As a potential seller, there are many advantages to selling on your own:

1. Most importantly, there is the obvious financial benefit. By assuming the role of realtor, you can pocket the 6% (on average) real estate commission. For example, if you sell your home for $300,000 with a broker, $18,000 of that goes directly to pay the real estate commission. For most of us, that's a lot of money - money that can certainly be put to better use!

2. Another advantage to selling your own home is the opportunity to make a quick sale if necessary. Say you've already found yourself a new home and need to move in as soon as possible. The pressure is now on to sell your home. By selling the property yourself, you have the option of lowering the asking price (1% - 5%) below the market value. This will clearly attract more buyers. The buyer will now feel like they're getting a great deal, while you're still netting more money than you would have had you used a broker.

3. You can maintain greater control and flexibility over all aspects of the transaction. Selling on your own allows you to choose your asking price and determine when and to whom you show your home.

4. Lastly, who knows your home as well as you? You know about that perfect picnic spot in the backyard or that quiet nook for snuggling up with a good book. You're also most familiar with everything ranging from the neighborhood, the school district, the community, etcetera . This sentimental connection makes you better equipped to handle the sale of your home and to answer any questions the buyer may come up with.