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FSBO Is It Worth the Risk?

Is your most valuable asset at risk by selling For Sale By Owner? While it may seem like a cost-saving strategy, it comes with risks that likely outweigh the benefits. Here are the top three challenges facing For Sale By Owners.

1. Setting the Right Price:

Lack of specialized data and no training in property valuation techniques puts For Sale By Owners at a disadvantage, resulting in their homes selling for significantly less compared to those sold with real estate agents. In 2023, homes sold For Sale By Owner averaged $310,000, while agent-assisted home sales averaged $405,000, according to a study published by the National Association of REALTORS.  Please note that most of these For Sale By Owners likely paid commissions to buyer agents who used their negotiation skills to help secure the best deals for their buyer clients. This huge price difference of nearly $100,000 on average demonstrates the significant value that real estate agents add through their extensive training and experience in determining market value to help set the right price. 

2. Understanding and Performing the Paperwork:

Navigating the complexities of real estate transactions without professional guidance can lead to critical mistakes. Missteps in understanding and complying with legal requirements, handling the paperwork, and meeting disclosure obligations can result in failed deals, legal disputes and financial liabilities after the sale. The intricacies of real estate law and the potential for costly errors make the expertise of a seasoned real estate agent invaluable in safeguarding the seller’s interests and ensuring a successful and compliant transaction.

3. Selling On-Time As Planned:

The process for selling a home is complicated and requires hitting many deadlines. For Sale By Owners do not have the extensive knowledge, training and experience in the home selling process as do seasoned real estate agents. Effectively qualifying buyers, negotiating contracts with reasonable deadlines, understanding market conditions and planning for seasonality are just some of the necessary skills needed to close on a home sale transaction within a timeframe as planned.

Is it worth the financial, legal and timing risks to sell For Sale By Owner? 

It's crucial to consider whether the hypothetical savings of avoiding listing agent commissions are worth the extra work, risks, timing issues and likely lower final sale price that can come with selling For Sale By Owner.


Rock star real estate agents have the necessary marketing plans, negotiation skills, and ability to efficiently manage the sales process to help you achieve a successful and profitable sale on-time while minimizing risks.

This is where we can help.

Over the last 8 years, we've helped 100's of clients with their real estate needs we're happy to give you a FREE home value report so you can make sure you're getting the maximum amount out of your property.

Why Choosing The David Marshall Team is Your Ultimate Home Selling Solution
We appreciate your trust in considering us as your partners in the significant journey of selling your home. Entrusting your most valued possession to a real estate agent is a significant decision, and we understand the weight of this choice. Today, I want to share why The David Marshall Team is the ideal choice for you, focusing on two crucial aspects: experience and marketing.
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Considering Selling?

Selling a home can be an exciting but also challenging experience. If you're planning to sell your Portland home, it's important to be prepared and aware of what to expect throughout the process. This short guide is designed to provide wicked sellers, like you, with valuable insights and tips to navigate the sale of your Portland property successfully.




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THE WICKED SELLER

Preparing for a possible move? Click below to check out our moving checklist to get your whole house ready for the next home!
VIEW YOUR CARE-FREE MOVE: YOUR PERSONAL CHECKLIST GUIDE

Want to know what is happening throughout Portland now?

Click below for a full live schedule of local events!

VIEW LOCAL EVENTS HAPPENING NOW

WHAT'S YOUR HOME WORTH?

GET AN INSTANT VALUE FOR YOUR HOME

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The Complete Guide to the Home Selling Process

VIEW OUR ONLINE FLIPBOOK
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Comprehensive Marketing Plan of The David Marshall Team

VIEW OUR ONLINE FLIPBOOK

If you're either thinking about selling or already made the decision to sell your house, but you still have questions or concerns regarding the process, price or anything else - let me tell you:

You're in the right place.

This free seller seminar is giving you the exact step by step blueprint on everything you need so you can get clarity on everything A-Z and guide to you make the best decision in selling your home for top dollar.

You will learn about timelines and timing, marketing your home, pricing your home, negotiations, and so much more.

The videos below are a self guided seller seminar. Please watch the videos below to learn how selling a home has changed during the digital age.

Discover How To Sell Your Home Faster And To Get Top Dollar!
Discover the latest & most up-to-date marketing & sales tactics to sell your home fast!

Disruptive Digital Marketing

  • How we use our Disruptive Digital Marketing Strategy to get your home listing in front of over 100,000 potential buyers in your target market.
  • Professional aerial drone video and video walkthroughs.
  • Social media marketing to target potential buyers.

How Do I Know How Much My Home Is Worth?

  • How do I know what my home is worth?
  • Understanding the true value of your home is crucial, whether you're contemplating selling.
  • Let’s take a closer look at five factors that influence home value

What to Expect When Selling

  • What you should expect when getting your home ready to sell?
  • How to maximize the return on your investment
  • Partial staging services
  • Our digital marketing strategy for your home

Don't Leave Money on the Table

  • Create a Lasting First Impression
  • Repairs and Maintenance Matter
  • Boost Your Curb Appeal
  • Set the Right Price
  • Partner with the Right Team

Equity for Goals

  • Equity is a financial asset that grows alongside your property's value and your mortgage payments.
  • "The average homeowner has nearly $300,000 in home equity." -Equity Insights Report
  • Strategies for accessing your equity to reach your goals

Buy Before You Sell

  • Are you faced with the age-old dilemma of wanting to buy a new home before selling your current one?
  • It is the common conundrum among homeowners, as nobody relishes the idea of the dreaded double move
  • Three strategies to buy before you sell

Will Your Home Pass the Test?

  • Will your home pass the test before going to market?
  • 3 D's: Declutter, Depersonalize, Deep Clean

  • Learn how to sell your home for top dollar right now
  • You may need to make a few changes before selling

Inspections Prior to Listing

  • Should you get inspections done prior to listing my home?
  • The advantages of having inspections done prior to listing?
  • Saves you time and money


To Disclose or Not to Disclose

  • A crucial aspect of the real estate process that ensures a smooth and ethical transaction
  • Put the buyer on notice about any material defects or issues with the property
  • Over-disclosure is always better than under-disclosure

4 Key Factors Influencing the Timeline When Selling

  • The key determinant of your home's selling speed is the market climate.
  • Absorption Rate
  • Days on Market
  • Marketing Time necessary to
    properly expose your home

Receiving Offers on Your Home

  • The goal is for your home to be seen by the masses
  • Ensure that every buyer is genuinely qualified and enthusiastic about your property
  • Get the highest and best price and terms for your home

Congratulations Sellers! You're Under Contract!

  • The path to closing involves navigating through various contingencies, essentially conditions that must be met for the sale to proceed.
  • These contingencies usually revolve around two main categories: investigations and financing
Meet David Marshall
Welcome to The David Marshall Team, where real estate expertise meets a passion for exceptional service. Led by David Marshall, a dedicated Mainer with an artistic eye for homes, our team brings a unique blend of skills to the table. We recognize that the real estate landscape is evolving. Our disruptive digital marketing strategy sets us apart. We leverage cutting-edge technologies and platforms to ensure your property gets the attention it deserves. From high-quality virtual tours to targeted online advertising, we leave no stone unturned in our quest to attract the right buyers. Over his illustrious 22-year career, Dave has adeptly tackled the myriad challenges often associated with historic properties. His primary focus lies in residential and multi-unit properties, where his vast knowledge and extensive experience render him an indispensable expert for both buyers and sellers. Dave's unwavering passion for real estate, complemented by his profound industry insight, positions him as a trusted advisor and advocate for clients. Whether you're in the market to buy or sell real estate, you can rely on David and his dedicated team to navigate the process with expertise, integrity, and an unswerving commitment to your contentment.

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT DAVID MARSHALL

"Dave made it all work! Plus, it sold for over asking price with multiple offers!!"

"I am grateful for The David Marshall Team's expertise in selling my condo. It all is like a foreign language to me, but David Marshall spelled out every step of the way! Dave made it all work! Plus, it sold for over asking price with multiple offers!! I am so grateful for your time, patience, and insight. Thank you so much for helping me find the perfect home. Dave, you were amazing with your timely responses and have a unique and calming way of helping me process, understand and make a final decision. I would recommend The David Marshall Team to anyone."

-Rhonda Vosmus