I've heard some outrageous horror stories from people trying to FSBO in Southern Maryland.  I've heard rumors of real estate agents telling homeowners "There's no way you're going to sell your home without me" or "Selling FSBO is the stupidest thing you can do", or "*insert your own snooty Realtor comment here*"

    Let me first apologize if you are trying to sell yourself and have gotten comments like this from an unfriendly Realtor.  You'll find I won't make such childish taunts, Promise!

    There are a ton of options if you are looking to try and save money by trying to list yourself, and I'm going to share a few of my options and techniques I use as a Realtor that you might be able to use yourself.  If you do find any of this helpful, let me know!

• Online Marketing is where I see my greatest ROI of my marketing dollars- Consider this: 80%+ of all buyers start their search online.  Aside from using websites like FSBO.com, ForSaleByOwner.com, or other such sites, consider posting your home on: Craigslist.com (yes, cragislist, it does work for selling homes, too!),  zillow.com, trulia.com , the City-Data.com forum, and iggyshouse.com.  They're free to post, and at a price like that, it can't hurt to increase your market exposure.
• Ask a Realtor to give you a CMA on your property- I'm always willing to provide a CMA for a homeowner, even if they intend to list their home themselves.  Websites like Zillow.com will give a *zestimate* for free, but I have yet to find their figures very accurate.  It can't hurt to at least get a professional opinion. Email to Request a CMA
• Make Postcards to Send the Neighborhood-  Postcards are cheap to send, and it allows people to share the information with friends or relatives that may be looking to move to the neighborhood.
• Make Flyers Available in an Information Box-  Flyers are a great informational tool for people driviing by, just be prepared to refill the box often!
• Send your Flyer to Real Estate Brokerages-  If you're willing to pay a buyers agent, let agents know!  Make sure you send enough that EACH AGENT can get their own copy, rather than one per office!
• Ask a Realtor if they'd be willing to post your listing on their website-  I always post FSBO home listings on my website/blogsite FREE OF CHARGE if someone asks.  It's minimal cost to me, and I'm always willing to spread a little good will.

If you have any questions, don't be afraid to call!  I don't bite, and I don't charge fees for advice (I heard that talk can be cheap, anyways)!  I do have a full package of HOW-TO for people that want to FSBO.  Give me a call or email me and I'd be more than happy to send it out to you.  All I ask is that IF you can't sell your home yourself, consider giving me a call to see how I can assist you!

~Jonathan Benya

Century 21 New Millennium
Team Benya

j.benya@c21nm.com
cell- 301-653-8116

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