FSBO’s, or homes for sale by owner, are not a realtor’s nemesis, quite the opposite! In Clearwater, Dunedin and St. Pete we love them. Deborah Ward, the Irish realtor, knows that it can be hard to list your home on your own, and has some great tips to help you out. “Why” you ask yourself “would a realtor help me sell my home myself?” Well, maybe because she knows that she just might have a buyer who would love your home. She hopes that even if you decide not to use her listing services, you might know someone whom you can refer in Clearwater, Dunedin or St. Pete. She also knows that you might just decide to have her list your home. So why not share some great tips!
The first thing sellers think about is how to price their FSBO. Most sellers think their home is worth more than it actually is. Many sellers look at asking prices of homes that they think are like their own and set their price based on that asking price. This is a huge mistake. Your best bet is to have a professional come in and let you know the actual value of your home based on how it looks, what it has and not what you think. It might not be what you want to hear, but priced right it will sell more quickly.
Another common mistake FSBO seller’s make is showing their home to anyone who shows an interest. If you do that you are wasting your time on a lot of people who won’t be able to afford your home. They are unqualified. At the very least, ask people who want to see your home for proof they have been prequalified for a mortgage. Then ask if they have a home that they have to sell before they can purchase your home. If so, is it under contract? A realtor in Clearwater Dunedin or St. Pete would do all of this for you. They would pre-qualify prospective buyers so that their time and yours won’t be wasted.
So don’t be afraid to ask for help. Even if it’s just to get advice or a home value, you never know if the time will come when letting a realtor help can be the answer.