If your grandmother left you an expensive diamond ring, would you consider selling it at a backyard tag sale? People who look for property for sale by owner are looking for a bargain. Not only could valuable time be wasted at the height of the market, but you have no idea if you've priced your house properly, even if you've had it evaluated by a professional because, ultimately, it's the marketplace that determined price. By now you've probably heard, especially in late winter and early spring, of multiple offer scenarios that drive the price well above asking price. The truth is, people who think they've sold their property at a good price without a broker, usually make more money on the open market, in the loop, being represented by a realtor.

Your house is the most valuable asset, especially if you live in our area. Think about this, the reason your property has the value it does is because of the professional way realtors handle property sales. Imagine if there were no realtors and everyone was selling to their neighbors and neighbors friends. People would be taken advantage of left and right, making it much easier for values to drop, especially given time.

If you don't believe me, take a look at the carnage on some of the FSBO websites. So many of those listings are very old. Many people under contract with these companies and 2 percent commission brokers,threaten suit because they find they get nothing for their money; no promotion, no price evaluations, no support. The majority of FSBO website listing eventually get sold by brokers through the multiple lisitng service.You would be heartened to know that those of us who are realtors, especially in Connecticut, have to take continuing education classes on a regular basis to keep our licenses. There's a lot to know, many pitfalls to avoid, and paperwork to manage. Most of all, a thorough knowledge of the marketplace is no small task.

So if you think you can handle the sale of your house, give it a shot. But keep in mind, most people use realtors for a reason. They get results. My customers swear by me. I have helped many people make lots of money in real estate. They trust me, you will too.