10 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Listing For Sale by Owner (FSBO)

Listing your own home as a For Sale By Ownerunbiased during this process?" You love your
(FSBO) is a mighty attractive option when youhome and perhaps invested money in it over the
consider most real estate agents charge a sixyears. However, market value is market value.
percent commission. Why not save that six4. "How will I screen for serious buyers that can
percent and roll it into your profits? After all,afford to buy my home?"
there are plenty of FSBO Web sites that, for a5. "How available am I for showings?"
nominal fee, give your home online exposure. Add6. "Do I know a good real estate lawyer?" How
in the cost of a $20 sign for the front yard and aabout an appraiser, home inspector, or termite
bit more for a classified listing in your localinspector?
newspaper, and you've potentially saved a whole7. "Did I add up all the expenses related to selling
heap of money.my home?"
Before you take that plunge as a novice realtor,8. "Can my credit rating can be ruined by a
ask yourself these 10 questions. You may findbuyer's default?"
you are not prepared to go it alone.9. "Am I well versed in home loans?"
10. "Why get into this mess? Am I up for all the
1. "What paperwork do I need?" There arepaperwork, the legal liability, the showings, multiple
volumes upon volumes of forms, titles, andfees, and quite frankly, the headaches?"
certificates required for the sale of a home.Sometimes what seems so easy can actually
2. "How knowledgeable am I about statetake a lot of time, money, and perseverance.
law?"From termites to leaky roofs, disclosureUsing a Realtor(r) or a homebuying company may
requirements change from state to state.be the way to go.
3. "How will I set my asking price? Can I be