If you have a property that you are trying to sell in Durham, North Carolina, realtors are not a necessary part of the process. Dozens of homeowners have opted to sell their homes on their own, without the aid of a real estate agent. It may sound intimidating or even impossible, but it is definitely something that you should consider. Not only will you have more direct control over the sale, but by avoiding the services of a Durham, NC real estate agent, you can save significant amounts of money. But it isn't something that everyone can try. Only attempt to sell your own property if you are absolutely confident in your ability to do it without the aid of a Durham realtor.

Out of the hundreds of people who place that "for sale by owner" sign in their yard every year, few will actually complete a real estate deal without the help of a Durham, North Carolina realtor. Half of them will end up using the services of a professional realtor within just a few months. It may sound like "a walk in the park." All you have to do is find someone willing to buy it, then take their money and give them the property. Simple as that. Well, that is the misconception that makes so many people drop out of the "for sale by owner" race so early. When you decide to do this, you have to understand all that is involved. There is a reason that Durham, NC realtors charge so much for their services: it is a stressful line of business, and requires lots of effort.

So where do you start? The best way to start selling your house is to list it in places that people will see it. Place an ad in the local newspaper, put up a sign on the lawn. Do everything that a Durham realtor would do to gain attention for your house. Be sure to list all of the basic details on the house -- in the most flattering language, so that people know what you are offering. List a number that can be reached any hour of the day - preferably a cell phone that you keep in your pocket all day long. After you have the property listed, you just have to play the waiting game. Once you get a call asking about the house, you can set up an appointment to show your prospective buyer around and see if he or she is still interested. If so, it is time to obtain legal advice.

You may be able to sell a house without the help of a Durham, North Carolina realtor, but you won't be able to get by without the assistance of an attorney. When you decide that you want to sell the house to someone, you will need legal documents drawn up for both of you to sign and effectively transfer ownership of the property. The attorney will advise you on the whole sale, and give you what you need to do exactly as the Durham, NC realtor would have done.

Naturally, there are many more steps to the process. If you are interested in selling your home without the aid of a Durham, North Carolina realtor then you should buy a book on the subject. Many exist solely to guide a new seller through the first sale. They are very comprehensive resources, and will give you detailed help on each of the many aspects. If you think that you have what it takes to sell the property, you shouldn't feel intimidated.