When deciding whether to meet potential buyers yourself or to leave that task to your designated real estate agent, there are several factors to consider.
The first factor to consider is whether you feel comfortable meeting the buyers yourself. If your home has many unique features or needs additional explanation to potential buyers, having direct contact with them may be beneficial. Since you know your home more intimately than the agent, you are best able to explain all of its nuances and selling points. On the other hand, if meeting strangers makes you uncomfortable or you lack the time to conduct personal showings, leaving this task to the agent is probably a better option.
Another thing to take into account is the amount of flexibility that meeting with potential buyers yourself would provide. If you choose to do the showings yourself, you will have more autonomy over who you show the home to, how long you spend with them, and how much information you reveal about yourself and the price of the house. An agent, however, may not have as much leeway when it comes to these areas.
You should also consider the legal implications surrounding both options. If you choose to meet with buyers yourself, you will have to make sure that you comply with all of the applicable laws and regulations. In some states, for example, you may need to have a real estate license in order to show the home to potential buyers. An agent, on the other hand, is already knowledgeable about the laws and regulations and can handle any legal issues on your behalf.
Finally, you should think about the expenses associated with meeting potential buyers yourself versus having an agent do so. Hiring an agent typically involves paying a commission, but if you decide to do the showings yourself, you may need to hire additional help or pay for marketing materials. Ultimately, the option that will be most cost-effective depends on the circumstances and your own resources.
In summary, whether to meet potential buyers yourself or have an agent do so is an important decision to make when putting your home up for sale. You should consider whether meeting the buyers yourself would be comfortable, how much flexibility it would provide, the legal implications associated with each option, and the associated expenses. Ultimately, the choice should be based on your own individual needs and resources.
This article was contributed on Oct 15, 2023
