Matt

I'm surprised to see that the realtors suggest usinga realtor. Well actually, not really. I would recommend paying a buyers agent, which is also negotiable. But regarding sellers agent (assuming they won't negotiate their rates) 3% is $3,000 on a $100,000, $15,000 on $500,000, and $30,000 on $1,000,000. Is their really much difference in effort in selling a $250,000 home versus $750,000 home?

As seller you need to decide if the cost of the realtor justifies the value they bring to the process. Realtors do bring knowledge and experience, but if you're not in a hurry, conducting your own internet reasearch can be just as effective. An agent can only bring in more potential buyers but they can't make them buy. In the end, you know what you are willing to make from the transaction and you can do the math determine if the goal is achievable and how to get it. There are also real estate laws that apply, but as I said before, personal research can go along way.

As a matter of habit, I try not to pay people to perform work that I can do myself, unless their is upside or value to their service. I wash my own car and do my own landscaping. But I'm no doctor or electrician, and would never try to perform those services myself.

Whatever you decide, best of luck to you in selling your home. - Sat Sep 8 2007, 23:02