Selling home alone or going for broker

DEAR HARRY:

Last year, one of my neighbors sold her house through a real-estate broker and almost $15,000 was subtracted from the sale price. I'd like to avoid that by selling it myself.

The house speaks for itself. It's in great shape with fresh paint (a year old), a magnificent lawn, a good school district and a safe neighborhood. Is it possible to do this without too much hassle? I have time to show the house, and my husband is in advertising.

WHAT HARRY SAYS: Sure, it's possible - but . . . be careful not to price your home too high. If you're more than 10 percent above recent sales, you may be too high for the current market even though your home may be in mint condition.

Your best shot at selling it is to get on the Multiple Listing Service, where many brokers see the listing. Use the Internet: forsalebyowner.com or owners.com. Ads by your expert husband also help.

Remember that a broker can do many things you won't want to do or are not capable of doing. For example, seeing prospects at odd hours, looking after the safety of your possessions when showing the house, getting all the paperwork lined up, helping a buyer with financing. In addition, you are emotionally involved, and that often fouls up negotiation. The bottom line is that the broker usually earns his or her commission.