Do You Need a Realtor to Sell Your House in Northeast Texas? Here's Why It Pays Off.
When it comes time to sell your home, many homeowners wonder: "Do I need a realtor to sell my house, or can I just sell it myself?" The answer to this question isn’t always simple, but it boils down to one thing: Do you want your house to sell, and do you want to make money?
Selling a home on your own, known as "For Sale By Owner" (FSBO), may seem appealing at first because it avoids paying a realtor's commission. However, the reality is that the home-selling process involves much more than just sticking a sign in the yard or posting on Facebook. You can easily make costly mistakes without professional guidance. This post will tell the story of one homeowner in Northeast Texas who learned this lesson the hard way—and how working with a realtor turned everything around.
The FSBO Struggle: One Seller’s Story
In the heart of Lamar County, an ambitious homeowner decided to sell their property by themselves, without a realtor. The house was priced fairly, they took decent photos with their phone, and they posted the listing on Facebook and Zillow. It seemed like a straightforward plan. After all, how hard could it be to sell a house in today’s online world?
Unfortunately, things didn’t go as planned. Despite their efforts, the property sat on the market for six months without generating a single lead. Not even a showing.
So, what went wrong?
While they did a decent job pricing the home and posting the listing, several factors worked against them:
Lack of Exposure: While Facebook and Zillow are helpful, they aren’t enough to get your property in front of the right buyers. FSBO sellers often don’t have the budget or the know-how to market a property effectively to a large pool of potential buyers.
The Cost of Sitting on the Market: Was the cost of sitting on the market for six months worth not paying the realtor fees? In this case, no. The seller was left with no leads and no offers for half a year. Time is money, and every day a home sits unsold can mean lost opportunities, especially if you need to move quickly.
The Turning Point: Reaching Out to a Realtor
The homeowner in our story had initially decided to list the property on their own to save on realtor commissions. But six months in, they found themselves in a pinch. The house wasn’t selling, and they needed to move quickly.
That’s when I, as an experienced realtor in Lamar County, reached out to them once again. When they initially listed their property as FSBO, they didn’t see the value in paying a realtor’s commission. But by now, the situation had changed. The seller was motivated, and they needed to get the property sold fast.
The Realtor Advantage: Getting the Job Done Right
Once the homeowner decided to work with me, I immediately went into action. Here’s how I turned things around for them:
Professional Photos: The seller had taken decent photos with their phone, but I knew professional, high-quality images would make a difference. I brought in a photographer to ensure the property looked its absolute best, showcasing its features in the most appealing way possible. Great photos can increase buyer interest and set your listing apart from others.
Same Price, Better Marketing: I didn’t change the price—they had priced the home fairly. Instead, I revamped the marketing strategy. As a local realtor with deep knowledge of the Northeast Texas market, I know where to post properties for maximum exposure.
- I listed the property on 70+ home shopping websites, ensuring it was visible to anyone browsing for homes.
- I tapped into my extensive network, personally reaching out to buyers who had shown interest in similar properties in the area.
- I utilized social media to get the listing in front of a large audience across Lamar County and the surrounding areas. My social media reach in Northeast Texas and DFW allowed me to connect with even more potential buyers.
And here’s what happened: Within two weeks, the property was under contract with a full-price offer.
That’s the power of working with a realtor who knows how to market your home effectively and tap into the right networks.
The Role of a Realtor After You’re Under Contract
But the story doesn’t end there. Getting a property under contract is just the beginning of the process. A good realtor doesn’t stop working once the contract is signed. In fact, this is where the real value comes in.
In this particular transaction, once I had the property under contract, I discovered that there had been some paperwork issues from 10 years ago. Some documents hadn’t been filed with the county, which could have delayed the closing.
But because I was actively involved and paying attention to every detail, I took swift action. I worked with the seller to track down the missing paperwork, and I got everything filed correctly with the right parties. This proactive problem-solving prevented any major delays and ensured the transaction went smoothly.
The Importance of a Good Realtor
In Northeast Texas, especially in Lamar County, the real estate market can be competitive and fast-moving. It’s not enough to simply list a property and wait for offers to roll in. A seasoned realtor brings more than just experience to the table—they bring a comprehensive strategy that involves:
- Market Expertise: Understanding local trends and accurately pricing your home based on comparable sales.
- Extensive Network: Leveraging relationships with other agents and buyers to get your property in front of the right people.
- Effective Marketing: Using multiple channels to ensure maximum exposure for your listing.
- Problem Solving: Handling any issues that arise during the process, from paperwork to negotiations.
A realtor doesn’t just help sell your home—they guide you through every step of the process, ensuring you get the best possible outcome.
The Bottom Line: FSBO vs. Using a Realtor
So, do you need a realtor to sell your house? Technically, no. But if you want your property to sell quickly and for the best price, working with a realtor is a smart choice. Whether you're selling in Lamar County, Paris, TX, or the broader Northeast Texas area, a realtor’s expertise and marketing power can make all the difference.
In the case of our seller, the decision to bring in a realtor turned a stagnant FSBO listing into a successful sale in just two weeks. And that’s what it’s all about—getting your property sold and ensuring you don’t leave money on the table.
If you're considering selling your home, whether FSBO or with a realtor, make sure you're informed about the best strategy for your situation. A realtor like me, with deep local knowledge and the right resources, can help you make the most of your sale.
Are you ready to sell your property? Get in touch with me today to discuss your options and how we can make your real estate goals a reality.
Leah Rolen
Keller Williams Realty
469-744-5309
