Sunday, August 8, 2010

Dear FSBO - Who Can Tell Me About Your House?

So, today I had a listing appointment right down the street from where I have a current listing.  I was FSBO Frustratedprepared with my notes, paperwork and CMA (Comparative Market Analysis).  When I get to the neighborhood today I notice that there is a brand new FSBO sign at one of the homes.  Hhmmm...

I called the number on the sign....

Me:  Yes, I am calling about the home that you have for sale.  Can you give me a little information?

Them:  Actually, no, you'll need to call another number.  It's my mother and her number is 555-xxxx

Me:  Thanks


So, I call the new number - the one NOT on the sign....

Me:  Yes, I am calling about the home that you have for sale.  Can you give me a little information?

Them:  Oh, ha, ha - I accidentally gave you my cell phone number instead of my mother's cell phone.  Her number is 555-xxxx


Now on the third call....

Me:  Hi, I'm calling about the home that you have for sale - can you please give me some information on it?

Them:  I'm sorry, you'll need to speak with my husband and he isn't here.  You can reach him on his cell at 555-xxxx


Oh, for crying out loud.......

Me:  Can you not give me any particulars about the house or at least what you are asking for it?

Them:  I think we want $164,000 for it.....

Me:  Thanks for your time.......

What if I were an actual person sitting in front of the home and was truly interested in the home?  It would have taken, at minimum, 4 phone calls to get information about the home.  If I were a real buyer I most likely would not have made that 4th call - actually, I probably wouldn't have even made the 2nd or 3rd call. 

So, if you ARE going to try and sell your home yourself you have got to have the information about your home ready at a moments notice.  You need to provide a correct and direct phone number on the yard sign so potential buyers are able to get information quickly.

If you have tried FSBO and are tired of the headaches please feel free to give me a call or simply send me an email - this is MY JOB!  I can relieve you of all the guess work and stress!

A Walk Through Historic Wake Forest, NC