I have repaired lawnmowers and appliances,
I have stripped a kitchen bare and remodeled every inch,
I have installed a new roof and re-shingled a house,
I have laid tile, laminate flooring, and carpet,
I have even sold a home FSBO.
I undertook each of these projects because the money was worth more to me than the time I EXPECTED to put into the endeavors. In a few cases, this actually turned out to be true. Often, the time exceeded expectations and the monetary savings were simply not worth the stress and frustration incurred.
As the years and projects have passed, I have learned to estimate the ACTUAL time involved better and to value PROFESSIONAL assistance more. I have determined the rate that I am willing to pay someone correlates to the amount of stress and frustration that I expect to encounter.
So, this summer I plan to finish the remaining areas of my basement and add a bathroom, bedroom, and family room. I'll do all the framing, electric, and drywall because I WANT TO. I enjoy the work and consider the monetary savings well worth the time spent. However, I will hire a plumber to rough-in the bathroom and someone to install the flooring. To me, the money is well worth the savings in pain and agony.
For those searching for the meaning of this post, questioning why you have invested 5-minutes of your finite existence to read my drivel, here it is: PROFESSIONALS make our lives better. They enlighten the unknowing, they calm the unsettled, and they unburden the troubled. Best of all, professionals give us the gift of TIME.
If you are considering selling your house FSBO, talk to a real estate agent first. Listen to the services that we offer and understand how these tools will benefit you. Enlightenment doesn't cost a penny and you may save yourself more time, stress, frustration, and money (yes, I said money) than you realize.
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Erik Hitzelberger is a licensed real estate agent with RE/MAX Alliance in Louisville. If you need a Bullitt County Real Estate agent please email me or call 502.921.3989.
I specialize in the following areas of the Metro Louisville Area: Jeffersontown (J-Town), Okolona, Fern Creek, Shepherdsville, Mt Washington, Hillview, Brooks and Pewee Valley. Click the following links to learn more about Louisville and Bullitt County Real Estate or to Search the Metro Louisville MLS.
Nice post. I would not attempt any of the projects you mentioned except selling FSBO,( because Real estate is my profession.)Time is more important to me than saving a few dollars.
I have undertaken many of the projects you listed. Physical activity is fun. However, I hire a CPA to do my taxes and a Medical Doctor for my health maintenance. Why would someone take chances when selling a home? It is usually the largest financial tool they own.
Gita - You are so right. You can get more money, but time is irreplaceable. So, every decision that involves dedicating time to save money should be weighed carefully.
Erik, you are 100% right on the mark!
Melody - Risk is quantifiable. I believe that if most people stopped to think about the 'real savings' behind some of these projects, they would recognize that the rewards do not justify the risk.
Erik great post and I hope a lot of FSBO's read it and learn from it.
David - Thanks for your comment.
Chris - Thanks. If someone makes an informed decision to sell their house FSBO, I'm ok with it. I just want them to consider all of the information before making the decision. As Melody mentioned, this is a big gamble.
Hi Eric whether someone chooses to go the FSBO route or not they would always be wise to meet with a Realtor 1st. It would be foolish not to get free advice from an expert.
Good points. As I get older, I also know which things I can do well and which things I don't. I don't do plumbing - I use a plumber who isn't cheap, but the work is always done quickly - at a qulaity level I have yet to see done by any other plumber. Same thing with auto repair. I spent my teen years working in a garage fixing cars and playing with my own. But now, I see the money well spent actually taking the car to the dealership. They always do quality work and treat me well. Sometimes, It's just worth the money.
Bill - Your point is accurate for much more than real estate. If a professional is willing to talk to you and explain their services for free, you should take advantage of the offer.
Bo - "Sometimes, it's just worth the money." A perfect summary of my article in one concise statement.
Erik... nice post and an interesting "spin" on the age old FSBO story. I am always amazed at the new analogies and persuasive stories agents use to make people (who would never undertake lesser projects but decide to sell their homes without an agent) understand why that is the wrong decision. Yours is definitely a winner! Thanks for sharing it.
This is a fantastic post. It seems that most FSBOs care only about the bottom line, but have never sat down and done the math on all of the costs. This is a great way to get them to see what the true cost is by connecting with their past experiences.
Virginia, thanks for commenting. Some people are definitely suited to undertaking FSBO while others are not. As you mentioned, the important thing is to recognize all of the costs involved before getting started.