Drawbacks To Consider.

You have one property to show...
A realtor has many properties to show in marketplace where homes are bought by comparsion.

The buyer will not share financial situation with you.
A Realtor will bring you only financially qualified buyers.

The average owner overprices and may accept a price below market value. Overpriced homes tend to sit on the market, losing in value as buyers suspect a problem.
A Realtor will price property to sell at a fair market value.

Well-meaning friends will give you conflicting suggestions.
A Realtor has facts at hand and experience as a professional.

You may make expensive and unnecessary improvements to the property.
A Realtor will advise you on how to spend the least and get the most for it.

The direct buyer will not share likes & dislikes with someone they may be negotiating with.
Buyers will communicate their feelings about a property to a Realtor.

You can't follow up with the buyer. They'll think you're anxious to sell.
Following up is what Realtors do.

It's difficult for you to be objectivein a negotiation with the buyer.
A Realtor is trained to be objective and move the parties towards a win-win conclusion.

You may accept an insincere offer and then spend months in litigation to free your property just to put it back on the market.
A Realtor is experienced in seeing trouble spots and acting quickly in the best interests of their client.

If your house is currently listed with another broker this is not intended as a solicitation of that listing.