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
What a great home in a great part of Indianapolis. This charming 1st floor condo at the very popular Retreat has a wonderful view of the large pond and easy access to the...
Listing courtesy of United Real Estate Indpls. Selling Office: CENTURY 21 Scheetz.
IMMACULATE End Unit Townhouse in The Village of WestClay! Located right across street from Goldwater Park & Pool House, Tennis courts & gym! Gourmet Kitchen, Hardwood F...
Listing courtesy of Offerpad Brokerage, LLC. Selling Office: F.C. Tucker Company.
Wonderful 4 Bedroom + 2.5 Bath + Bsmt Home w/ great updates & extras located in Woodland Green w/established trees, lovely landscaping & backyard setting w/18x32 Deck, ne...
Listing courtesy of Berkshire Hathaway Home. Selling Office: Berkshire Hathaway Home.
Hard to find hidden gem in Carmel! 4 bed, 2.5 bath. The main floor has versatile floor plan. Kitchen w/ breakfast nook, lots of storage, SS appliances. Master bedroom w/...
Listing courtesy of CENTURY 21 Scheetz. Selling Office: eXp Realty, LLC.
LOCATED IN THE HEART OF FISHERS COME ON HOME TO THIS 3 BEDROOM RANCH HOME WITH VERY PEACEFUL & SERENE SETTING IN POPULAR BERKLEY GROVE! HOME FEAT: HUGE GR, HEARTH RM W/GO...
Listing courtesy of eXp Realty, LLC. Selling Office: Keller Williams Indpls Metro N.
Prime location nestled off of 106th, just minutes from Target and all your daily/weekly shopping needs, sits this 4 bdrm, 3 full baths home on HALF ACRE lot. Inviting por...
Listing courtesy of Highgarden Real Estate. Selling Office: F.C. Tucker Company.
No need to build ~ this 2017 year built Open Concept Home with 5th Bedroom and Full Bathroom on main floor; currently used as an OFFICE. GREAT ROOM, Kitchen & Flex Room a...
Listing courtesy of F.C. Tucker Company. Selling Office: Keller Williams Indy Metro NE.
This is It! Luxurious, Light-filled 4 Bed, 2.5 Bath PLUS Huge Media Room with a View! The Open Concept main floor offers connection you're looking for while maintaining t...
Listing courtesy of Keller Williams Indy Metro NE. Selling Office: Star Alliance Brokerage, Inc..
Location, Location, Location! Charming 3-bedroom 2 bath 1700 sq ft ranch home within minutes of Morris Reservoir. Open concept home with new flooring, fresh paint, den/o...
Listing courtesy of The Indy Realty Shop. Selling Office: Carpenter, REALTORS®.
Dreamy 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath home with a loft and a serene tree-lined backyard in popular Marilyn Ridge! Main floor features updating flooring, spacious family room, half b...
Listing courtesy of Compass Indiana, LLC. Selling Office: eXp Realty, LLC.
Hard to find & easy to care for Carmel ranch w/tons of natural light. Spacious cook's kitchen w/custom backsplash and granite counters. Center island adds tons of storage...
Listing courtesy of Highgarden Real Estate. Selling Office: Trueblood Real Estate.
3-level townhome on quiet cul de sac. This townhome has 3 bedrooms, 3.5 baths. 9ft ceilings in the living area and a gas fireplace. Upper level laundry for extra convenie...
Listing courtesy of CENTURY 21 Scheetz. Selling Office: Forthright Real Estate.
Well maintained 4 bedroom 2.5 bathroom home with updated kitchen and baths. Kitchen has stainless appliances, two pantries, center island with granite countertops, stainl...
Listing courtesy of F.C. Tucker Company. Selling Office: Trueblood Real Estate.
Move right in this beautifully maintained home in a great Fisher's location! Dramatic 2-story entry opens to a formal living room. Open floorplan perfect for everyday liv...
Listing courtesy of F.C. Tucker Company. Selling Office: Trueblood Real Estate.
Open concept End Unit Townhome perfect for today's living. Natural Sunlight fills this Platinum series Ashton Floorplan. Kitchen upgrades include 42" Cabinets/Quartz Coun...
Listing courtesy of F.C. Tucker Company. Selling Office: RE/MAX Complete.
Back on market due to no fault of the seller! Gorgeous, 5 bedroom stunner in the prestigious Carmel school system! You can't beat the setting of this private, wooded lot ...
Listing courtesy of @properties. Selling Office: Keller Williams Indpls Metro N.
Rare opportunity to bring your own builder and create your dream home on a spacious 0.80 acre wooded lot in the established Eden Forest subdivision. The parcel offers 144...
Listing courtesy of GFR, LLC. Selling Office: CENTURY 21 Scheetz.
Amazing 5 BR 4.5 BA custom built home with full finished walkout basement in prestigious Windermere Pointe! Impressive 2-story entry opens to dramatic great room with 2O ...
Listing courtesy of Offerpad Brokerage, LLC. Selling Office: Alisa Lee Realty.
Better than new craftsman home with private interior courtyard & fireplace. Open concept main floor with 10' ceilings, added recessed lights, and 8' slider to courtyard. ...
Listing courtesy of Compass Indiana, LLC. Selling Office: CENTURY 21 Scheetz.
Welcome home to the Kensington! 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and a 3-car garage. Features a loft, a 1st-floor guest suite, and a 2nd-floor laundry. Entering the home you will...
Listing courtesy of M/I Homes of Indiana, L.P.. Selling Office: F.C. Tucker Company.
This Avanti is situated in the back cul de sac of a small community. The home exudes luxury with the 9’ ceilings, beautiful architectural trim work, and open concept livi...
Listing courtesy of Keller Williams Indpls Metro N. Selling Office: Keller Williams Indpls Metro N.
THIS BEAUTIFULLY UPDATED 3BR, 2 FULL BATHROOM ALL BRICK RANCH LOCATED IN CARMEL-CLAY SCHOOLS HAS BEEN COMPLETELY REMODELED FROM TOP TO BOTTOM. UPDATES INCLUDE AN OPEN FLO...
Listing courtesy of Apter Properties, LLC. Selling Office: CENTURY 21 Scheetz.
Wonderful Carmel home w/quite backyard & tons of room to grow. This home in one of the best locations close to schools, parks,, shopping & DT Carmel. Large family room w/...
Listing courtesy of Berkshire Hathaway Home. Selling Office: T L C Real Estate Group.
Welcome to this wonderful home in desirable Hazel Dell Woods. This lovely home has 3 bed, 2 bath with a grand living, kitchen, and dining area. The tall ceilings and op...
Listing courtesy of Indianapolis Homes Realty Grou. Selling Office: Berkshire Hathaway Home.
RARE FIND! Fabulous New Listing in Brooks Landing at Prairie View. Gated, private cul-de-sac with only 9 homes. Enjoy Prairie View Golf Course just 1/4 mile from your f...
Listing courtesy of CENTURY 21 Scheetz. Selling Office: eXp Realty, LLC.
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