If a Real Estate Agent Calls
Real Estate Agents will seldom contact a FSBO unless they want the listing or the client they are working with asks to see your home. The agent will call and ask if you will give him/her a one time listing (usually 5% to 7%) or if not, would you be willing to pay the agent a partial sales commission (generally between 2.5% and 5%)? If you agree, the agent will ask you to sign an agreement before bringing their client to your home. When they arrive, have your home ready to show and give the agent and client space to wander. Be available to answer questions as they leave.

The Realtor calls to present an offer
If you agreed to pay the selling commission, the agent will be representing the buyer and will have performed a Comparative Market Analysis on your property for the buyer. You will be negotiating on your own behalf. This is when a recent appraisal could be useful to substantiate the value of your property. If you agree to a one-time listing, the agent will explain that he/she will be acting as a dual agent guiding both you and the buyer through the process to the closing.

A Buyer without an agent calls to make an offer
Hopefully the buyer will make the offer in writing. Unless you are very experienced in selling property on your own, you should have a real estate attorney review the contract before signing it. All changes should be initialed and dated by all sellers and at least one buyer. Use real estate forms whenever possible.

Negotiating Guidelines
Know what is important to you and the buyer. Never reject an offer outright. Either accept it or make a counter offer. Never reject an offer over $1,000. Deal as if you were a third disinterested party. Don't lose your head.

 

 

Many people are very comfortable in the role of the "For Sale By Owner." You may find that you are one of those people. If you determine some time in the future that you would like to resume a normal life and let an experienced broker take on this process, please keep me in mind. And if you would like for me to help you find your next home (that fee is covered by the seller), feel free to contact me.

Bob Jamieson, Broker
CRS, ABR, GRI

Intracoastal Realty Corporation
1900 Eastwood Road at Lumina Station
Wilmington, North Carolina 28403

Toll Free 877.505.5272
Business 910.232.1893
Fax 910.397.2825

email bob@bobjamieson.com
web www.bobjamieson.com