I keep threatening to do it. Now I think it's time to do something. How about an extra $100-$150 fee for inspecting a FSBO. It seems fair to me. Someone should pay me for the aggravation.
We tend to forget the work that a Realtor does until they are missing from the equation. Simple things maybe, but important. Like unlocking a door to get me in. This week I had to wait for 45 minutes to get in because the seller was busy and didn't show up. And how about the other little things that were missing from this encounter; who's going to arrange the smoke detector inspection (a requirement in Massachusetts)? Not me. Who's going to help the buyer find a mortgage, an appraiser, an attorney? That's what the agents do, at least in my world. Sure I can recommend some to help them. I have access to a great team of Real Estate Resources; but the one referral this buyer needs is a good Realtor.
Now how about the big things the agents do? Who will assist the buyer in their negotiations once the inspection report is delivered? They'll ask me for help but it's not my job. I can't advise them even if I want to. Sounds like a job for a Realtor. What do the buyers do if the radon levels are high? Their Realtor (if they had one) would know.
I'm sure you get my point. Everyone involved in a real estate transaction is important and needed. When you try to cut the corners to save a few dollars it usually backfires and it may end up costing you more in the long run, a lot more.
Bottom line? Hire a pro. In fact hire as many pros as is needed to get the job done correctly. It's the smart way to do it.
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