For Sale by Owner (or FSBO) signs are popping up through cities across the nation˳ Seems the homeowners are becoming more determined to compete with, or eliminate the real estate Agent˳ Each FSBO has their reason for not using an agent˳ Some have had a less than pleasant past experiences with agents, and feel they can do a better job at getting their property sold˳ Others must sell their home on their own, simply due to the declining property values; they can not afford to pay an agent˳ Also there is the “experienced” home seller; they have purchased and sold before therefore they do not feel the need to share proceeds with an Agent˳
What ever the reason, home sellers are determined to act as their own agent˳ Here are a few tips for you FSBO sellers to consider when selling your home˳
- CLEAN and STAGE˳ You must keep your home extra clean and clear away the clutter˳ Fancy up the curb appeal by manicuring the lawn and add some flowers for a splash of color˳ Use a pressure washer to clean up the exterior (in our “red clay” country, so many homes have a shabby or premature aged appearance due to the clay formed around the lower half of the exterior)˳
- ADVERTISE˳ You must get your home in front of buyers˳ Dropping a sign in the front yard and telling the neighbors you want to sell, will not cut it˳ You must utilize the publications in your area and invest money in advertising˳ Also, you must get your home online˳ There are several online resources; some are free to homeowners, that will allow you to list your property on high traffic websites˳ This is a technology based world, and buyers look for homes online˳ Avoiding the tech savvy world, is only avoiding potential buyers˳
- PRICE ACCORDINGLY˳ The number one mistake FSBO’s make is pricing the property˳ Most buyers prefer to enlist the services of an agent (read my blog regarding Buyers Agents) and will not purchase a home without representation˳ Buyers who are willing to purchase direct from the owner have one intention in mind; ironically the same intention as you FSBO’s…SAVE MONEY˳ Don’t become greedy, because buyers are educated these days and they have the power to pull comparable home sales in your neighborhood˳ Today’s buyer will also realize that YOU are not paying an agent, so they expect that your property should be priced far lower than a listed home˳
- ALLOW a BUYERS AGENT to SELL your property˳ Understandably, some FSBO’s feel the Agent is the “enemy”˳ Often, homeowners become inundated with calls from agents requesting to list the home; coupled with prior unpleasant experiences, this may cause the homeowner to resent agents˳ Not all agents are looking for the listing˳ If you are clear upfront (and in print) that you will offer a percentage to a buyers agent, this will give more exposure to your property˳ If an agent has a buyer, and you want to sell, working together will net the desired end result for everyone˳ True, you will have to sacrifice a portion of your proceeds; however, it may make the difference between “for sale” and “sold”˳ Having your home sit on the market will net you ZERO proceeds˳ Offering a percentage to a buyers agent will save you money since you will not be paying a listing agent, not to mention it may reduce the time on the market which ultimately adds money in your pocket˳
Ultimately, a listed home will likely sell faster and for a higher amount than a FSBO property˳ The key is to find an Agent that will work with you, and for you˳ Your prospective agent should be able to offer a guarantee, which will release you from your listing agreement should you feel they are not fulfilling their obligations˳
Source by https://ezinearticles˳com/?For-Sale-By-Owner-Tips-For-Success&id=1078480
