Realtor or BuyOwner? (Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach: flat fee, to rent, condo)

[Zhu]

I have a dilemma that I am sure many in the community have too. I have to sell my house. Would you use buyowner or a realtor? With buyowner I would pay $5,000 commission versus the $20,000 a realtor wants. However, I am afraid that with buyowner it will take longer and I want to sell it before September. What do you recommend? Thanks.

[AJ1972]

I am using a realtor. However, I am really hoping to sell it before the prices plunges moreso. So I was in the same dilemma. I chose a realtor, but thats not what I'm telling you to do.

[Go4It!]

Well you can go FSBO and try to set a favorable selling price yourself, pay advertising by yourself, schedule showings, fill out legal contracts, hold Escrow monies, hope someone knows all the steps to a succussful closing, followup with buyers mortage companies, get appraisor, inspections, and a survey. Its done everyday successfully and can save you money in the end if all goes well. The other option is to shop around for a true professional REALTOR that knows how to advertise, set a proper price ,and can carry a closing step by step through the process to ensure your interest are met at each and every step. I never tell someone they shouldnt try to go FSBO. I suggest they give it a go themselves and if it becomes an inconvenience or hassle for them to give me a call and let me at least try marketing it with what knowledge I have tried to pull out of this market. I wish you luck either way.

[gtmv]

I suggest you don't play around in a market like this. I consider Buy Owner caca and a waste of time. If you go with a Realtor do your research and go with an experienced one that will do at least 2 open houses a month and will also market your property in other ways like newspapers, mailings & the internet, as well as making sure you price the property right. However, the market is so tight that I think you are better off listing the property yourself using a flat fee MLS listing and take whatever you save by not using a realtor off the price of the property. If you want to sell your property offer the Buyers agent a 4 or 5 percent commision and this will entice the realtors to show your property first when they have a client. You need to be agressive in a market like this and offering the realtors that actually have buying clients will get your property sold. Worked for me ..... Good luck !!!!

[Raison]

I am looking for a house to buy or rent between N. Fort Lauderdale and Pompano Beach. If anyone knows of any please let me know. I would like to move before March of this year. I am looking for tile floors, screened in porch 3/2/1. in good neighborhood. Thanks

[AJ1972]

House or condo?
I have a condo, 1233sq ft., 3 bedrooms, plexi glass closed in porch, hurricane shutters, in a safe and clean neighborhood, etc.

[Stillhere75]

To AJ1972,

I'm looking for a house or condo at a reasonable price with 2 or more rooms in a decent area.......Do you have any properties you are trying to rent??

[Zhu]

I would appreciate if those responding would stick to the topic being discussed. Thanks.

[eufo]

If you feel comfortable trying to handle every aspect of the sale, then you could go the buyowner route. I personally would only deal with a professional realtor for such an important matter as selling a home. Since their commission is directly related to selling the home quickly at the highest price, their goals are very much inline with the seller's goals.