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Dear FSBO Seller: (So you want to save money on Commissions?)

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Real Estate Agent
Dear FSBO Seller: (So you want to save money on Commissions?)
 
*I sometimes use sarcasm to make a point, so please don't be offended by what may sound a little "snarky" at points.  It's really meant to be educational for you, and helpful!*
 
Open Letter To Mr. FSBO (For Sale By Owner) Seller:
I wish you had been able to give me more time to talk, but do understand that your previous commitment did not allow for that. And... Thank you for the generous commission offer you threw at me as I was going out the door ~ “if you bring me a buyer” ~ was so very generous at TEN PERCENT!  (REALLY??? WOW!!!)
 
For Sale By Owner Sign

Now, I know we are from different generations; you are in my dad’s age group. But that should not preclude you from knowing that most Real Estate Agents (except for a few, & far between, if any), DO NOT charge as much as 10% commission (at least not that I’ve heard of in this part of this state)! It varies, agent to agent, and brokerage to brokerage, but is almost always way below that!
 
And that commission, when YOU LIST YOUR PROPERTY WITH ME, or any other Real Estate Agent, gives you the following (& I WILL go over all of this again when I come back the next time!):
     ...extremely widespread advertising on the Internet (90+% of Buyers today do their home search on the Internet, and many from other parts of the state/country/world are looking at our area because they need to relocate here);
     ...some local print advertising;
     ...advertising to my entire database & all of the agents in my Broker’s offices;
     ...THE MLS, which takes it to ALL Real Estate Agents & Brokers who subscribe to it;
     ...Open Houses;
     ...ME - looking out for your best interests, and YOURS ALONE! 
 
If I took you up on your “10% commission” offer, I would be looking out for the best interests of my buyers, not you!
...and you would still HAVE TO PAY SOMEONE to take care of your side of the transaction - a lawyer or another RE agent.
 
How’s that “I’m selling it myself to save money on the agent’s commission” working for you now, I wonder?
Didn’t think of all that before, did you?
 
I'll stop by and we’ll talk again soon, okay?  In the meantime, if you have any questions or concerns and would like to chat about them, just give me a call, text me, or send an email.  I'll gladly listen and help however I can.
 
Have a great day!
 
With Warm Regards!
Your Local Real Estate Agent
 
 
Yes, my friends, this actually did happen not too long ago! 
There are so many folks out there who do not realize what a Real Estate Agent does for that Commission, and they truly do think they are "saving money!"  That is why I felt the need to write this...
"Dear FSBO Seller: (So you want to save money on Commissions?)" Letter.
 
Hopefully, it will help some home-owner who is struggling with selling their home by themselves. 
If it does, I'll be happy!
Posted by

Paula Burt, REALTOR®      Keller Williams Keystone Realty, York, PA   (717) 755-5599, Ext 3055   RealEstateLadyPJB@gmail.com

Comments (3)

Inna Ivchenko
Barcode Properties - Encino, CA
Realtor® • GRI • HAFA • PSC Calabasas CA

yep, sad and funny.

I don't think we have such generous sellers here in LA. Usually, it is 5...... I was checking today listings for my buyer, all commissions were 2.5 for buyer agent.

 

May 21, 2012 06:59 PM
James Dray
Fathom Realty - Bentonville, AR

Morning Paula I agree with Inna but find is sand and true.  If they are offering 10% they are desperate.  What I don't understand if they would pay less in most cases they would get all the benefits just doesn't make sense but what do I know. 

May 21, 2012 08:56 PM
Paula Burt
REALTOR , SFR, RECS

INNA:         I agree!  But that's when they LIST with you!  This guy is just saying this on his own "to save $"

JAMES:       He's not desperate at all!  He is perfectly happy just letting it sit there until the right buyer just magically comes along somehow - on a rural road thru a spread-out developement back off of another rural road! Sheesh!

May 23, 2012 05:02 AM