On My Own: Five Secrets to a Successful Home Sale at FSBO
In the United States, approximately twenty percent of home sellers complete Sale by Owner (FSBO) transactions. For many people, the cost of a real estate agent could be money well spent elsewhere and to be successful in the FSBO market it is essential to use all the tools and resources available to you. Knowledge, planning, and a long-term vision can make the difference between a smooth, profitable sale and a confusing, frustrating, and even costly mess. There are five basic secrets to making an Owner Sale situation work for you, so write them down, print them out, and keep them in a safe place, even if you won’t use them until later.
Secret number one: see the future
If you decide that selling FSBO is for you, make sure you plan to keep it for at least three months. It’s easy to get discouraged or frustrated in the first few weeks, and the temptation to quit will reap its ugly head. Take a deep breath and remember that Rome wasn’t built in a day. Marketing and sales are time consuming and labor intensive; be patient and your investment will pay off.
Secret number two: know your local area
Research and familiarize yourself with your local market conditions. Understanding what’s hot and what’s not will help you make important decisions that affect the sale of your home. Read local real estate columns, visit local and national real estate websites and review comments from industry experts, ask friends and colleagues for their personal experiences, and take a closer look at other properties in your own neighborhood.
Secret number three: appearances matter
Clean the patio, clean the carpets and update the accessories. Make sure the house looks its best and highlight the areas of the house that make the best impression. In today’s real estate market, homeowners who place a high value on neatness and cleanliness are generally rewarded with a faster sale and a higher price. The time and money you spend will save you both in the long run.
Secret number four: know the law
Although homeowners can complete almost all aspects of a real estate sale on their own, it is always safest to hire a real estate attorney to review the legality of your property transaction. In many states, by law, a real estate attorney is required. Each home sale is different and unique. Your sale may require the skills of a professional and when it comes to your finances, better safe than sorry. it’s a good rule to follow
Secret number five: creative marketing
Most FSBO home sellers use traditional marketing elements like garden signs and web listings, but adding some spice to your marketing plan always works. Creativity in this area always benefits the seller. The faster you can reach your perfect buyer, the faster you can complete a successful real estate sale. Imagine all the possible ways you are going to find them. Consider running an ad in the local newspaper or hanging flyers in public places. Network with neighbors and friends and ask them to send emails and mention your property to their friends and associates. Word of mouth can often pay off faster than expected.
FSBO opportunities can give you more freedom and make you more profitable if you are not afraid to get the job done. For entrepreneurs who yearn to learn, execute, and succeed individually, the first full real estate sale is exciting. The confidence you build will lead you to future accomplishments, and the knowledge you gain can carry it with you. For more information on FSBO and property listings in the Atlanta metro area, visit my website at [http://www.LivingMetroAtlanta.com].