Should I Let My Attorney Sell My House

I responded to this question because when I approach potential sellers sometimes they state that their lawyer will try to sell their home. What sellers don't understand is the real job of a real estate agent and what it takes to get to the closing table. Even though attorneys have the legal rights to sell properties, most of them are not fully equipped and have the everyday well rounded knowledge to market and close on a deal.

Most of the time I fight with the attorneys to call me back to get updates, go after them to send or fax a simple contract. Granted not all attorneys are horrible, but I have seen my share of lousy attorneys, just like there are some lousy real estate agents.


There are many aspects to a deal that you're attorney may not know about or problems that may arise that he may not have knowledge or the patience to solve. Below are a few things you may want to think about before you hire your attorney to sell your home:


- Attorneys do not have flexible schedules to show your home at odd times of the day, during the evenings or even weekends.


- Atttorneys have legal minds and usually are not able to create highly effective advertising materials or know all the places to market your property.


-An attorney most likely will not have an attention getting post sign to put on your property.


- Your attorney most likely will not have access to the M.L.S (Multi-Listing Service account and do not have active accounts with the major real estate websites to post ads.


-An attorney does not have a ready made list of buyers to see your home immediately and does not have direct access to agents daily to remind them about your property and to set up showings.


-It is unlikely that an attorney would do consistent open houses and market it properly.


-An attorney may not be able to qualify your buyer the proper way.


- An attorney may not communicate regularly with the team of individuals that include the buyer, buyers attorney, mortgage broker, and inspectors and effectively come up with solutions if problems arise.


-An attorney may not have the time to schedule and represent you at all the home inspections.


-An attorney may not be have the knowledge to solve the unforeseen problems that may arise with the buyer or the attorney.


- With an attorney working throughout your entire real estate transaction may cost you a fortune if it goes on for months. You may get a fat bill even if your deal doesn't make it to the closing table.


An agent is paid a percentage or sometimes a flat fee of the purchase price, no matter how long the deal takes and only if the deal closes.


A real estate agent is the manager of your deal. If you are dealing with a full time experienced agent he or she will know the job of every person involved in the deal and make sure everyone complies. The agent will do the physical work to sell your home and will do everything possible to get you to the closing table. When selling your property you need a well rounded person that can do it all and know what all needs to be done to make your transaction successful.


I can keep going on and on, but there's a reason why real estate agents exist and why they are educated, are licensed professionals and have continuous training. It is important to let each licensed individual do the job in which they have been fully trained to do. So definitely look for a qualified real estate agent that can represent you to the fullest.





Here's a great ebook that will give you some inside secrets to selling your home within 21 days in today's market, whether you use an agent or not. Check it out here!


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