FSBO Jane

Once you’re hooked on the FSBO way, there’s no turning back. I’ve mentioned all the reasons there are for selling “for sale by owner,” and there are probably even more things to include. So let’s say you’re going to sell by owner. Now what? How do you do it?

Step #1: Consider using a FSBO company.

You may be thinking, doesn’t this contradict the whole point of selling on your own? If I use a company, shouldn’t I just use a realtor? Well, no. FSBO companies counteract the primary problem of selling by yourself: they bring you buyers.

If you decide tomorrow to sell your house and you buy a red and white sign at the hardware store and put it in the yard, you’ll attract a handful of viewers. Only the people who drive by your home will know it’s for sale. This is a start, and it’s good, but you want to cast your net among the waters, so to speak. You want to reach as many people as possible so you can find THE buyer—the one who’s going to pay you what your home is worth, in the shortest amount of time.

FSBO companies usually offer advertisements with their websites, magazines or other marketing tools. They build their business around reaching consumers and bringing them to your property. This is very, very important.

Plus, you’re still saving thousands of dollars: compared to a 6% commission, a one-time fee for advertising/buyer-gathering is always a better deal!

Most people are pretty clear on what For Sale by Owner is all about. What they don’t always understand is just how many reasons there are to choose it.

1. FSBO puts you in control.

You make all the decisions: you choose where/how to market your home, you set up showings when you choose to, you plan the open houses at your convenience, and you deal with the buyers directly.

2. No one knows your home like you do.

You’ve lived there, so you know the best selling points better than anyone. You installed the new carpeting or hired a professional landscaper to create the backyard oasis. You were there when the add-on was built. Why trust your home’s showing to an agent who has only recently been introduced to your home and who has many other homes to sell?

3. You save time and money.

Because you aren’t worrying about real estate agent commissions, you don’t need to inflate your asking price to compensate the difference. A competitive price means more buyer interest, which means faster seller time.

4. You save yourself stress.

When your list with a realtor, you have to keep your home looking in showing condition, in case of a showing, which could happen at any time. When you sell FSBO, you eliminate this extra pressure because showings are only happening when you want them to.

5. You are fully qualified.

Trust me. I was a realtor for many, many years. We aren’t doing anything you can’t do, with a little research and effort. The pay-off for a little learning is huge!