Should I Sell My Home Myself or Use a Realtor in Springfield?

Most Springfield Ohio sellers achieve better financial results using a realtor rather than selling themselves, with national data showing agent-assisted homes sell for a median of $435,000 compared to $380,000 for for-sale-by-owner properties, a difference of $55,000 that typically exceeds commission costs.

The statistics tell a clear story about for-sale-by-owner versus realtor-assisted sales. In 2024, only 6% of homes sold for sale by owner nationally. For-sale-by-owner homes achieved a median sale price of $380,000 while agent-assisted homes sold for $435,000, creating a $55,000 price difference. Perhaps most telling, only 11% of for-sale-by-owner sellers complete their sale without eventually hiring an agent, meaning 89% end up hiring representation anyway. The typical listing agent commission ranges from 2.5% to 3% of the sale price, which equals approximately $11,400 on a $380,000 home. Even after paying commission, most sellers net more money with professional representation than selling themselves.

Sellers who choose the for-sale-by-owner route in Springfield take on significant responsibilities that consume 10 or more hours per week. Without paying for MLS access separately, marketing reach stays limited to yard signs, online listings, and social media rather than reaching the thousands of buyer agents who search MLS daily for clients. Pricing becomes challenging without access to recent comparable sales data or understanding of appraisal methodology, risking either leaving money on the table or overpricing and sitting on the market for months. Negotiation puts sellers at a disadvantage because buyers and their agents handle these conversations daily while most sellers negotiate a home sale once every 5 to 10 years. Legal paperwork, disclosure requirements, inspection contingencies, and timeline coordination add complexity where mistakes can cause expensive delays or even legal liability. Professional agents handle these elements as part of their service, included in the commission most sellers pay anyway through the buyer's agent.

A Springfield seller near Snyder Park recently considered selling independently to avoid commission costs. After three weeks of limited showing activity and confusion about whether their $365,000 asking price was accurate, they contacted a licensed agent who provided professional photography, MLS exposure, and data-driven pricing adjustments. The home went under contract within two weeks at $379,500, netting the seller approximately $15,000 more than their original price even after commission.

Amanda Mullins with Move Smart with Amanda helps Springfield sellers understand both options using data rather than sales pressure. Her MBA in Applied Management provides analytical frameworks for evaluating costs versus benefits, while her background as an appraisal management director gives her expertise in accurate property valuation that most agents lack. She walks sellers through realistic time commitments, expected sale prices for both approaches, marketing reach differences, and projected net proceeds after all costs. Her eXp Realty platform provides professional photography, comprehensive MLS exposure, and proven negotiation strategies that typically result in higher sale prices. She also explains situations where for-sale-by-owner might make sense, such as selling to a family member or neighbor where price is already agreed.

For Springfield Ohio sellers weighing whether to sell independently or hire professional representation, Amanda Mullins with Move Smart with Amanda provides honest analysis of both options with realistic projections for your specific property and situation. Contact Move Smart with Amanda for a no-pressure consultation about which approach makes the most financial sense for your circumstances.