Wednesday, March 9, 2016

Melbourne, Florida For Sale By Owner - Dealing with Realtors.

Being a "For Sale By Owner" (FSBO, pronounced fizzbo) does not preclude potential contact with a real estate agent.

If you are a for sale by owner and a real estate agent should contact you remember  real estate agents are not your enemy.

I can almost guarantee that within hours of putting your Melbourne, Florida home for sale as a FSBO you will likely get contacted by some real estate agents.  Most probably wanting to list your home to help you make more money.   

Some of these real estate agents may want to offer you free assistance (hoping for a listing opportunity when if you do not sell).

And sometimes the real estate agent may have a prospective buyer for your home.

Most real estate agents, if they have a buyer, will ask one question up front - Will you work with a real estate agent (translation - will you pay the buyer's agent a commission?)?

I suggest FSBOs respond affirmatively.

The reason - a qualified buyer prospect will be coming to see your home.   Almost all real estate agents verify prospective customer's ability to purchase before showing homes.  The one they bring to your door will likely be a willing and able buyer.

Side note:  As a FSBO, do you take the time verify ability to purchase before you schedule or show your home?  Do you even know who it is you are letting in your home? 
So, assuming you are willing to pay the buyer's agent a commission (always negotiable),  here are a few things to keep in mind about the process:
  • Do not expect the buyer's agent to work the seller side of the deal as well.  In Florida there is no dual agency.  Listing agents work for the seller.  If you want your own agent, consider listing your home. Or, if another buyer shows up, call an agent (me) to see if they will represent you.
  • Understand the process is much more than just putting an advertisement on one of the mega-real-estate-web-site giants for free.  If a buyer has an agent there will likely be contingencies, inspections to the organized process. While the other agent will not represent  you in the transaction I am sure they will be happy to educate on the steps to the closing table.
  • Do not attempt to persuade the buyer's agent or influence them in any way to do something contrary to what is best for their client.   
  • Real estate agents have a responsibility to the party they represent.  Still, if their customer wants your house they will do all they can to get the transaction closed.
As a real estate broker I view for sale by owner sellers as opportunities.  And in this business opportunities are all we have - ever!

Need help selling your Melbourne, Florida home?  Call or text me at 321-693-3850.

agent@moving2brevard.com