FSBO. Really.

You're considering a FSBO. Really. Let's think about this. I made the move from Boston. I am a Realtor. I worked for years for a lender. I had a professional appraisal. I paid for a boatload of advertising. I got one nosey neighbor at the open house. I finally gave the listing to a Realtor. He sold my house. FSBOs are just uncomfortable for buyers and painful for sellers.

 
First: You are advertising on Craig's list and FSBO sites. CREEPY. If you list with a Realtor, Realtors show your homes. Did you know every Realtor in FL has been fingerprinted and the state has done a thorough background check. You list your home confident that the person showing it has a clean record. Can you say that for the Craig's list customer? What about the FSBO site buyer? If you list with a Realtor your best interests are protected and you are safe. Your potential buyer has been screened. Robbers do not get a mortgage prequalification before they 'check out' your house.


Second: Can you be there 7 days, at the convenience of the buyer, to show your home? A Realtor can. Can you afford to try to reschedule for 'your convenience'. I say no. Yesterday my buyer was between 2 homes. One he saw, the other he did not see yet. The seller didnt want to be available for house #2. What a difference a day makes? My buyer bought the one he saw. Even got a 10 minute notice at 6:30 pm for a second showing! And yes, this Realtor cancelled her evening plans to escort his family through the home again.



Third: "AWKWARD" Nothing is weirder than having the seller follow you around. You just can't get the feel of a home with someone looking over your shoulder and chatting with you. Then there's this scenario - Let's see. "Well Mr. Seller, I love the house, but the price is too high". There is no way to say it tactfully. Who wants to. They just don't make an offer. They move on.

 
Look at the article from NAR (National Association of Realtors). You basically pay a Realtor 6% and you start packing. OR you list yourself and lose on average 16% .

 
Public Advocacy Campaign: Don't Try This at Home

Sellers who use a real estate professional make 16 percent more on the sale of their home than do sellers who go it alone. Unrepresented sellers often do not understand the complexity, range and timing of tasks they will have to perform if they don’t use a professional. REALTORS® are real estate professionals who are experts in marketing and negotiation. REALTORS® can help a seller set a realistic price and ensure the proper paperwork and various disclosures and inspections are handled correctly. REALTORS® know best how to prepare a home and maximize value, provide broader exposure to the market and are more likely to generate multiple bids than a seller on their own. In addition, REALTORS® are experts in attracting qualified buyers. A professional can show a home more objectively than can a seller who may be emotionally attached to the home, and who might become unnerved by prospective buyers’ critical comments. The real estate pro also checks the financial capability and bona fides of buyers before allowing them onto a seller’s property.

I have a Bachelors degree in Business with sales and marketing concentrations. I have been in sales for 20+ yrs. I have been in Real Estate and Lending for almost 20 yrs. I have bought and sold in SW FL for over 10 yrs. I am more qualified than you are to sell your home! Call me. Let's talk about it.



Claudia DeBruyn, Realtor

cell / text 781-799-7570

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