But when homeowners want to try to sell their own homes, help is available from companies that provide signs, fliers, classes and other services to those who want to sell their own homes. A variety of companies like Vogelpohl's offer menus of services to sellers at varying fees and discounted commissions. Services may include as little as yard signs, some advertising and classes or more extensive offerings, including attorney review of papers and inclusion in the multiple listing. Getting the word out When Realtors want to tell the world your property is for sale, the first thing they do is put it on the multiple listing service, which supplies computerized data and a booklet of available homes to all of the area's Realtors. The listing includes details about the property such as the size, neighborhood, asking price and taxes.
Advertising is also a key factor when selling a home.
But for those who are selling their own, it's especially important. Without access to the multiple listing service or many of the industry contacts that Realtors have, it's the only way sellers have of getting the word out about their home. Deborah Triest, real estate advertising sales manager for The Oregonian, said that many people trying to sell their own homes underestimate the importance, and the cost, of newspaper advertising. In the few months it usually takes to sell a home, Triest said it can cost several hundred dollars or more to advertise a home on your own, and you won't be able to buy as much as a volume purchaser such as a Realtor could purchase at a discount. While some sellers find success in advertising their own properties in one or two magazines or newspapers, other properties need more specific publications, said Dan Waltz, an agent with Prudential Northwest Properties.