Q: I would like to sell my house. Should I use a real estate agent or try to sell the house on my own?
A: Realty fees may vary from 5 percent to 8 percent of the selling price. If you could sell the house on your own, you would save that fee. However, there are good reasons for using a real estate agent:
* Accurate pricing: If you overestimate the value of your house, you may have a very hard time selling it. If you underestimate, you'll lose out.
* Convenience: An agent, who must always accompany the potential buyer, can show your home even when you're not there.
* Maximum exposure: Many buyers, especially those relocating because of a job change, use a real estate agent. If you are not listed with an agent, you could miss out on some good prospects.
* Guidance: A real estate agent may help in subtle ways, such as how to best describe the highlights of your home, how to negotiate and how to avoid legal pitfalls.
* Screening: An agent will be able to differentiate between a curious browser and a serious buyer.
* Financial screening: Many sales fail because of the inability of the buyer to get financing. A real estate agent can minimize that risk by pre-qualifying prospective buyers.
* The agent's fee may be flexible. The higher the selling price, the greater the possibility of negotiating a lower fee. It never hurts to try.
* If selling your house is not urgent, you could try to sell it yourself. You can always sign up with an agent at a later date. On the other hand, if you need to sell in a hurry, you should seriously consider using a real estate agent. I recommend interviewing two, preferably three.
Write to Susan Bondy in care of The Sun, 501 N. Calvert St., Baltimore, Md. 21278. All letters will be treated confidentially.