A lot of homeowners today are trying to sell their homes themselves. Affectionally, we refer to them as FSBO's. I applaud your efforts and wish you the best of success.
However, let's look at some pros and cons of FSBO.
Pros of FSBO
1. Commission savings
2. You control the listing side
3. You schedule your own showings (can be a con!)
Cons of FSBO
1. People looking for a FSBO are trying to save money just like you. They expect you to give up the commission that you are saving.
2. You don't get good feedback. People will be nice to you but not necessarily honest. Good feedback is imperative. (Example, if they smell dogs or diapers, they won't tell you this!)
3. Exposure! You are limited to drive bys, word of mouth, perhaps a few craigs list ads, signs at work or grocery store, etc. The MLS (now called the BLC) gives you exposure to thousands of buyers.
4. You're on your own professionally. If you're not fluent in the process, it could cost you because you don't have professional representation.
5. You may not know the right people to call for inspections, title companies, legal advice, home repairs, etc.
6. You're probably on an uneven playing field with your buyer. A realtor's job is to professionally represent their client. This evens the playing field.
7. Negotiations are almost always awkward.
8. Limited access to realtime information regarding current listings, pendings, solds and market.
9. Many FSBO's don't fully understand the process from contract to closing.
10. Every transaction has some type of twist. A realtor's job is to smooth out those twists with the most favorable outcome to you as possible. As a FSBO, you're on your own. (Example. suppose that your inspection revealed a latent defect in your foundation. An encroachment. A subdivision violation. Evidence of mold or termites. A cloud on the title. What about possession. Home Warranty. Who pays for what at closing. What is an appropriate earnest money. What about seller paid closing cost.... the list goes on and on.)
So.... What about a limited service listing like "Assist to Sell"?
That only solves part of the issue. You still interface with the buyer directly, schedule your own showings, realtor is limited in their service to you. We usually find these programs of limited success.
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Personally, I've walked the FSBO route. I actually sold a home in 1994 as a FSBO. I've owned 6 homes in the last 26 years. I lucked out in 1994 but I would describe the transaction in one word: stressful!
In 2003, I had a limited service listing with Home Yeah! I paid $500 to get me in the MLS. That didn't work so hot. One word: awkward!
In 2005, I had my home listed with a realtor but would not listen to him. We were way over priced. We eventually sold the home less than what the realtor suggested because the listing became stale. We were 2.5 years on the market before we woke up. One word: stubborn!
Then...I got smart! I started listening to my realtors and learned the value of what they provide. I became a realtor in early 2007 and have had excellent success in representing both buyers and sellers. My record listing in 18 hours from entering the BLC to an accepted contract. That's hours...not days!
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Most FSBO's give up after 60 days and list with a realtor anyway. Good realtors will be honest and list the home only after an appropriate amount of due diligence, market research and home preparation. A good realtor doesn't take a listing that they cannot sell. That doesn't help anyone.
I'd love to share with you what I've learned and how it will work for you.
Give me, Robby, Jen or Stephen a call.
Below you'll find the latest SOLD homes in Fishers, Carmel and Noblesville. Our site actually let's you search the latest SOLD homes. Also be sure to check out market reports! These are amazing and will give you excellent info.
Robert Haynes
317-250-7213
Lovely family home in Meadows Glen! 3 bed with several living areas for the family, great deck and a fire pit for outdoor entertaining! Fresh paint throughout, new carpet...
Listing courtesy of Highgarden Real Estate. Selling Office: Berkshire Hathaway Home.
The Essence of Back Home in Indiana, a true Carmel Treasure. An elegant mix of classic old-world charm and rustic Americana. You'll have to see for yourself. The opportun...
Listing courtesy of Morton Homes Realty, Inc.. Selling Office: Morton Homes Realty, Inc..
Great opportunity to purchase a hard-to-find 3.9 acre property in Noblesville/HSE Schools, complete with a 1700+ sqft pole barn, livestock shed and a 4 Bedroom 2.5 bath h...
Listing courtesy of Keller Williams Indpls Metro N. Selling Office: CENTURY 21 Scheetz.
Here it is - check out this special Custom high quality construction 3 bedroom ranch home with 9 foot ceilings. Spacious kitchen ready for entertaining. Hearth room with ...
Listing courtesy of Re/Max Legends Group. Selling Office: Neo and Cardea Realty, LLC.
Beautiful and built by a craftsman. Elegant custom estate with design character and creativity. The home sits on the Jack Nicholas golf course in SAGAMORE on a .79 acre...
Listing courtesy of Claybrook Realty. Selling Office: BLP Realty Group.
Beautiful 4BD 2.5BA Estridge home in desirable Ashmore Trace. Home is extremely well cared for with many uprageds, including Nafaco Flooring in entry, Crown Molding, Upda...
Listing courtesy of Hsi Commercial Group Inc. Selling Office: GOOD JOB REALTY LLC.
You will fall in love with the Kentmore III! This beautiful three bedrooms, 2 bath home includes an open concept kitchen and a gathering room with a morning room directly...
Listing courtesy of M/I Homes Of Indiana, L.P.. Selling Office: F.C. Tucker Company.
Custom built luxury ranch situated on a choice lot with private views of pond & mature trees. All Brick construction, Pella casement & awning windows, Plantation shutters...
Listing courtesy of F.C. Tucker Company. Selling Office: F.C. Tucker Company.
Huge 2.9 acre building site that backs up to Thorpe Creek. It currently has a 1,900 square foot Farmhouse and Pole Barn. Home is occupied and is being sold As-Is. This lo...
Listing courtesy of Berkshire Hathaway Home. Selling Office: Berkshire Hathaway Home.
Cornerstone Series/Tribeca
Listing courtesy of Non-Blc Office. Selling Office: Keller Williams Indy Metro NE.
New build. 4 Bedroom and 2.5 Bath Home with 3 car attached garage in Vermillion.
Listing courtesy of F.C. Tucker Company. Selling Office: F.C. Tucker Company.
Beautiful brick 4 BR, 2.5 bath ( with office or possible 5th bedroom) in popular Brookston Pl. Spacious kitchen and breakfast room. Large loft upstairs. Front Room & Atri...
Listing courtesy of Non-Blc Office. Selling Office: Gallery of Homes Real Estate.
Listed & Sold
Listing courtesy of Non-Blc Office. Selling Office: F.C. Tucker Company.
This Village Farms home is just waiting for you to make it your own. Enjoy the large eat in kitchen w/center island & granite countertops. Step into the large great room ...
Listing courtesy of F.C. Tucker Company. Selling Office: Trueblood Real Estate.
Fantastic four bedroom ranch on finished basement in popular Saxony. Open and bright main level living. All appliances included. Beautifully landscaped private backyard...
Listing courtesy of Highgarden Real Estate. Selling Office: F.C. Tucker Company.
A carefree lifestyle awaits at Country Fields at Fishers. Light, Bright and Welcoming, this one level condo offers so much space. The huge Great Room features 10 ft....
Listing courtesy of Century 21 Scheetz. Selling Office: Berkshire Hathaway Home.
Well maintained and move in ready home in custom established neighborhood. Lots of big ticket items recently replaced such as windows, Entry way door and sidelights alon...
Listing courtesy of F.C. Tucker Company. Selling Office: Keller Williams Indpls Metro N.
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Listing courtesy of Envoy Real Estate, Llc. Selling Office: Non-BLC Office.
Gorgeous Contemporary Home on Prime Lot in Popular Maintenance Free 55+ Community w/ $48,000 in Upgrades! Custom Entry Door. Open Concept Living/Dining/Kitchen. Beautiful...
Listing courtesy of O'Brien Team Realty. Selling Office: Keller Williams Indy Metro NE.
Luxurious all brick home with split floor plan and 3.5 garage on a premium wooded lot. Beautiful open concept with fireplace and large plentiful windows throughout to enj...
Listing courtesy of Encore Sotheby's International. Selling Office: Mark Dietel Realty, LLC.
Absoultely gorgeous 3 bedroom ranch home on the pond, with private back deck and a sun room! HOA provides lawn care so enjoy more time for your favorite activites. Open f...
Listing courtesy of F.C. Tucker Company. Selling Office: Indy Home Shop LLC.
Three BR, 2.5 BA, ranch home on oversized lot overlooking pond. Home has many added features including custom kitchen w/designer backsplash, quartz countertops, stainles...
Listing courtesy of Kc Ayer Real Esttate, Inc.. Selling Office: F.C. Tucker Company.
The LARGEST lot on River Glen Golf course! 1.33 acres with lots of privacy and room for a pool! 4 BD/4.5 BA (poss 5th BD) Master on the main with wet room(bathtub in show...
Listing courtesy of Front Porch Real Estate. Selling Office: F.C. Tucker Company.
Welcome home! Completely updated limestone ranch is truly turn-key in desired Home Place. All you need to do is move in. Solid hardwoods throughout, stainless steel appli...
Listing courtesy of Doc Real Estate, Inc. Selling Office: Carpenter, REALTORS®.
Come view this 4 bedroom/2.5 bath house located in Hamilton county. This property features a spacious kitchen, large living room and family room. 2 bedrooms/1 full bath p...
Listing courtesy of United Real Estate Indpls. Selling Office: F.C. Tucker Company.
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