The National Association of Realtors publically released report “2008 Profile of Home Buyers and Home Sellers” provided further proof that FSBO sellers made more money and retained more equity than sellers who worked with an agent.

The report found that people who sold “by owner” received an average 97 percent of their asking price, while those who sold by agent, received only 96 percent of their asking price.  

In addition, the Realtors report showed FSBO homes sold more quickly.  The report found that it took agents an average of 10 weeks to sell a home, while the average FSBO sold their home in only 6 weeks.

“The NAR report is very reassuing in these difficult times.  It confirms that people can sell their own homes quicker and for more money than those who use an agent,” said Tommi Crow, President of Why 6 Percent.  “Unfortunately, the report didn’t add in the high costs of real estate commissions, when they calculated the benefits of selling by owner.  In reality, sellers using agents lost another 6 percent of their sales price, when the net proceeds were distributed after the sale.

The findings from the NAR further prove of the benefits of selling by owner.  Stanford and Northwestern Universities conducted separate studies which found that FSBO sellers were as effective as agents in getting the most money for their homes.   Their studies factored in commissions and showed that people who sell “by owner” make more money than sellers who hire agents.   In September, Consumer Reports Magazine also found that seller’s working with agents received an average sales price that was $5000 less than those who sold their own homes.   The $5000 loss figure did not include the commission (sales price x 6 percent) paid to agents, so the real savings of selling “by owner” are much higher than $5000.

“In this market, house prices are dropping everyday.  It is very reassuring for home owners to learn that the Realtor’s own data confirms previous reports that “by owners” sell their homes faster and they retain more of the equity in their homes,” stated Ms Crow.

If you are selling your home by owner, Why 6 Percent offers a very important sales tool.  The best of both worlds.   A FSBO property listing on the National Realtor MLS database of homes for sale.   The MLS, and its affiliates, attract approximately 10 million home shoppers each month, dramatically reducing advertising costs and days on the market for home seller’s.

Thank you for visiting Why6Percent.com.   Contact us for information about advertising your home to millions of buyers, in one easy step.  And, save thousands of dollars in the process.