Friday, March 31, 2006

I am Jack's bleeding ulcer

Selling a house is damn frightening. I don't mean zombie frightening either, more like sick-to-my-stomach-throbbing-headache-this-could-financially-ruin-me, terrifying. So much to do, no clue how to do it. The really big question is whether we should use a real estate agent or "For Sale by Owner." I bought a book because if there is ever a really big question you need answered, the For Dummies series is probably working on the (third edition) answer right at this moment. Unfortunately, I read all 287 pages of House Selling for Dummies and I am now more confused than ever.

Selling without a real estate agent means (according to dummies) I need to know ". . . how to open escrow, get a preliminary title report, order property inspections, handle contingency removals, order a payoff demand for my mortgage. . . ”
(I am Jack's cold sweat)
The stupid book doesn't even tell you how to do these things, just that we should know how to do them. What kind of freaking advice is that?

So my next thought is to bite the bullet and get a real estate agent who will do most of the bitch work, but will take a commission of $13,000 in the process. That's a lot of Benjamins for Pete's sake (Benjamin and Pete sitting' in a tree. . .). However it also means I might get some sleep and come out of the next three months without an ulcer (I am Jack's raging bile duct).

My agent finding methodology

Real estate agent #1: recommended by our Relocation Today (company that is moving us) specialist. I can only assume the recommendation is based on some sort of qualifications.

Real estate agent #2: has the exact same name as my sister! We received a mailer from her and while I was wondering how Karen’s mail ended up at my house, I realized it was from Karen G____ not to Karen G____. I kind of like the idea of using an agent with a good name (you can look at her website if you like www.kareng____.com)

This is where you come in, wise reader. I am curious what your opinion is.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Lot's of listings on line for "discount realtors chicago". Makes me think that the full price you mention is just the starting point for a services vs cost negotiation....D

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