| I had a FSBO apointment on Saturday afternoon and the woman was very adamant on hiring a REALTOR® to list her house. I wanted to leave my information packet along with 5 Reasons You Need a REALTOR® and she did not want me to leave anything. She just wanted me to preview it in case I had a buyer who was looking in that neighborhood. Why are they so afraid of hiring a REALTOR®? This article was on the REALTOR.org site and I couldn't agree it with it anymore. Why don't others see it? 1. A real estate transaction is complicated. In most cases, buying or selling a home requires disclosure forms, inspection reports, mortgage documents, insurance policies, deeds, and multi-page government-mandated settlement statements. A knowledgeable guide through this complexity can help you avoid delays or costly mistakes. 2. Selling or buying a home is time consuming. Even in a strong market, homes in our area stay on the market for an average of ____ days. And it usually takes another 60 days or so for the transaction to close after an offer is accepted. 3. Real estate has its own language. If you don't know a CMA from a PUD, you can understand why it's important to work with someone who speaks that language. 4. REALTORS® have done it before. Most people buy and sell only a few homes in a lifetime, usually with quite a few years in between each purchase. And even if you've done it before, laws and regulations change. That's why having an expert on your side is critical. 5. REALTORS® provide objectivity. Since a home often symbolizes family, rest, and security, not just four walls and roof, home selling or buying is often a very emotional undertaking. And for most people, a home is the biggest purchase they'll every make. Having a concerned, but objective, third party helps you keep focused on both the business and emotional issues most important to you. |
Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc. - Rockville, MD
Associate Broker - Rockville, MD 301-758-9500
Thanks for posting Michele...it can be very complicated in some areas. I think of the FSBOs like people who run around without a buyer's agent...if you don't have someone who can help you make good decisions - it can be a costly mistake indeed.
Jun 21, 2010 01:41 AM
EXP Realty 414-525-0563 - Brookfield, WI
WI Real Estate Agents - Luxury - Divorce
And...since the homeowner can neither do a cma nor most usually be skilled in negotiating skills...is the home priced at an appraisable price...AND it is likely that buyers will discount beyond what would have been paid in commission.
Jun 21, 2010 01:42 AM
Legacy Realty - Crossville, TN
Serving You is My Top Priority
We just had a situation come up with a FSBO while one of my agents was out showing homes her buyers wanted to see the house. We had already been to see the FSBO and did a listing presentation for them. They were going to list with us but thought they'd put a FSBO sign in the yard since they were not in a big hurry. My agent sold their home to her buyer and the FSBO wouldn't pay us but a small fee. We live and learn!
Jun 21, 2010 01:43 AM
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time
There are two reasons they may not want to list with us --- mostly price - they save our commission. Also I have heard some that have had really bad experiences with Realtors and feel they can do it without pain.... hmmmm.
Jun 21, 2010 01:47 AM
RE/MAX..214-289-6176 Irving and all of Dallas Fort Worth - Irving, TX
True Sarasota Real Estate - Sarasota, FL
Sarasota Real Estate
Great blog for consumers. Michele. For many, going without representation is like operating on yourself!
Jun 21, 2010 01:52 AM
Woodbridge, VA
Your Commercial Real Estate Link to Northern VA
Michele, great reasons why a FSBO should use a REALTOR®. If you do bring a buyer make sure you bring a One Time Showing Agreement to get all the terms in writing. Good Post!
Jun 21, 2010 02:04 AM
Kathleen Cooper, Sposato Realty Group - Worcester, MA
Sposato Realty Group - Broker Owner
Great post! Too many FSBOs are scared of REALTORS for no good reason. Glad that you're not intimidated by it and you're still working them!
Sincerely,
Kathleen
Jun 21, 2010 11:07 AM
Real E Smarter - Spokane, WA
Real E Smarter Real Estate Coach - 509-362-1966
Hey Kathleen #8, I think many Realtors give them good reasons to not see value, But I say the direct approach usually fails with FSBO.s I have worked FSBO's for about 8 years and I fint the usual approaches don't work because they look at them as tactics to get them to list. You have to package them in a way that adds value to them and is non threatening or they aren't interested.
Jun 22, 2010 06:04 AM
Rainer
242,076
242,076
Michele Miller ~ REALTOR®, LMC, HSE, CHS, SRES, CMRS
'Helping You Make the Best Move"
Comments(9)