus, you can enjoy all these benefits knowing your agent is bound by a professional code of ethics, ensuring your interests are always prioritized. From paperwork to negotiations, having an expert on your side just makes the entire process smoother, smarter, and far less stressful. It just makes sense!