What are the differences if I do it alone or work with an agent?
Detroit Real Estate, Michigan Homes for sale, Michigan Real estate


If You Work with an Agent - he or she should be doing most of the work

  • You sign a listing contract, which is a legally binding agreement that typically gives the agent the exclusive right to sell your property within a certain period of time (usually 60 days to 6 months).
  • The Realtor researches the market in order to determine your home's market value, does a CMA (comparative market analysis).  Gives you the information and advice on where to set the listing price.  It is up to you on what price you want to list at.  It is smart to listen to your real estate agent when listing your Michigan home.  The CMA will give you guidance on what you should list at.  The CMA tells you what similar homes have sold for in your area in the last 6 months.
  • The agent prepares a written marketing plan that includes a schedule for listing, showing, and advertising your property.
  • The agent advises you on how best to prepare your home for sale and helps arrange for pre-sale tasks such as a Wayne County home inspection, or .Oakland County home inspection if your city requires it.   Many Livingston County homes do not require inspections
  • The agent transmits any offers to you, negotiates the purchase based on your recommendations, and moves all the paperwork through the transaction.
  • You pay for the listing agent's services, either as a percentage commission (usually 4 to 6 percent) or a flat fee, as specified in your listing contract. The buyer's agent is paid out of that fee.

    If You Work Alone - it is all on you.  You handle the calls, design and print the advertising.  Buy and install the sign.  You set up showings and call for feedback.

  • You are in charge of the transaction, including marketing your property, negotiating the purchase, and handling the paperwork. It is wise to educate yourself on relevant federal laws and state regulations governing local Wayne County real estate sales.   Go to local websites such as mine and For sale by owner sites 
  • You do your own market research (including possibly hiring an appraiser) to determine your home's value.
  • You create your own marketing plan and decide how you will handle inquiries from prospective buyers or their agents.  You put your money out to advertise your home.
  • You decide how to prepare your home for sale, including arranging for pre-sale repairs, inspections, or other necessary services.
  • You make yourself available to answer all buyer inquiries, show the house yourself, handle all negotiations, and do the paperwork.
  • You pay for the buyer's agent's services, unless the buyer is also working alone or has hired the agent for a set fee. You may also pay for services you require during the transaction, such as title search, legal advice on negotiating the contract. Discount brokers or for sale by owner sites offer individual services for flat rates.

    One of the main differences when you do it yourself is that you will spend you money to advertise and invest your time in the process.  Let's say you were selling Livonia real estate or Novi real estate.  When you hire an agent to list the home, the agent is putting their money out to advertise your home. That money comes out of his pocket.

    By hiring a good agent will take the stress out of selling your home and free up your time and money.