DAKOTA HOME BUYERS · SIOUX FALLS
Find the right way to sell.
Compare a direct sale with listing through an agent, including costs, preparation and timing.
Your property, priorities and actual terms should guide the decision.
TWO WAYS TO APPROACH A SALE
Look beyond the headline price.
Listing with an agent and selling directly can involve different tradeoffs. Use these questions to compare the options available for your home. Neither approach is automatically the better choice.
Price and market exposure
Listing with an agent
A listing can put the property in front of multiple potential buyers. Ask the agent how they would price and market your particular home.
Considering a direct offer
A direct offer gives you specific proposed terms to evaluate. Ask how the property’s condition, repairs and other factors affect the price.
Fees and closing costs
Listing with an agent
Ask for proposed compensation and an itemized estimate of selling costs. Agent compensation is negotiable; use the actual agreement rather than a fixed percentage.
Considering a direct offer
Ask which costs, if any, are paid by each party. Compare the written offer and estimated amount you would receive, rather than assuming every cost is included.
Repairs and preparation
Listing with an agent
Discuss whether to make repairs, clean or stage the property before marketing. Review any additional requests in the buyer’s offer.
Considering a direct offer
Describe the property as it is. Ask whether the offer requires any repairs, cleanup or other work from you, and have that written into the terms.
Visits and showings
Listing with an agent
Discuss photography, open houses, private showings and how much notice you need. The approach can be tailored to your situation.
Considering a direct offer
Ask what appointments, inspections or property access the buyer needs before closing. Confirm the arrangements rather than assuming there will be only one visit.
Timing and conditions
Listing with an agent
Ask about the marketing plan and proposed closing timetable. Review financing, appraisal, inspection and other conditions in each offer.
Considering a direct offer
Ask for the proposed closing date and all conditions attached to the offer. Confirm funding and closing arrangements; a cash offer alone is not a guarantee of completion.
What you receive at closing
Listing with an agent
Compare the expected sale price after your agreed selling costs, concessions, repairs, carrying costs and any loan payoff.
Considering a direct offer
Compare the proposed price after your agreed costs and any loan payoff. A lower price can still mean a different tradeoff in preparation, timing and effort.
Agent compensation is negotiable. Read the National Association of REALTORS® guidance. For every route, rely on the written agreements for your sale.
YOUR PROPERTY
Ready to talk about your property?
Share the property address and your contact details to start a conversation about a possible offer.
WORK THROUGH THE NUMBERS
Compare the amount you expect to keep.
Use actual estimates for your property. The same asking price can produce a different outcome depending on the agreed terms.
- +Proposed sale price
- −Your agreed selling costs and concessions
- −Any preparation, repair and carrying costs you expect to pay
- −Mortgage payoff and any other amounts due from your proceeds
Ask the closing professional to explain the estimated proceeds and any items you don’t recognize. This comparison is a starting point, not a quote or a prediction of your sale.
YOUR PRIORITIES
Which tradeoffs matter most to you?
Reaching potential buyers
If broad market exposure is a priority, ask an agent about their plan for attracting buyers and supporting your asking price.
Limiting preparation
If repairs or preparing for showings are difficult, ask a direct buyer exactly what they would require from you before closing.
Planning the next step
If timing matters, compare the proposed dates and conditions in writing. Ask what could change them before making commitments.
We can discuss a direct offer from Dakota Home Buyers. Compare it with other options and get independent professional advice when you need it.
YOUR NEXT STEP
Start with a conversation about your property.
Start with the form above, or call our Sioux Falls team.