With the real estate market as slow as it is, the number of homes being purchased and sold is way below average. However, in spite of the economy, people still have to live and, therefore, continue to buy and sell. Many homeowners, as a way to avoid a broker's fee, attempt their hand at FSBO or "for sale by owner". People that do try to sell their own homes often find that the most difficult part is not getting it ready to sell but rather finding interested and qualified buyers. They may find many individuals with one of those qualities but, unfortunately for the FSBO, not both.
You'll no longer be able to sit back and rely on the real estate agent or broker to sell your home. Everything is up to you right up to the very basics such as making "for sale" signs for your front yard or posting an advertisement in your local supermarket or in the closest newspaper. Although these are the typical methods for FSBO homes, there are many more innovative ways you can inform the public about that great dream home that could be theirs.
The internet is a great "salesperson". Recent surveys show that when individuals or couples are looking for a home to buy, 80% of them will begin looking online. Almost everyone today spends a certain amount of time online, whether many of the most affluent and well-educated individuals doing a majority of their research and shopping online, including home shopping. There are many sites online where your home can be advertised for a small fee. Owners.com is one online service that generally gets a very good response from home shoppers.
Many major businesses offer a "community bulletin board" that features items for sale. If you know of someone employed with these businesses, you may wish to speak with them and see if you can get the information you need. Otherwise, you can contact the employer yourself and speak with someone in the human resources department and inquire is they have such a bulletin board as well as the procedure for placing an ad. Often employees moving to your area to become employed at these places may be interested in homes such as yours.
Take note of the other homes in your neighborhood that are for sale, if there are any. If any of these homes are lower priced than yours, you may want to put some flyers about your home in their mailboxes or doorsteps. Many times, people want to sell their home because of its size but wish to stay nearby or in the same neighborhood and would consider this a convenient upgrade. This is especially true with families with children that they don't wish to relocate in a new school district.
Although it may seem obvious, many people actually forget to "spread the word" to friends and family. You'd be surprised how many homes are actually sold by word of mouth. Don't be afraid to bring up your home when you're out and about. You don't have to try to sell it to everyone you meet but let people know and ask that they also spread the word.
There are many places right in your neighborhood that draw a large crowd everyday such as the supermarket, library, health clubs and restaurants. Most of these will have a bulletin board where you can put a flyer with a picture of your home as well as pertinent information.
Real estate agents will also bring potential buyers to view your home if you're willing to pay their fee. Rather than trying to choose one specific agent, you may wish to post a flyer inviting different agents to your home as well as listing what type of commission you'll pay them. You can post these flyers in stores of drop them off at local real estate agencies. They may already have the perfect buyer in mind or be willing to post your ad in a MLS for a fee.
