In my almost 20 years of being a Top Producing broker. June seems to be the number one month for FSBO’s (For Sale By Owners) to put the sign up in the yard. If you’re even thinking about doing this. Then you should consider these 3 top tips (headaches) you will face when you go it alone!
1. Understand Low Ball Offers Happen! (Often!)
Expect the buyer to take off the entire commission! Not just the buyers agents side if they make an offer! But of course, you the seller will still have the bulk of the work to do! Scheduling time off work, to not only let in the Home, Termite, Radon, Sewer , City and any other inspectors the buyer may want. But to negotiate the inspections also! Not counting all the time you will spend with the title company.. (You and the title company will become fast friends, so choose wisely!) And you MUST be in contact with the buyers lender (No money,No sale) Plus a whole host of other must do items agents do on a regular basis to have a successful sale!
2. Be prepared for renters posing as buyers!
It maybe the number #1 complaint from FSBO’s! (Okay, besides low ball offers!).Since you don’t have an agent to show your house. Many a seller has missed a family outing, kids soccer games, and even church to make time for a buyer. Only to find out they actually wanted to rent and not buy! And this after the seller told the buyers repeatedly that the house was for sale not for rent! Sadly it’s a different world out there today!
3. The Barrage of Agents Wanting to LIST Your House!
The most I have heard contact a seller is 20 in one day. At least that’s what the sellers thought. Since they stopped counting after 20! And they got real tired, real fast on how the agents were selling them on the idea that they were wrong for doing it themselves! And that they could easily sell their house for practically any price the seller wanted if they just signed on the dotted line with them! Yea right!
Knowing these top 3 top factors you will face. Will help you decide if selling your house yourself is right for you. TIP.If you do decided to go it alone then you should contact a top producing agent and let them know what your doing. They can help guide you with tips and maybe even bring you buyer ( for a finders fee of course) Then after one or two months and it still hasn’t sold. You can have them sell it for you since you have already built a relationship with them! I have done that with many FSBO’s sellers! Some have sold themselves and some I have sold after their attempt failed.
Who do you know that is looking to sell their biggest asset themselves? Have them call or text my private line 618-210-2451. And I will gladly send them my best selling book that has helped 100’s of sellers get top dollar and a fast sale!
Bryan Vogt
Palm Tree Realty