There are countless things that a Realtor does for a buyer. A real estate agent will walk their clients through each step of the transaction onto closing. They work with first-time buyers, multi-property buyers, or anyone who needs to buy a home. Here’s an itemized list of 90 things that a real estate agent does for a buyer. Keep in mind that these are the basic duties. Top-level Realtors will go above and beyond this list of job duties.

If you want to sell your home in Hawaii and walk away with the most money, should you go it alone?

“For Sale By Owner“ 
Also known as a FSBO – is real estate lingo meaning For Sale By Owner. Its pronounced “Fizzbow”

When the time comes, should you become a FSBO and try to sell your own home?

Changing Market Conditions
The Real Estate market in Hawaii is changing. Prices peaked in Hawaii real estate a few years ago and many observers see glimmers of hope on the horizon.

Buyers want to take advantage of shockingly low interest rates. In theory, if you sell directly to a buyer, you might be able to net more and increase your bottom line. If so, why would you want to pay the high commissions and reduce your net proceeds? In fact, selling yourself can be a risky game for amateurs in today’s complicated world.

How Hard Could It Be?
It sounds simple. Buyers see your ad, contact you and take a look at your home. Someone will quickly fall in love with your place and make a great offer. They will get a mortgage and the deal closes no problem.

Is this realistic?
Yes and no. It can and occasionally does work like this, but that is not typical.

If you get past the initial negotiations over price and terms, that’s the first hurdle.
But even after going into escrow nearly every sale has at least one “Issue”.

It could be a problem with the title to the property or an easement or maybe there is something inconsistent in the purchase contract, a home inspection issue, financing problem, or a difficult tenant. We know how to avoid most problems in advance, and how to resolve them when they come up.

How will your skills stack up to the professionals? 
If you are representing yourself, and the buyer has their own agent (as most do), will you be able to hold your own against an agent whose job is to get the most for the buyer?

Take the Challenge
Take the fun quiz to find out if you have the skills to sell your home by yourself. Perhaps you will learn that you need to brush up a bit on your marketing, negotiating, and contract knowledge before getting into the trenches.

Now let’s see if you have what it takes to sell your own home, Take the test.

1) I have lots of time and am easy to reach. I have a flexible schedule to devote to the planning, preparation, and showing of my home whenever it is convenient to a buyer.

2) I know how to screen prospects and I’m OK with letting strangers into my home for Open Houses and showings without sacrificing my security.

3) I will stay out of their way when they view my home, and I won’t take it personally if they criticize it

4) I know where and how to advertise for results. I have marketing experience to apply to my home sale through the MLS, Internet, newspaper, color flyers, professional quality photos, and more – and a budget to spend on these items.

5) I can price my home competitively, not subjectively, and I have studied the current real estate trends and the home sales in my neighborhood.

6) I understand that buyers typically have their own buyer’s agent representing them at no cost to them. I know that they may not feel comfortable negotiating directly with me as owner.

7) I realize that “courtesy to buyer’s agent” doesn’t mean I smile and serve cookies. It means that I am expected to pay around 2-3% to the buyers agent for their work.

8) I can comfortably negotiate with buyers on price and terms, without becoming emotionally involved or eroding my position. I know how to compromise to achieve my goal.

9) I am an attorney or am willing to hire one to help me understand the Purchase Offer, which is frequently revised and can be 15 – 40 pages long. I am prepared to make counter offers, addenda, and amendments as needed, and I have the technology to create and send digital documents as needed.

10) I am comfortable going through the steps needed to qualify a buyer for the mortgage (if applicable), and how to verify the buyer’s cash funds

11) I know how to comply with the latest Federal and State requirements. This includes seller’s disclosures, toxic substances (asbestos, lead, mold, etc.), building permits, tenants rights, as well as condo and subdivision documents. I know what I can and can’t say and do regarding “Megan’s Law” and Federal and State Fair Housing laws.

12) I am prepared to arrange for inspections and appraisals, and I understand the role of the other professionals involved in the sale such as home inspectors, appraisers, escrow and title officers, contractors, flea treatment companies, and more.

13) After spending the time, trouble, and cash to market my home, I’m convinced that my “bottom line” will be greater than if I just paid a Realtor to handle the sale.

14) I know the Buyer’s agent represents the BUYER’s financial interest and not me, would you go to court and trust the other attorney?

Say NO to 6% Commission – We will sell your property at 2% commission with full service.

The Hawaii Real Estate Team is very familiar with all the local and state laws that govern residential transactions in the State of Hawaii. This is not a small thing – making mistakes in preparing paperwork, researching encumbrances, drafting contracts, understanding contingencies, CCRs, and complying with disclosure laws on everything from mold to lead paint can cost you thousands — and can even kill a sale.

Before you decide to take on the challenges of selling your property on your own, feel free to contact us, with us doing all the work, for the same Buyers Agent Commission as you are offering trying to sell your home yourself, think about it, same price and we do all the work…