Was the Realtor’s “Expertise” Worth It? A Costly Lesson for Women Navigating the Sale of a Family Home

 If you're a woman between 45 and 65, chances are you're managing more than just your own life—you’re likely supporting aging parents through significant transitions. My friend Susan recently found herself in that very position. When she and her sisters made the difficult decision to move their elderly parents into assisted living, selling the family home became necessary to help cover the rising costs. 

They expected the process to be straightforward. Instead, it became a frustrating, expensive ordeal that left them wondering if hiring a realtor was truly worth it. 

The Promise of Professional Help 

Susan hired a realtor who claimed to be an expert at marketing homes in their Denver-area neighborhood. The agent offered a checklist of repairs and updates, asked for a signed listing agreement, and promised they’d take it from there. 

Susan and her sisters spent weeks decluttering, painting, and repairing while juggling their parents' emotional and physical needs. The realtor checked in occasionally but never helped with the labor or logistics. It was all on them. 

Disappointing Results After All That Effort 

When the house finally hit the market, the realtor blamed slow traffic on "market conditions." After only four showings in two weeks, the price was dropped by $20,000. A month later, it was cut again by $10,000. 

In the end, the house sold for $60,000 less than the original asking price, yet the realtor and buyer’s agent still received $55,000 in commissions. 

The Real Cost of "Expertise" 

The reduced proceeds forced Susan and her sisters to choose a less-than-ideal assisted living facility for their parents. They couldn’t help but ask: 

• Did the realtor actually earn their fee? 

• Was the pricing strategy flawed from the start? 

• Could they have saved money by selling with a flat-fee company or FSBO (For Sale By Owner)? 

With today’s technology and tools, many families are discovering they can navigate the sale themselves, without paying exorbitant commissions. 

A Growing Trend: Women Managing Family Transitions 

More and more, we’re seeing women take the lead on these major life decisions. Google searches show a clear trend: women aged 45–65 research, call the shots, and look for smarter options for selling their family homes. 

This demographic isn’t just managing the emotional labor; they're also managing the spreadsheets. They want transparency, fairness, and better outcomes for their loved ones.

Lessons from Susan’s Story 

Susan’s experience serves as a cautionary tale. Realtors can provide value, but not all do. Before you sign anything: 

✔ Get multiple opinions on pricing — don’t rely on just one agent. 

✔ Ask tough questions about marketing strategies and expected timelines. 

✔ Know exactly what services you're paying for. 

✔ Consider flat-fee MLS listings or FSBO to retain more of your hard-earned equity. 

There Are Smarter Ways to Sell 

If you’re selling a home in Colorado — especially in the Denver area—and navigating the transitions of aging parents, you deserve a process that honors both your time and your finances. 

Need help selling without overpaying in commissions? NextNest specializes in helping women and families make compassionate, data-driven real estate decisions. 

Visit www.thenext-nest.com, call us at 720.230.0830, or explore our YouTube Channel for valuable tips on maximizing your home’s value without hidden fees.