FSBO - Hey, It Only Works If You Can Be Reached
So, today I had a listing appointment right down the street from where I have a current listing. I was 
prepared with my notes, paperwork and CMA (Comparative Market Analysis). When I get to the neighborhood today I notice that there is a brand new FSBO sign at one of the homes. Hhmmm...
I called the number on the sign....
Me: Yes, I am calling about the home that you have for sale. Can you give me a little information?
Them: Actually, no, you'll need to call another number. It's my mother and her number is 555-xxxx
Me: Thanks
Me: Yes, I am calling about the home that you have for sale. Can you give me a little information?
Them: Oh, ha, ha - I accidentally gave you my cell phone number instead of my mother's cell phone. Her number is 555-xxxx
Me: Hi, I'm calling about the home that you have for sale - can you please give me some information on it?
Them: I'm sorry, you'll need to speak with my husband and he isn't here. You can reach him on his cell at 555-xxxx
Me: Can you not give me any particulars about the house or at least what you are asking for it?
Them: I think we want $164,000 for it.....
Me: Thanks for your time.......
What if I were an actual person sitting in front of the home and was truly interested in the home? It would have taken, at minimum, 4 phone calls to get information about the home. If I were a real buyer I most likely would not have made that 4th call - actually, I probably wouldn't have even made the 2nd or 3rd call.
So, if you ARE going to try and sell your home yourself you have got to have the information about your home ready at a moments notice. You need to provide a correct and direct phone number on the yard sign so potential buyers are able to get information quickly.
If you have tried FSBO and are tired of the headaches please feel free to give me a call or simply send me an email - this is MY JOB! I can relieve you of all the guess work and stress!
Whether you are buying or selling Real Estate in Wake Forest NC it just makes sense to use a Realtor® that knows the area! I live here, work here and play here - I call Wake Forest NC home! For more information regarding homes for sale in Wake Forest NC be sure to visit my websites:
- Leesa Finley- Homes for Sale in Wake Forest NC, Wake Forest NC schools, restaurants, shops, entertainment and MORE....
- Wake Forest NC House Chick - My company website with information for the entire Raleigh NC area including Cary, Apex, Garner, Franklinton, Youngsville, Holly Springs and MORE....
I know it is funny but this does happen with FSBO if they are going to try to sell they at least need to be available to take calls on the home.
I know it is funny but this does happen with FSBO if they are going to try to sell they at least need to be available to take calls on the home.
I really think we should start a sit com based on realtors. And include stuff like this.
This is too funny and so sad! There are so many people out there that just don't get how important having an agent is!
I've had a similar experience with more than 1 FSBO. One time, however, I did earn a listing by patiently going through the phone calls. Just makes us look better when their home doesn't sell because nobody is readily available to give them information about the home. Within 30 days they'll be calling us and will likely reach us with ONE phone call! :)
Leesa, this sounds like the perfect opportunity to grab a listing. Hmmm....
Leesa, I agree with William....keep us informed on how long it takes for them to list with you.
Leesa giving consumers the run around in this market, is a sure way not to be succeful in selling your home.
Leesa, this one makes me laugh out loud! Amateur Hour at it's best!
Hmmmm...not exactly making it easy are they? I love the ones too where the number never is answered and has no voice mail. Oh well!
Leesa, hopefully, those that rec'd mishandled your calls will realize the error of their ways!
That sounds like a comedy of errors. Can you imagine if and when it got to negotiations.
Oh my gosh, Pat - it was SO frustrating!!!
Oh, Karen - the sitcom would last for decades!
You're right, LaNita - it is both sad and funny. Seriously, though, if I were a buyer? I would have moved right on.
That's fantastic, Shelly! I am sure that I will hear from them again as well.
I'm thinking you're right, William!
Wow, good point. That is why I like the one number approach even for us Realtors, calling 3-5- numbers is frustrating.
It shows what a good person you are to even BOTHER with a FSBO. I call the numbers still and it's always exactly like you describe. Then 2 years later they list and every agent knows about the house and has talked to the FSBO. The home is stale. Every agent knows the story of the seller and there is nothing to keep confidential for the seller so the seller has lost 2 great negotiation advantages that will cost them money. You are such a hard worker. I have no idea how you do all that you do! You don't leave any stones unturned.
One of the challenges FSBO sellers don't necessarily think about is scheduling viewing appointments. Are they prescreening their buyers to make sure they're preapproved? Are they copying the license and meeting with them at a public place (say, a real estate office) ahead of time, or are they welcoming a stranger into their home with no verification of ANYTHING?
Isn't that just silly, Mary Kay?
I really can't, Jane! If it's this hard in the beginning .......
It is VERY frustrating, Missy! One number and it's answered - that simple.
I *think*? :giggle: Sounds like someone may not want to sell!
Leesa, pretty much only you or Albert Barneto would make that 4th call, I think. :D
Thanks, Pamela - it was a frustrating time trying to get through to the actual sellers or "keepers of the info"!
This can be a real problem. Most Buyers would not be so persistant. It sounds like they need a good Listing Agent!! Good luck!!
;)
Thanks, Maya - There will always be FSBO and some have been successful but that's the minority. I'll be watching this house and, of course, contacting them over and over again now that I have the right phone number! ;)
See, Penny - that is such a scary position to be in and I know that I certainly wouldn't want to be in it!
I know, Renee, right? Either you want to sell or you don't. Get serious about it if you do.
I think you're right, Jeremy - we probably are the only two!
Thanks Betina! I can't imagine that you would want to sell a home but make it difficult to get information.