How many FSBO Sellers does it take to sell a home?

It was not a trick question when I had to determine how many For Sale By Owner sellers it would take to sell a home. As I was looking to find more homes for buyers in the In the Manchester NH area, I came across a home  home in the neighboring town. They would not sell though, unless the buyer purchased the 2 neighbors homes also listed as a FSBO.

Wait, What? Yes the 3 sellers teamed up trying to sell their homes as a package. Although this is often seen in where the land can be re-purposed into a commercial project, this was residential and would remain that way.

A few attempts, calls, letters and stopping by were all ignored by the sellers who sought to do it themselves without any agents. A few months later and a call out of the blue to be able to meet with one of the sellers. The first goal was to get answers why all 3 homes had to be sold together. In short the owner of the worst of the 3 homes, talked the others into it. A partnership where they would split the proceeds of the sale 3 ways evenly.

What was puzzling is the house i was in was twice the size and like brand new. It was worth far more than than house #3. House #2 was not far behind in size and condition. House #3 a smaller home, with peeling paint and a cluttered yard was out classed by the other 2 homes.

The goal was to relay this information without offending the sellers. To show him what his house is worth. To show him a buyer would be far more interested in buying his home without being made to buy all 3. The seller was beyond happy to see what his house was worth and what the most probable sales price would be. He could not believe under the 3 way agreement he was getting so much less. 

The seller already had second thoughts as his friends, co workers and even family had given him a good amount of grief he said. It was his co worker who convinced him to call me. He gave me the name and I knew them right away. I sold their home a couple of years back. They were really nice people and i guess they loved me giving me a glorious review.

The seller of this home wondered if I should talk to the other 2 sellers. Indeed I would, but before doing so, I wanted to assist him in getting his home listed correct and and on the way to a sale. After we signed all the docs he walked me over to house #2. The couple was happy to meet me and also wants to list, but in June when school is out. We signed docs on the spot using June as a start to the showing period. Lastly we went to home #3. The inside of the home was worse than the outside and that is not saying much. He was mad his neighbors bailed on their 3 way plan. He only wanted to sell himself. The neighbors shook their heads and walked out with me.