FSBO TRICK! The Goody Bag Theory!
After brainstorming on FSBO's, I finally came up with something to set me aside from the rest. Of course, it's not THAT original but it sure beats the heck out of calling or sending a letter scripted to go into the trash. These are the facts about FSBO's:
1) They don't like to be bothered.
2) They are tired of every agent and their mamma calling them and knocking on their door.
3) They think they can do it on their own.
4) If they wanted an agent they would call one.
Tell me how much you like it when someone knocks on your door in the middle of dinner? How great it is when someone beeps in while you are on a long distance phone call with your relative? We don't like it, so why should FSBO's? Don't think you are slick by giving them a call or mailing them a letter. I assure you someone has beat you to the punch. I often wonder how many times an agent has told them "I want your listing", "I WANT your listing"...I want...I want.. I want...
This is where you need to slip in through the back door. While they are going to assume you are another agent that wants, reverse their assumption and give. This is where I came up with the "FSBO GOODY BAG THEORY".
Supplies:
Brown/White Paper-bags w/ handles
Colorful shredded paper to put in the bottom (not a must)
Business cards
Curly String
Goodies (pens, notepads, candles, candy, etc) Think "Dollar Store"
A perfected letter
A hole puncher
Getting the bag ready is simple. I put my colorful shredded paper in the bottom and place the goodies into the bag, duh. :) I then hole punch my business card, pull the curly string through the hole and tie it to the handles. I also put an extra card in the bag. Then comes the letter. I roll the letter up and tie curly string around it and VIOLA.
So, what's the most important part of the goody bag? The letter. They already know you are giving because of the goodies but in the letter you are going to offer free advice, free open houses and possibly free suggestions on staging. Be sure to let them know that there is NO catch. I state in my letter that all I am asking for is for them to spread the word of my good services.
We want to help them as much as possible because in the end, who are they going to go with? The agent who interrupted the long distance phone call? The agent who knocked on the door during dinner? When you bring gifts to someone at an unexpected time, the glory of goodies go out the window. They are NOT thinking about "Wow, I got goodies!", it's "Wow, they interrupted me!". Also, FSBO's are going somewhere, don't you want to be their Buyers Agent? You must be unique and you must stand out among hundreds of others. 
Be a chic sneak. Hit FSBO's while they are at work. I leave all of my bags on their doorstep so they will have a nice little surprise when they get home. Don't expect it to work over night. It will take several weeks before they "get it". It will takes several weeks before they realize they need an agent. When they finally come to, they will remember you and your goody bag theory.
FSBO LETTER
First of all, be creative with the paper that you use. Who likes boring, white paper? At Office Depot, they have parchment paper. It's not stock paper though, it's think like you everday piece. Think Survivor! Think "message in a bottle". This is why we rolled it up and tied it with a bow, it gave it somewhat of a "theme". I wish I could figure out how to use COLOR on my AR post b/c some of this letter is bolded in red and blue. Remember you can come up with something fabulous on your own but this is what my pea brain came up with! Here goes:
Insert Logo Here
We wanted to take the opportunity to wish you the best of luck with selling your home. We understand that in a "Buyer's Market", times might be a little tough. We wanted to give you a few pointers to help you out!
Over 80% of consumers are hitting the Internet first before calling you are an agent. This is where you need to meet them. Do you have your home listed on FSBOBR.com (local FSBO site)? This is not enough exposure. I want to give you some free sites where you can post your home get more visibility. I run all of my listings through these sites ad have had success. They are: craigslist.com, oodle.com, facebook.com and zillow.com.
OPEN HOUSE (Bold in red)- We are excited that your home is on the market ad would love to do an open house for you. We are proud to say that we have had a lot of success with our open houses. We market extensively ad know what it takes to bring in the buyers.
OPEN HOUSE MARKET PLAN (Bold in red)
www.re-finder.com www.forsalebylindsay.com/blog
www.ForSaleByLindsay.com www.activerain.com/ptravasos
www.forsalebypatt.com Flyers
www.2theadvocate.com Open House Signs
www.activerain.com/lpendleton Word Of Mouth
STAGING- Staging is extremely important when selling your home. We know what buyers are looking for. We would be honored to view your home and give you suggestions and ideas on staging. This is very important when it comes to selling your home! Let us help!
So, What's the catch? Actually, there isn't one. Our job, as real estate agents is to help buyers and sellers ad that is what we are doing. All we would like for you to do is spread the word if you are satisfied with our services. Word of mouth is worth a million.
Best wishes,
Lindsay Pendleton
Prime Locations Realty, LLCz
(225)362-0437
* For some reason my OPEN HOUSE MARKETING PLAN is not lining up correctly, please excuse that*
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