There are some misconceptions that are usually made when selling a home via the FSBO process. One of the major ones is that you will be giving up advertising and marketing ability by not using a realtor. While they may have been true in years past, it is surely not the case anymore. There is now an established network of FSBO websites that can take the place of the traditional realtor website. One thing that is also becoming more and more popular is listing your home on the local MLS yourself to get that extra bit of exposure.
Listing on the MLS is a great idea, now your home is available to as many buyers as possible. It is also available to realtors who have many clients in the market for homes. This brings up a good point, in marketing your home to the full extent you may still have to deal with realtors.
After you get your home on the MLS prepare yourself for interest from a lot more people, but also from realtors who want to sell your home. Stick to your guns, they will tell you horror stories about FSBO's but if you have done your homework you should be able to tell them horror stories about traditional sales as well. Also be prepared to negotiate with agents who believe that they can take advantage of an FSBO situation. Remember that they, and other viewers will always be trying to get the lowest possible price out of you, you should know your low point before anyone ever looks at the home. Never let anyone else know what this number is, doing that is like giving away money.
You must also be ready to show your home to interested buyers. The most difficult part of this will be trying to stay emotionally uninvolved in the process. Be careful as this emotion can be taken advantage of by unscrupulous buyers or agents who are trying to discover your bottom line. When your are showing the home, try not to act like the home's owner. Rather, try to put yourself in the place of an agent who is selling the home. This is definitely not the time to be overly emotional or to tell stories about the things that happened in your home. Remember, people want to feel comfortable in your home, not awkward.
