Choosing the right FSBO website

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT FSBO WEBSITE

You want to sell your home and you have decided to try to sell it without using a traditional RE agent and save the six percent commission. How do you choose the right for sale by owner website? There are just a few things to look for. If you do your homework before choosing a FSBO website you will maximize your chances of selling your home without using a realtor and saving the six percent commission. Here is the information you need to gather before making your decision

How much does the FSBO charge and how do they require payment to be made?
Before you make a decision check the various FSBO sites and see what they cost. Many sites charge you up front in full while other sites charge you monthly. One FSBO site actually offers a money back guarantee if you’re not happy with their service. Check out as many FSBO sites as possible – information is never a bad thing.

Is it easy to set up an appointment to visit a house? Once you have narrowed your choices down to two or three possible sites visit each site and try and make an appointment to visit a home. If it isn’t easy to make an appointment to visit a house you may not want to use this site as it probably won’t be easy for others to make an appointment to visit your home.

Although at first most FSBO sites didn’t have call centers some are now adding a call center. They’re doing this because sellers have had a hard time setting up appointments for potential buyers to visit their homes. Also when sellers post their own phone numbers on their FSBO lawn sign and on the website they have to deal with dozens of phone calls from brokers and others trying to sell them some service. Exactly what you hoped to avoid when you made the decision to sell your home on your own. Call each website’s call center. Call centers are important both to the buyer and to the seller. If a FSBO we site doesn’t have a call center making an appointment to visit a house or just getting information about that house isn’t going to be easy.

Most websites list at least one mortgage company. It’s worth your time to call the mortgage company listed and see what you think of them. If when you call they provide good service and appear to be qualified that is a good thing. If not be careful. Buyers visiting FSBO websites often work with the mortgage company on the website to get prequalified for a mortgage if they are making an appointment to visit a house. You should make certain that the mortgage company on the website has knowledgeable representatives and provides a high level of customer service. No matter how much a potential buyer likes your home they won’t be able to buy it without the right mortgage.

One general hint – Always try and make sure that potential buyers have been prequalified for a mortgage in amount large enough to buy your home. It’s easy for them to do, doesn’t cost them anything and while not the same as a final approval you won’t be wasting your time with buyers who probably won’t be able to afford your home.

I can be reached at jbritz@yahoo.comcom. As always readers comments and suggestions for blog topics are appreciated.