FSBO: Answer your phone!

I just returned from a week in the mountains of North Carolina.  While there, my wife and I spent some time driving around and touring log homes and looking at property.

I called a few FSBOs while there and saw many mistakes being made.  No wonder most FSBOs wind up listing with a Realtor!

For example, we found a beautiful lot with a fantastic view, in a location where the home would not seem like it was "clinging" to the side of the mountain.  It had a FSBO sign, so I called the number while walking the property.  I got an answering machine, so I left a message.  Since then I have called and left two other messages.  No call back yet.

FSBOs:  The odds are already stacked against you.  When someone calls about your property, call them back.

This is just one of the mistakes I saw FSBOs making.

Another is the placement of their yard sign and the size of the writing on the sign.  Put the sign in an area where it can be seen from a car in the road, clear the area of obstructions lie tall grass and weeds and make the writing big enough and dark enough to read.

Another is not having a clear idea of just what kind of offer you will accept.  When someone calls and asks the price, you should have an answer.  When they ask if you will consider owner financing, you should have an answer.

Another is not knowing answers to simple questions like, "Well or city water?", "Septic or sewer?", "Is there a Home Owners Association?", "Are there any annual dues or fees and if so, how much?", etc...

Oh well, I really like the one lot, but so far I have not even had the opportunity to ask this one particular FSBO any of these questions.

FSBO, Answer your phone!