The True Cost of Selling Your Home
Rumana Jabeen • July 5, 2023
There are many expenses to consider when it comes to selling your home. These expenses may include: capital gains tax, home preparation, various fees – including commission – mortgage payoff, etc. Many of the fees are negotiable. Some sellers would like to skip certain costs, like commission, altogether. Be careful though. Homeowners who go the FSBO (For Sale by Owner) route often struggle with tasks like preparing the home, pricing it accurately, and managing paperwork. One may believe they are saving by not owing commission, but real estate agents provide invaluable support in various ways:
- Managing Liability and Legal Considerations: Selling a house involves numerous mandatory disclosures and regulations. Handling all the paperwork and legal aspects without professional guidance exposes home sellers to potential liability risks and legal complications. Real estate agents are well-versed in the contracts, disclosures, and regulations necessary during a sale. Their expertise minimizes the risk of errors or omissions that could lead to costly legal disputes or expensive delays.
- Market Knowledge: Real estate agents possess comprehensive knowledge of pricing and the housing market. Determining the appropriate asking price for your property requires understanding local real estate market conditions, recent sales data, neighborhood trends, and current demand. Agents have access to comprehensive market data and the expertise to analyze it accurately. Selling your house without this information puts you at risk of overpricing or underpricing, leading to an extended time on the market or leaving significant money on the table.
- Marketing and Exposure: Effective marketing plays a vital role in attracting qualified buyers to your property. Real estate agents have access to various marketing tools and platforms, such as MLS listings, professional photography, virtual tours, and extensive professional networks. They can create compelling listings that showcase your home’s best features and reach a wider audience. Selling on your own may limit your exposure and ultimately result in fewer potential buyers, less opportunity to negotiate, and a lower sales price. My own marketing typically brings a home 6-8% over the list price.
- Negotiations and Contracts: Negotiating the terms of a home sale can be challenging, particularly when emotions are involved. Without an agent, you assume the responsibility of negotiating with the buyer, the buyer’s agent, the home inspection company, and the home appraiser. Rather than managing these interactions alone, real estate agents act as intermediaries, skillfully negotiating on your behalf and ensuring your best interests are protected. Their experience in handling tough negotiations, counteroffers, and contingencies is invaluable. After receiving offers, I typically negotiate another 2-4% higher (which my clients love).
In conclusion, while selling a home on your own may initially seem appealing, the challenges that arise can quickly become overwhelming. The expertise that a real estate agent brings to the table is crucial for a successful sale. Instead of embarking on this journey alone, it is advisable to have an expert on your side. With the right agent, you will likely make much more money, avoid hassles, and keep yourself out of legal jeopardy.
Celebrate our Annual Pie Day, a warm and meaningful client appreciation tradition filled with gratitude, connection, and delicious pies. View this year’s event photos and learn more about how we bring clients together each Thanksgiving season.
What makes working with Rumana successful...
When you work with a real estate agent, you’re not just hiring someone to manage paperwork or schedule showings. You’re trusting them to guide you through one of life’s biggest transitions. For clients of Rumana Jabeen , that trust goes far beyond the transaction. In this short video, filmed at Rumana’s Annual Client Appreciation Picnic, long-time clients share what it’s really like to work with her and how she leads with clarity, protects their interests, and continues to show up long after the sale is done.
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Every summer, I look forward to one special day in October: our Annual Client Appreciation Picnic. It’s a day to reconnect with the amazing clients and their families I’ve worked with over the years. It’s also one way I say thank you for their continued trust and support. My clients often work with me through multiple purchases and sales, and they refer the people who matter most to them, their friends, family, and colleagues. That kind of trust means everything to me. This picnic is a small but heartfelt way to show my appreciation. As with every year, we gathered at a picnic shelter at Beresford Park in San Mateo. We plan this event in October because it’s often one of the most beautiful months of the year. The weather tends to be warm and the skies are clear, which helps create the perfect setting for the day. It takes weeks of preparation and coordination to bring this event together. I want to thank my husband, Michael, who manages so much behind the scenes as my Director of Operations. This year’s picnic was filled with fun and joy. Families shared a delicious lunch and dessert, kids bounced in the inflatable house and got their faces painted, and many lined up for henna tattoos. There were lawn games, giveaways, and plenty of time to relax and catch up. As always, the most meaningful moments came from the conversations—hearing how your lives have evolved, celebrating your milestones, and reconnecting with people I’m lucky to call clients and friends. Toward the end of the afternoon, I had the joy of announcing the winner of our 2025 Referral Contest. The prize was a $1,000 Ritz-Carlton gift card to use at their convenience. I was thrilled to recognize someone who shared my name with others and helped new clients start their journeys. Now, entries are officially open for the 2026 Referral Contest. If someone you know is thinking about buying or selling, and you connect them with me, you’ll be entered to win. It’s that simple. You refer because you trust me, and I want to reward that. You can browse and download all the photos from the event here: 👉 View and Download Picnic Photos
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