Every seller is a "For Sale by Owner." Every buyer is a "do it yourselfer." It is simply a matter of how much of the work in a real estate transaction is contracted to a real estate professional. From none to the entire transaction. Or in industry speak, from the stereotypical FSBO for a seller to a "full service" listing.
WHY CAN'T THE CONSUMER HAVE BOTH?
In a recent article in RIS Magazine, Brian Buffini, founder and chairman of Buffini & Company made a very interesting observation: despite the fact that 80-90% of real estate buyers start their home search online, how many, when browsing homes online and finding one that they like, would actually go to the next step and click "Add to Shopping Cart?"
In real estate, quality is essential for keeping the most money in your pocket when you ultimately close. But should that mean that you are locked into paying by commission in order to get that quality? I believe the answer should be no.
Of course, after you have explored and weighed different options, based on your individual needs and comfort level, you may find, as many consumers do, that a traditional commission is the best choice for you. And that's perfectly fine. But you should make that choice because it's the BEST option, not because it's the ONLY option.