popular "For Sale By Owner site states that 80% of people that try to sell their home on their own, will eventually use a Realtor. That means that 20% where either successful in selling FSBO or just gave up.  That’s because it is not easy to sell your home alone. 

Let’s consider the the buyer’s view point.  When someone is moving from one city to the next, most people do not look at “For Sale by Owner” sites. One reason is a lack of a National FSBO network,,,  so, where do you go?. Realtors have an international network.. It will show you most EVERY home that is listed by a Realtor in the united states. And from a Buyer's perspective, using a Realtor does not cost them anything.

Who does For Sale By Owner Benefit?  The Seller.  Most people who list their home alone, do it because they think that they can not afford a Realtor.  Rarely do they lower the price by the amount a Realtor would charge. Quite often, we find that FSBO homes are over priced. This leads to another reason some people don’t list with a Realtor. Most Realtors don’t want to list an over priced home and sellers have a set price in mind.

You may have heard a real estate agent boasting that they sold ONE MILLION DOLLARS in homes.  Most people think that real estate agents just rake it in. If a Realtor sells ONE MILLION DOLARS in homes, they MIGHT make $30,000 (a year.) That’s before the brokerage takes a portion (sometimes 50% and more) then most real estate agents pay additional expenses (thousands) like advertising, association fees and other franchise fees.  So, most Realtors are not “raking it in” unless they are successfully selling a lot of homes.

So, Who buys For Sale By Owner properties. #1 people driving through the neighborhood and happen to find a sign. #2 People who think they will get a better price buying a FSBO.

Who Sells FSBO
Those who really like to do everything themselves. DIYS’ers
Those who have heavy traffic through a neighborhood that makes a yard sign effective
Those who have been burned by a bad real estate agent
Those who have DIYS’ers for parents.
Those who think real estate agents charge too much.
Those who really can’t afford a real estate agent
Those who think they will save money selling it alone
Those who have issues with a home and will only sell if the home doesn't get inspected.

There are some who think that there is a sucker out there that might pay more than what a Realtor suggests. But they forget that the home has to be appraised before a lender will lend money on it.

What are the Positives?
We all have heard the stories of a home selling FSBO in the first week and to be honest... before I was a Realtor, I was one of them.  I sold the home for less than what a Realtor would have, but I did sell the home quickly. 

If you are considering selling a home on your own, contact me. I will provide you with a free market evaluation of your home. Why would I do that? It's simple... it goes back to the concept that 80% of people who start to list their home alone... eventually call a Realtor to sell their home. For me, It's a great way to start a relationship with people who are selling their home.

Tim Johnson, Broker Associate
TRADERS Realty
309 321-0034