Selling Alone or with a Broker

These days almost two out of every ten sales are made without the help of a real estate agent.  Those sellers who succeed are usually financially savvy, have time to devote to the project, and do some studying about the whole process.  I'm almost tempted to say, as Louis Armstrong did when asked to define jazz -- "If you have to ask, I can't tell you."

I don't know your whole situation, how anxious you are to sell, what the real estate market is like in your area, how much time you are willing to invest, whether you have your own attorney.  So I'm afraid there's no one right answer to your questionabout being a FSBO ("For Sale By Owner."). 

If you do decide to go it on your own -- first off, take a lot of care setting your asking price.  A house properly priced is half sold right there.  Study what else is for sale in your area (Internet, classified ads, lawn signs) and how they compare with your place.  Investigate what nearby homes have sold for recently.  Learn how to use the Internet for advertising your property, and find out what newspaper ads will cost you.  When you find a buyer, don't get tied up in a contract until you have some assurance that he or she is financially qualified -- good credit, sufficient income for whatever borrowing is necessary.  And count on using your own lawyer before you sign anything.