How to avoid listing with a broker and why they call FSBO’s.

Let’s face it; some for sale by owners get called by real estate agents relentlessly. Aggressive prospecting, fast talking sales pitches and shady practices are part of the real estate agent cliché. Try placing an ad in the paper or a sign in the yard and the stereotype is quickly confirmed.

The last thing you want is an agent wasting your time with the promise they are working with a buyer that wants your home.

False offers get the agent in the door. The reason agents want this is; statistically sellers’ only interview between one to three agents. The first agent that makes contact has the greatest chance of securing the listing. Claims of over-valuing or introducing mortgage brokers or developers who might have a reason to buy a sellers home is all in the bag of tricks. Why? Simple; for sale by owners send out red flags when the place the ad in a newspaper or place a sign in the front yard. Effectively they’re saying to these agents: “call me, here’s my contact number”. Of course not all real estate agents are guilty. However, buying and selling real estate involves a lot of money. Your money and they want a piece of your pie.

Limit these phone calls from agents who prospect fsbos by placing the kind of advertisement that says; “I don’t need your help”. Below is a short list that can help.

· Use newsprint effectively by providing information unique to the property and using a web address in it that interested buyers can access more information and contact you.

· Place signs directing buyers to the property. The sign in the yard should include a web address and your contact number.

· Place flyers convenient for buyers to get and keep them available.

· Make sure flyers include enough information to create desire to go inside. Include a web address to get more information and a contact number.

· Pay attention to what marketing techniques attract you to products and makes you react. What motivates you to act will probably motivate the buyer to your door as well.  Have you searched the web for your next home?

If you have a good marketing plan in place agents will have less incentive to contact you. What can they offer you if you can do what they do?

Keep in mind that who ever is going to buy your home will pursue all leads to contact you. They will read any and everything about your home. Buyers want to be informed. Allow them an opportunity for independent discovery. This builds desire and a need for what you’re offering. They will also become very competitive if they perceive another buyer might beat them to the front door.

Family and friend’s count, no one wants to make costly mistakes especially when the stakes are high. Buyers often ask parents and close friends for advice or opinions when making big decisions. Having photos and as much information available online allows them to do this privately. If they kill the deal so be it. You don’t want to get into a legal mess and waste your valuable marketing time.

There was a home online that had a private URL that got over 80 hits in one weekend from family and friends of the buyer. They bought the home and settled quickly.

Consider the services from www.Ifsbo.info to complete an effective marketing campaign.