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When you overhear a FSBO conversation while out for brunch...

By Andrea Bedard

Real Estate Agent with Thompson Company, REALTORS® 240.593.2860 MD594797

June 22, 2025 02:09 PM

The other day, I overheard a conversation at brunch in Ellicott City, MD: "Aunt Judy finally closed on her house. You know she sold it FSBO. It took forever. She had to reduce the price by 100 K. What a stressful experience! But, at least she didn't have to pay a REALTOR®."

After 21 years in Real Estate, hearing stories like these is hard! I can't help but wonder how I could have helped Aunt Judy price it right from the beginning, stage, market, and present her home well, so she wouldn't have had to drop the price (so drastically). But I do understand why some people hesitate. It's hard to know who to trust, and REALTORS® are not all created equal. The best of us make it look so easy, and online estimates appear accurate¹.

The truth is, price matters, your bottom line matters - but that is not all. It's also about time (the time on market, time management, and deadlines), stress, privacy, scam awareness, exposure, disclosure compliance, and missed opportunities. According to the National Association of REALTORS®:

FSBOs sell for ~13% less on average (a median of 380K vs. 435K).
Only 6% of homes sold FSBO in 2024.

The home-selling process doesn't have to be this hard! If you are considering selling in Montgomery County, Howard County, and beyond, I would be happy to have a conversation. No pressure, just facts, support, and a plan (and some laughter, too)!

Andrea Bedard, REALTOR®, home stager, CIPS®, ABR®
cell: 240.593.2860

¹They shouldn't be trusted, but that's a conversation (again) for another time. Or, you can click here and read my thoughts and observations on why they are often inaccurate.

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Dennis Neal

Exp Realty of Southern California, Inc. - Big Bear Lake, CA

Your Home Sold in 21 Days or We Sell It For Free

Andrea, your blog post perfectly encapsulates why choosing an experienced REALTOR® is so vital! The overheard brunch conversation is a common tale, and you clearly illustrate the hidden costs of FSBO—beyond just commissions. The NAR statistics you cited, especially the 13% lower median sales price for FSBOs, really drive home the value professional guidance provides.Andrea, your blog post perfectly encapsulates why choosing an experienced REALTOR® is so vital! The overheard brunch conversation is a common tale, and you clearly illustrate the hidden costs of FSBO—beyond just commissions. The NAR statistics you cited, especially the 13% lower median sales price for FSBOs, really drive home the value professional guidance provides.

Jun 22, 2025 03:03 PM

Andrea Bedard

Silver Spring, MD
Nina Hollander, Broker

Charlotte, NC

Andrea Bedard

Dennis Neal Thank you! It wasn't easy listening to the conversation without stepping in. I was practically white-knuckling my coffee cup! Price is important. The seller's bottom line is important. But there are so many other aspects that make a sale that FSBOs aren't even aware of. I often wonder who makes sure that the legally required disclosures are provided? I just reviewed a sales contract provided by an attorney for an off-market deal as a courtesy. It was missing crucial disclosures!

Jun 23, 2025 06:33 AM

Michael Jacobs

Pasadena, CA

Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hello Andrea - overhearing conversations, reading between the line along with other sensory experiences can offer clues. These can combine in interesting ways. In the practice of real estate and the reality of everyday life.

Jun 23, 2025 03:05 AM

Andrea Bedard

Silver Spring, MD

Andrea Bedard

I was enjoying brunch with my child that day Michael Jacobs and we were chatting away. As soon as we heard FSBO our ears perked up, and it was impossible not to listen. It was tough to hear the ending, since I want everybody to succeed. Aunt Judy did not.

Jun 23, 2025 06:36 AM

Nina Hollander, Broker

Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC

Your Greater Charlotte Real Estate Broker

Good morning, Andrea... it's amazing isn't it how this idea of not paying an agent saves home sellers money never goes away. I suspect that an agent's commission on that home would have been no where near $100K. And, of course, we can't put a price on the cost of stress.

Jun 23, 2025 04:15 AM

Andrea Bedard

Silver Spring, MD

Andrea Bedard

Exactly, there is so much more that goes into a sale. There's no way of knowing how Aunt Judy's price compared to the comps, but I do know that I am selling my listings w/in a few days (I have one under contract that I sold on day 1). If a home sits for 6 months, there is a whole lot not right, and Aunt Judy would probably have benefited from expert representation! Thank you, Nina Hollander, Broker!

Jun 23, 2025 06:40 AM

Kat Palmiotti

eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT

Helping your Montana dreams take root

Argh. Poor Aunt Judy. She shoulda called you!

Jun 23, 2025 05:10 AM

Andrea Bedard

Silver Spring, MD

Andrea Bedard

She should have! I agree, Kat Palmiotti!

Jun 23, 2025 06:40 AM

Wayne Martin

Wayne M Martin - Oswego, IL

Real Estate Broker - Retired

Good morning Andrea. I had a friend whose brothers and sisters insisted on selling FSBO. One year later with holding costs of $20,000 and loss of income on a CD with rates in the mid teens they got their price. They said I told you so! My comment you were lucky, ha, ha. Sometime you just can't fix stupid! Enjoy your day.

Jun 23, 2025 05:36 AM

Andrea Bedard

Silver Spring, MD

Andrea Bedard

The holding costs are often forgotten about, Wayne Martin, but can be substantial. What other opportunities were missed in that year? A potentially lower price on a purchase? Memories made while traveling the world? That time was lost, and they can't get it back.

Jun 23, 2025 06:42 AM

Brian England

Ambrose Realty Management LLC - Gilbert, AZ

MBA, GRI, REALTOR® Real Estate in East Valley AZ

People who do FSBO are absolutely deranged, and they feel good about saving on a commission, even though they lost out on so much more money that would have been in their pockets, haha.

Jun 23, 2025 05:41 AM

Andrea Bedard

Silver Spring, MD

Andrea Bedard

Well, I wouldn't call them "deranged" but perhaps it is partially our fault (not individually but as a profession) by making it look too easy, by sparing our clients all the ugly details and problem-solving steps that went on beyond the scenes?

Jun 23, 2025 06:44 AM