Would you consider emailing all the dentists in your area promoting the fact that you are going to be offering root canals at a discounted price (because you do not have any education or experience doing this), so if they happen to have any clients that need this service and don’t want to pay for the expertise of dentist to please send them your way?  Better yet, try emailing all of the car dealers in town about how you will be selling your car on your own, but if they should happen to meet a car buyer who might be interested in your car instead of selling one off their own lot to please direct them your way? 

I don’t know whoever thought it would be a good idea to email all of the realtors in town about the house that you are trying to sell on your own, but apparently some FSBO (For Sale By Owner) folks are trying this “strategy.”

Now, let me point out the major flaws in this idea.

First, when someone decides to sell his home on his own, he is immediately insulting everyone in the real estate profession.  He obviously doesn’t understand or value all of things that a realtor does and doesn’t appreciate how a realtor’s education, knowledge, experience, and expertise can save him from making costly mistakes in the home sale process.

Secondly, he does not understand all of the pitfalls that can occur during a home sale and does not have the knowledge, skills, or contacts to be able to handle these problems and keep the sale on track.

Thirdly, he does not understand whom real estate agents represent and our fiduciary responsibilities to our clients.  If a FSBO seller is asking me to bring a buyer, I represent the buyer and being highly knowledgeable about all aspects of my profession, I will do everything that I can to make the price, terms, and conditions advantageous to the buyer.  Think of it like this: You are in a court of law to settle a dispute involving $500,000.  You do not have an attorney representing you.  The opposing side has hired a lawyer to represent him.  Do you really want to go up against a professional who goes to court everyday with his clients, and knows the law and courtroom strategy like the back of his own hand when you have so much at stake?

Lastly, if a realtor does decide to contact the FSBO seller, it is only to try to market his services in hopes that when the house doesn’t sell, the FSBO seller will call him to list the house.

Honestly, I really don’t understand the psyche of the FSBO seller.  When you are selling the largest investment that most people make in their lifetimes, wouldn’t you want somebody who knows what they are doing, does this everyday of their lives, and has the knowledge, experience and expertise to help you get it done the right way?

All I know is this… if something of value or major importance is at stake, I’m going to hire a professional to guide me.  I’m not going to cheap out and try to “Harry-Homeowner” it.

So Mr. and Mrs. FSBO, if you decide to email and call us about the house that you are trying to sell on your own, be prepared to swallow a huge loss because rest assured, our buyer is going to come out on top.

Wishing you sunshine everyday and the home of your dreams,
Jeri