If you're thinking about selling your house on your own, called "For Sale by Owner" or FSBO, there are some important things to consider.  Going this way means taking on a lot of responsibility by yourself - and that can create headaches and vulnerabilities you may have not even thought of.

A recent report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) found the two most difficult tasks for people who sell a home on their own are getting the price right and understanding and performing paperwork.  Here are just a few of the ways an agent helps with those difficult tasks.

Getting the Price Right

Setting the right price for your house is important when you're trying to sell it.  If you're selling your house on your own, two common issues can happen.  For starters, you might ask for too much money based on your emotional connection to your home (overpricing).  Alternatively, you may not ask for enough (underpricing) as you are unsure about the local market and its constantly changing ebbs and flows. According to NerdWallet:

"When selling a home, first impressions matter.  Your house's market debut is your first chance to attract a buyer and it's important to get the pricing right.  If your home is overpriced, you run the risk of buyers not seeing the listing.

...But price your house too low and you could end up leaving some serious money on the table.  A bargain-basement price could also turn some buyers away, as they may wonder if there are any underlying problems with the house."

To avoid these problems, it's a good idea to team up with a real estate professional.  Real estate agents will do a current market analysis to help determine the best price and they understand the local housing market.  They can use their expertise to set a price that matches what buyers are willing to pay, giving your house the best chance to impress from the start.

Understanding and Performing Paperwork

Selling a house involves a hefty amount of paperwork and legal documentation that has to be just right.  There are rules and regulations that must be followed, making it a bit tricky for homeowners to manage everything on their own.  Without a pro by your side, you could also end up facing liability risks and legal complications.

Real estate agents are experts in all of the contracts and paperwork needed for selling a house.  They know the rules and can guide you through it all, reducing the chance of mistakes that might lead to legal problems or delays.

So, instead of dealing with the growing pile of documents on your own, team up with an agent who can be your advisor, helping you avoid any legal bumps in the road.