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Here is what I would do:
1. Go to epropertysites, where -- the last time I checked -- you could buy a web site with virtual tour for about $10 a year. Link the site to the multiple listing (see #3).
2. Take good pictures, even if you have to find a local professional photographer to do it for about $300.
3. My understanding is that you can buy a multiple listing, just like the pros, for about $399 to $499.
4. Keep tabs on open houses in your area and schedule your open house on the same day as the pros. You'll benefit from their publicity efforts.
5. Find someone -- a friend or relative -- who knows something about social media and can promote the sale of your home on there. (I put up a Facebook page about all the good aspects of living at my home. I was able to put a link to the page on the multiple listing. It helped to sell the home.)
6. Make a list of meaningful improvements on your home (i.e., new 25-year roof -- 2009) and give it out to lookers as a flyer. Also have a list of all the positive aspects of your home (i.e., good commute, near to golf course, etc., etc.).
7. If you're in a good school district, have information -- including the district newsletter -- available to buyers.
8. Make sure your figures are correct. Check out sold homes in your area to determine an appropriate price for yours. Make sure you have accurate tax figures.
9. De-clutter your home and search the web for staging ideas. Also take care of small items, such as paint touch-up or cleanup.
10. When you show your home, try to keep your personal comments to a minimum. The lookers want to imagine themselves living in the home. They don't care about your family history.
11. Offer real estate agents a fair commission (2.5% in my area) for bringing buyers to your home.
I could go on, but these are some of the things I would do for starters. Good luck!
******Make sure you don't violate any discrimanation laws******. Consult your attorney or the NY Dept of State regarding this... last thing you want to do is get sued.
DON'T GET FRUSTRATED... Selling a home as a professional is not easy and doing it by yourself can be much more difficult.
If you get to a "road block" contact a real estate pro... even the CEO or forsalebyowner .com eventually listed with a real estate professional.
Frankly, I think most average people could do the same thing that agents do . . . especially the agents who are working in real estate more as a hobby and less as a career.
If you take all the steps and aren't getting any showings, you need to look at how you are marketing and pricing the house. Ask friends and acquaintances to comment critically on your listing, photos, etc. Double-check "comps" to make sure your price is in the ballpark.
If you eventually get frustrated and need to go to an agent, find one who does this to feed his/her family and not one who is killing time while the spouse is out doing real work. There are professional agents out there who look and act the part and are skilled in networking to ferret out the buyers. That's the kind of person you want.
Best advice don't do it. A good agent will sell your house for the best price.
As a home inspector for over 15 years I can only say this, when I inspect a for sale by owner from my client, I almost always do another inspection for them. For some reason, FSBO deals have a high rate of failure. JMHO...
Best advice don't do it. A good agent will sell your house for the best price.
As a home inspector for over 15 years I can only say this, when I inspect a for sale by owner from my client, I almost always do another inspection for them. For some reason, FSBO deals have a high rate of failure. JMHO...
I totally agree. The house we live in was a FSBO - never, ever again. I won't ever look at one again because I don't want to get sucked in. People sell their own houses because they are cheap. For whatever reason - need to make a certain profit because they overpaid or took took much equity out or whatever. That means that they are going to be hard to negotiate with and close the deal, because your average every day person isn't a good negotiator or deal closer. The other reason they sell thejselves is they fancy themselves smarter than anyone else and hope the buyer will go away without wanting anything from them (hence, KBInspections sees failures because sellers don't want to fix anything on a FSBO). You go the FSBO route and I guarantee you are shrinking your pool of buyers. GOOD agents earn their money.
Well, since the original poster asked the best way to sell a house fsbo, I won't comment on whether or not to use an agent. I have seen successful fsbo sales. Some people have what it takes, others don't. It's just like some people can work on their car themselves, and others need a mechanic.
I agree with all the advice that longislander2 gave except the part about paying a flat fee broker to have their home listed on the MLS. Fact is, it is a waste of money, because most agents don't want to deal with those listings. We want to deal with other professional agents, so when we see those flat fee listings that say "call owner direct" most of us will pass them by. I had one that I have been trying to get in to see. I called the owner 4 times. Not even the courtesy of a return call.
The realtor can also pre-qualify people for mortgages. I know this is easily gamed, especially in this market, but any kind of qualification helps. When you sell by owner, especially in the buyers market in my area, you really have no idea if the folks walking through your house can afford to buy.
The realtor can also pre-qualify people for mortgages. I know this is easily gamed, especially in this market, but any kind of qualification helps. When you sell by owner, especially in the buyers market in my area, you really have no idea if the folks walking through your house can afford to buy.
You should also be aware of safety issues.
Try not to ever be alone in the house with a prospective buyer. At least let a neighbor know when you are showing it to someone so they can keep an eye out. (In my office, we always know where our agents are going. We also have a "panic word" that they can call and use if they are uncomfortable)
Never make an appointment based upon an incoming call. Get a number from them and call them back, so you at a minimum have their number.
When you are showing the house, always let the person walk in front of you. Do not lead them, because then your back will be towards them.
If there is a group, do not let them separate. Keep them all together with you.
During an open house, try to only allow one in at a time. Again, ideally, have someone else with you to help control traffic.
Do not use your home telephone number on a yard sign.
Well, since the original poster asked the best way to sell a house fsbo, I won't comment on whether or not to use an agent. I have seen successful fsbo sales. .
My sister sold her first house herself. Took the first offer which was the amount she wanted - everyone told her she was crazy and should hold out for more, blah blah - this is why people usually don't do well selling themselves - they don't understand how it works. IN the end my sister had a massive problem with the buyers and almost walked out of the closing without selling.
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