For Sale by Owner Myths

I have been publishing this magazine and column for more than 10 years. In that time I have continued to hear statements about the For Sale by Owner market from sellers,
buyers, and agents that are not quite true. Some are distortions, others are simple misunderstandings about how an average individual buys or sells a home without an agent.

In the not quite true/distortions category, information was sent to me by some of my advertisers indicating that agents are telling them that less than 10 percent of FSBO sellers
succeed. This statement is misleading. While it is true for classified sellers, it does not apply to our FSBO system. In 1996, Dun & Bradstreet conducted a survey that came to
the conclusion that when homeowners adequately advertised their homes using publications like the one you’re reading now, and a quality yard sign - their success rate is as
high as 80 percent or more. But, if they relied on newspaper classified advertising only and used a cheap hardware store sign, their success rates were yes ...LESS THAN 10 PERCENT!

Likewise, agents sometimes bombard sellers with helpful hints and "how-to" information designed to make the process of selling a home seem overly complicated. A recent
article in an industry magazine, REAL ESTATE TODAY written by Chip Morrison, actually listed 14 points that can be used to discourage FSBO sellers and lead to "agent
listings." I’ll only address a few of them here.

First, owners don’t know how to price their homes competitively. Actually, you can have real estate agents do this for you with a free CMA - comparative market analysis
(be ready for the 6% commission listing agreement conveniently all filled in and ready for you to sign); we at FSBO Magazine provide this market analysis as part of our
marketing program. You can also check recent sales in your neighborhood through the county property tax office. The very best way to accurately price your property is to
have an appraisal done. Do not rely on agent listings in your neighborhood.

Second, owners lack advertising experience and can’t get enough exposure, although this is true, that is where we come in. We do all of the marketing for you. Sellers,
this magazine is the States single largest, exclusively FSBO real estate source - use it, 100,000+ buyers do!

Third, owners and buyers don’t know how to get financing. Considering all the banks and mortgage companies advertising their loan programs, I consider this point to be an
insult to your intelligence. As part our marketing program we include a loan consultant to pre-qualify your buyers.

Fourth, you are not experienced in handling objections or lack negotiating skills. This may be true, we’re not all good at these types of interpersonal skills; but, you can enlist
our Real Estate Broker to handle this part of the process for a fraction of the 7 percent commission that an agent is going to charge you.

This flows into the next point. That you don’t have experience handling contracts, all of the paperwork, and settlement issues. Again, you can enlist our Real Estate Broker to
handle this part of the process.

The last point I’d like to address from the article is that of the inconvenience you will have to endure by having to be available for showings and having to put up with strangers
going through your home. On this point, if you hire an agent, they are going to ask you to leave your home anytime they want to show it or use it. You will have no control or
knowledge of who is going through your home. And most agents use the open house sham to collect names of your buyers to sell them something else. On the other hand,
if you don’t hire an agent and do your own showings, you maintain control and can provide more accurate information to prospective buyers. After all, who knows your home
better than you? You’re going to be involved in showings one way or the other. With the agent method, you’ll be paying an outrageous commission for the privilege; if you do
it yourself, you'll be able to price your property more competitively and with our photo marketing, you're showing it to buyers that have seen in advance what you have for
sale, unlike the agent listing that shows a photo of themselves thus attracting non-buyers also!

The point is that you can enlist the services of our experts who do the bulk of the work for you for a very reasonable fee. Don’t be penny wise and pound foolish. Plan to
invest between $1,000 and $2,000 for successful marketing. Sure you'll invest a few thousand, but the total will be no where near the $58,200 (average) a 6% commission
will cost you.

Smart sellers are using our successful FSBO System.

Call our marketing department at: Maui 877-NOT6 (877-6686), Oahu 678-0303, Big Isle 329-6606, Kauai 245-9449 or email
and start your photo marketing package today! Don't wait, start today!

Disclaimer – For Sale By Owner Magazine is strictly an advertising medium. We are not real estate agents nor are we acting as such.
We do not represent any seller or buyer in any way nor are we in the business of giving legal advice or providing any real estate forms.
We do not do open houses or agent caravans. Any real estate agent services mentioned herein are offered through State Licensed
Real Estate Broker(s). All properties described herein are based solely on the seller’s own description, we make no representation
as to the accuracy, availability, title, ownership, authorization to sell, use, property condition, easements, restrictions, claims, lawsuits,
liens, value or zoning. We make no representation the advertising and marketing services herein will generate too few or too many
calls nor guarantee the sale of any property. Publisher in no way shall be held accountable for any shift in the market, losses, theft,
damage, network down time, phone calls not returned or injury Customer may incur before, during or after marketing Customer
property. Customer agrees to have or keep current any homeowners insurance policy and/or at their own expense protect and
indemnify Publisher from any such Customer, visitor, renter, potential buyer or buyer losses.