I am sorry, are you listed with me?

Just another open house, or so I thought.

I advertised my open house 3 days preceding the actual open house with three different ads displaying the date, time and directions with contact information and a slightly different spin on the property.  I also placed a cable ad with the open house information and a 3 photo display of the property.  In addition I noted on the MLS the open house dates and on my web site as well.  I placed the direction signs and open house information on the key cross streets and main streets directing passersby to the property.  I do this several hours early to attract those that attend church at the later service and drive by the area.  I also have a prominent ad in the Sunday newspaper in the key section for the property.

I waited to put the open house sign in front of the property but I do have a sign identifying the property with open today sign noting the times.

I showed up early to place my open house sign out and turn the lights on and ready the home for the open house, my normal routine.  The next door neighbor comes across the yard to greet me.  She says, "how come you did not tell me your were going to hold an open house today"?  I am sorry I didn't think it was important for me to notify you of my open house schedule.  Would you like to be notified?  "Yes", she responded.

   Here is the rub with this situation.  The neighbor is selling her property as a FSBO and wants to piggy back off my advertising dollars.  Now she knows me and has discussed listing with me BUT never quite lets it happen.  Now I could have responded in a completely different way but she is trying to sell and she also is doing it on a limited budget and thinks she can do it.  So......

I tell the neighbor, "I am sorry, are you listed with me"?  You see I sell properties I represent first.  These people are paying me to sell their property.  I also represent buyers...I took the time and previewed your home already.  If I have a buyer that expresses interest in a home like yours I will contact you.  I wished I had time to represent everyone that needs help for free but you know that is not practical.  I doubt you would accept a Realtor that stopped by and said....I'll sell your home for free......we both know services are worth what you pay for them.

I point out to the FSBO neighbor some of my marketing efforts.  If you happened to notice I placed ads on cable, newspaper, Internet, magazines, direct mail and emailed buyer agents as well.  Representation is worth what you pay for it.  You have chosen to represent yourself and I have given you tips and respect your decision.  I hope it works out for you.  Please do not be angry with my clients who have selected the alternative of professional representation.  I just represent clients that hire me....so do not expect me to contact you with my open house advertising schedule.  I am busy representing people that hire me.  Have a nice day!

I went into my open house listing to get it ready.

I had about 8 couples show up for the open house.  None went next door.  She put her sign out and sat on the front porch....staring at every prospect as they came and went. 

At the end of the open house the FSBO neighbor came over and said...."looks like you had a few people stop by today, any buyers"?  My response, "they were all buyers or they would not have stopped by...I have one couple to follow-up with on Monday.  How did your open house go"?  She said, "they looked and never came in".  I felt sorry for her.  New agents have this happen too if they do not do what it takes to attract buyers.

Then out of the blue.....she says,"can we make an appointment?  I think it is time for me to list my home". 

   We have made an appointment for Tuesday.  We'll see if the third time is the charm!Maybe I can put a smile back on her face. 

How do you handled FSBO's that want to piggyback off your advertising?