The FSBO Market in Madison, Wisconsin

While I think that wi fsbo sites such as Madison fsbo, are fine I still think there is a great bit of knowledge that is needed in order to properly sell and market a home, I'm not saying you need to be a real estate agent to have this knowledge, but often times it helps. I also think the days of the paid fsbo site are numbered, or at least will be limited by free fsbo sites like craigslist, realestaterodger.com (for wi fsbo), and the many others around the country. Some home sellers will try their hand at fsbo, and if it works great, but I think real estate agents don't have anything to worry about... In fact most of the real estate agents I know love the free fsbo sites, they advertise on them, and receive quite a bit of business. Nice blog!

The success of regional FSBO services is not hard to understand. We know the local market and resources. Consumers can walk into our office, purchase signs, flyer boxes, books, etc.  We edit their photos, help them word descriptions, teach them how to work effectively with agents and go over marketing strategies. We refer them to good local attorneys, appraisers, home inspectors, stagers and others who will provide support when they need it.

I do not think that the future of FSBO is in FREE listing websites.  In fact, I feel that consumers are beginning to understand that free comes with a price.  Craigslist is saturated with agent ads now and for many is losing its effectiveness as a grass roots marketplace.  Scams run rampant on freebie sites.  Many free listing sites are nothing more than lead generators for mortgage companies and real estate agents.  As we educate consumers about how to validate sites before they list, they become less inclined to fall for the claims.  Buyers are generally much more savvy and lean quickly which sites are loaded with outdated junk and which ones produce real results. 

In the same way that a real estate agent's value is perceived by the level of service they provide, I think that good FSBO services are valued similarly.  There is a world of difference in posting an ad online somewher in cyberspace and providing consumers with comprehensive marketing based upon knowledge of local media, the real estate market and commitment to the community.