Choosing to list a home independently instead of using a real estate agent can save thousands of dollars. However, failing to properly advertise a home listed as “For Sale By Owner” or FSBO can cause the home to remain on the market and not sell. FSBO homes are actively competing with homes listed by real estate agents who spend a great deal of money and time actively promoting their most popular listings. As a result, these ads are prominently displayed and highly visible to potential buyers. FSBO homes can be sold effectively when effectively advertised and displayed.
Since many sellers who choose to list their home on FSBO have little or no advertising experience, many websites have been created to guide homeowners through the “For Sale By Owner” process. These sites do cost money, however the expense is usually thousands of dollars less than what a seller would pay to list their home through an agent.
When selecting a FSBO site, it is important to carefully evaluate several important factors to ensure that the money spent will actually help sell the home. While choosing to list a home on FSBO can save thousands of dollars, the money will only be saved if the home sells. Therefore, it is important to consider wisely and select the best FSBO site for your needs, even if it means spending a little more.
matters of prominence
There are many websites available to help homeowners list their “For Sale By Owner” homes. Some are well known and have a lot of traffic, other companies offer much less exposure due to the fact that they are not very well known or popular sites. Selling a house is simple math. The more potential buyers see an ad, the more they will visit to display it. More showings will lead to the possibility of more offers. The offers lead to the eventual sale of the house. So it makes sense that having a lot of people viewing the home listing is critical to eventually selling the home. Choosing a well-known company with a popular site is very important.
MLS listing number
Obtaining an MLS listing number will ensure potential buyers and real estate agents can access your home while searching. If you don’t get an MLS listing number, your home’s visibility will be much lower. While you can get an MLS number on your own, it’s wise to remember that the best FSBO sites usually include them in all of their packages. Before selecting an FSBO service, make sure they can provide this critical home selling tool.
Customer service
Many FSBO sellers encounter questions and frustration when trying to market their home. The many tasks required to effectively sell a home can be overwhelming. This is especially true for customers with limited technological knowledge. It is important to have additional help available in case questions or problems arise during the sales process. Examine the policies and customer service availability of the potential FSBO service. Be sure to select a company that has a policy that coordinates with your needs and schedule.
Professional website and materials
It is a mistake to select any FSBO service without thoroughly examining its website and promotional materials. A professional looking website, free of grammatical and spelling errors, indicates the company’s ability to market your home effectively. Find a service with an attractive website. If you include promotional materials in your package, such as signs and flyers, make sure they look professional as well. You are paying for every item included in a package and it is critical that these items can be used to attract potential buyers. Unprofessional materials and websites can actually repel the customers you’re trying to attract.
Additional features
Many different FSBO services offer a variety of packages to meet individualized needs. Each package has different benefits and can include a variety of valuable extras. These can include signs and flyers for marketing purposes, professional photos of the home to use in building the listing, or guarantees that offer money back if the home can’t be sold. These extras can be valuable tools and should be considered when weighing various companies.
cost
Since you are choosing to sell your FSBO home, cost savings are likely to be an important consideration. However, it is important to consider value as well as cost. Determine the reasons behind each company’s pricing method. Some may be more expensive but worth the added value, while others may cost less and offer much less. Weigh the cost and the services provided to select a company that provides the best value.
It is impossible to compare FSBO listing services on price alone. The prominence and visibility of the website play an important factor in determining the price of the package. The more prominent companies generally charge more than their lesser-known competitors, for good reason. You are paying for every aspect of a FSBO listing service and the prominence of the website is a key factor.
making your decision
While the option to list a home “For Sale By Owner” can save thousands of dollars, success depends on effective marketing and advertising. FSBO services can provide an effective and useful marketing element when selected wisely. A good FSBO service is worth investing in because it can help ensure that your home actually sells.
By selecting a reputable company with a prominent website, you will be able to show your home to many potential buyers. Since each service is different, it is important to select the best service to increase the probability of selling the house. An ineffective FSBO service is a waste of time and money.