FSBO MARKETING

Our site is viewed by thousands of home buyers. However, good realtors do more than put a listing into a regional, realtor MLS and forget it. They include photos in the MLS, place "for sale" signs and lead-in signs, design brochures, print ads, and the like.

Any time the real estate market isn't popping hot, a sensible fsbo (for sale by owner) seller will develop a similar marketing strategy. The following are some smart marketing steps you can take:

1. Include all 15 photos and lots of information in your listing on our site. Be sure to mention the things that attracted you to the property.

2. Install a "for sale by owner" sign in the yard. Signs are available from most hardware and building supply stores including Lowe's and Home Depot.

3. Install lead-in signs with arrows from the nearest busy street to your home.

4. Have brochures in the house and in a brochure box near the curb. You can print your listing and use it as a brochure. Home buyers usually look at more than one house, condo, or whatever in very quick succession when they are shopping for a new home. Using your property listing page as a brochure is a good way to make sure they remember your listing, or want to tour your home if they pick it up at the curb.

5. Classified ads in your local newspaper are a good idea. You might want to include "More Info + 15 photos @ www.fsboamerica.org/000000" with your assigned MLS ID # substituted for the zeros.

6. Ads in any free (or inexpensive) newsletters you're eligible for can be good.

7. Post "for sale" notices on bulletin boards at grocery stores, barber shops, places of worship, and other permissible places with community participation.

8. Hold an "open house" if you're in a neighborhood with high visibility. Use "Open House" signs, "Open House" lead-in signs, and balloons to attract attention. You can also post a notice of your open house on your listing on our website.

9. Set up a way to qualify buyers who come to your open house. You may have a relationship with a lender that is willing to help.  If someone who attends your open house is ready to write a contract offer, you may want to have a contract form for the purchase and sale of real estate available. One source for them is USLegalForms.

11. If your property is priced too high, it will not sell. You can have it appraised to be sure you've priced it appropriately, but that takes time and usually several hundred dollars. A quicker, less expensive alternative is to get a HomeSmartValueReport.

12. And, if you have a reluctant but nagging feeling that your home is not showing to it's best advantage, you may want to consult a professional decorator or home stager BEFORE holding your open house, posting ads, etc. A cheaper alternative is to do it yourself.  People with a little artistic ability and plenty of common sense can very well handle it on their own.  It might help to review the ideas at Making It Show Well. 

Raynor James
 

<< Back to FSBO