We’re all familiar with the notion of “For Sale by Owner” (or FSBO for short).  Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the last few years I’m sure you’ve heard of the real estate brokerages “ComFree” or “Property Guys” who assist individuals with listing their homes for sale privately.  There is a TON of misunderstanding, and unfortunately even more “misleading advertising” that I plan to shed light on.  I’ve been asked multiple times about FSBOs and if they’re all they’re cracked up to be?  I’ve done the homework, and can’t wait to share my results.

This brings me to the reason for my first blog post.  I have been fortunate enough to list and sell two homes in my very own neighborhood, I mean right down the street!  Which as a Realtor is awesome.  The fact that I lived so close to these listings, meant I was able to simply walk over to the open houses, private showings, and give my clients a hand whenever needed.   While working for my two neighborhood clients I would walk by the same home almost daily that was (and still is) For Sale by Owner, waiving the “ComFree” flag.  This home has been on the market since October, which currently makes it an 8 month listing.  It’s a gorgeous home, on one of the best lots in the neighborhood (corner lot backing onto protected green space), the interior photos are gorgeous.  Seven (7) other homes within 2 blocks AND even on this homes street have sold in the last 8 months.  So why hasn’t this home sold?  I won’t get into specific details on the reality of ComFree and For Sale by Owner listings in this blog post (I have a video “The Reality of FSBO, and what they don’t want you to know” coming soon), but lets just say its extremely under exposed and under marketed (again I’ll get into the reality of FSBO in an upcoming video).

This ComFree listing is my neighbor!  I feel horrible for him.  I’ve personally sold 2 homes in the the time he’s tried to sell his.  Other Realtors collectively have sold another 5 (all within 2 blocks of this listing AND on the same street).  I know for a fact that if he was to list with a Realtor, whether is myself, or another agent, it would sell and sell FAST.

There are countless reasons why For Sale by Owners aren’t always effective.  The marketing and hype are a lot of smoke and mirrors.  I’m really excited for the release of my upcoming video “The Reality of FSBO, and what they don’t want you to know”.  I should have it ready in the next few weeks.  I hope it helps explain FSBO, and uncovers some truth they don’t want you to know!  (Sometimes I feel like an investigator for 20/20).

If you have any questions regarding ComFree or For Sale by Owner, please don’t hesitate to contact me anytime, I’m happy to provide you with answers to all your questions

Thanks for taking the time to read my first blog post!

Colin