We've all seen it. You're working with an agent you have come to know and trust and you find a property that is a FSBO (pronounced Fizz-Bo), a For Sale By Owner property. Your agent has done a great job of understanding your needs, narrowing your search, showing you homes, and ultimately getting you to the point of being ready to make an offer on your next new home purchase.
THEN IT HAPPENS! You find the perfect home, but it's not in the MLS. It has a big sign out front that says "For Sale By Owner". Oh, No! It is certainly your dream home, but what about your agent? He's been so attentive and put up with your almost constant changes to the search parameters. He's shown you so many places and helped you narrow the search. He's now a friend! You don't want to cut them out of the process, but you want to see the inside of this dream home!
THERE'S GREAT NEWS! You don't have to sacrifice the comfort you have in your real estate agent. A savvy agent will not hesitate to contact the seller and negotiate an arrangement for you to see the home. Usually the seller will agree to a commission structure if an agent can bring a qualified buyer. If not, you've still got options.
1). Walk away. You wouldn't go to court without your attorney, or to a tax audit without your accountant. Should you look at real estate without your trusted professional?
2). Discuss a compensation package with your agent and sign an agreement to use him as a buyer's agent. Your costs can then be factored into the offer you make if you choose to move forward.
3). Dump your trusted agent. (But not before you review number 1 again).
The point is, a For Sale By Owner doesn't have to put you at a disadvantage. Let your agent help.
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