Why Unrepresented Sellers Don't Sell

It is always the same the FSBO or discount seller wants to get and keep all the money.  They really do not know how much money they leave on the table without proper representation.

In a seller's market, homeowners have an argument against using a professional.  Unfortunately for them, they are still leaving money on the table, but if buyers are lined up at their front door, they don't see the value a professional agent brings.  In a buyer's market (or worse yet a foreclosure market like we have now) it is even more foolish for a seller to attempt to market their own property.  As you pointed out, they can put an ad on CL, but it's not going to yield the desired results and they will eventually end up hiring a professional in over 75% of the time.

I've had the opportunity to sell a home that the seller tried to do on his own.  I helped the seller do the best he could on his own and in the end he hired me.

I find that if I am positive with FSBO's offer a sympathetic but honest ear, they realize I can be trusted and have ended up with the listing on several occasions.  I tried to sell my own house FSBO long before I became an agent, and it didn't go well.  Once I listed it, I had showings and an offer.  I wish I had listed it sooner. 

And with a FSBO they will end up with even a lower offer than a listed house many times, as the buyer will think they can ask for less " because the seller is not paying a Realtor fee".

Geoff I like how you got right to the point, the lack of exposure will leave that property languishing on the market.

It amazes me how many sellers think they can get more for their home than it is worth if they don't use an agent.

Somebody has to get a deal like you said. The type of people that by from FSBO sellers are the ones who are buying this way to get that deal.

Geoff,

  Nice article.  FSBO's will most likely get less money and realize too late that it was a lot of work and they had to know a lot more.  However, I do applaud them for wanting to take it on, but alot of them are not quite educated enough in the process and that is where they lose out.

  If sellers knew everything we went through some of them may not complain as much and understand where their money is going.