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Is Hiring a Real Estate Agent Worth It When Selling a Rental Property?

An agent and a property seller sitting down at a table looking at documentsAs a Statesville rental property investor, it’s occasionally challenging to decide whether or not to employ a real estate agent to help sell your property. On the one hand, an agent may be capable of helping you sell your property, freeing up all the time you’d spend on the task. But on the other hand, real estate agents typically charge commission fees, which can eat into your profits. Given the benefits and drawbacks of hiring a seller’s agent, it’s important to weigh your options meticulously before deciding whether or not an agent is appropriate for you.

Pros of Hiring a Real Estate Agent

The main selling point of hiring a seller’s agent is that they provide a level of expertise and access that most people don’t have. Experienced real estate agents are well-versed in local real estate laws and regulations, so they could guarantee that all legal requirements are met during the sale process. They may also have access to exclusive listings and contacts in the industry which could lead to an easier, faster sale for rental property owners. Real estate agents who specialize in rental properties, in particular, possibly be able to connect with Statesville property managers who know the value of an income property as well as those who are ready and able to pay a fair price.

Another significant advantage of enlisting a seller’s agent is that they can help you save time. This is extremely advantageous for busy rental property owners because managing the sale process for an income property can be extremely time-consuming. A good real estate agent will be able to market your rental property to potential buyers and negotiate on your behalf, all tasks that would take up a great deal of your time should you try to do it yourself.

Cons of Hiring a Real Estate Agent

The main disadvantage of recruiting the right real estate agent is the cost. Agents typically charge commission fees based on a percentage of the sale price, which can decrease your profits. Of course, that commission buys you valuable expertise and time saved, so for many property owners, it’s worth the cost. At the same time, it’s worth noting that some real estate agents charge additional fees for marketing or other services. For this reason, get a complete list of commissions and fees before hiring.

In addition, rental property owners should fully comprehend some agents are not necessarily qualified or experienced in rental properties specifically. This means they may not understand the complexities of rental transactions and could cost you time and money instead of saving it for you. Lastly, there is never any guarantee that an agent will be able to get you a better price (or any sale at all) for your rental property, so there is always an element of risk when hiring one. Still, most agents only get paid if they close the sale, so these risks are relatively small.

For Sale By Owner – What to Expect

If you decide not to hire an agent, you’ll be responsible for managing the sale yourself. This means marketing your rental property, handling contract negotiations, and handling inspections with potential buyers. You must also ensure that all rental property sale transactions are legal in your state/jurisdiction. If you go this route, thoroughly research rental property rental laws and regulations before listing your rental property for sale.

Overall, hiring a real estate agent can benefit rental property owners who need more time or expertise to sell a rental property independently. However, it is critical to proceed with caution and weigh all the pros and cons before deciding.

If the reason for selling your Statesville rental property is that you don’t want to deal with the hassle of property management, you might want to reconsider. Hiring Real Property Management Experts for professional property management could make owning rental properties an easy and efficient way to build long-term wealth. To learn more, contact us online.

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