Quote:
Originally Posted by Tobra
If you go FSBO the realtors will black ball you
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Not really. It's usually the FSBO sellers who "black ball" the agents, at least initially. Then reality sets in, as the vast majority of FSBOs that actually sell end up involving at least one agent in the mix. It does usually take longer though, as most FSBO sellers don't have the exposure, reach, or contacts that a (good) RE agent has, and it can take them a while to come to that realization. And of course they exclude themselves from the MLS (and most IDX sites that aggregate MLS listings/info), which is probably the biggest factor. It's like the difference between trying to sell something on eBay vs. the bulletin-board at your local post office/coffee shop. You may get lucky, but the odds are not in your favor. There is a distinct difference between actively "black balling" and simply not going out of their way to seek out FSBO properties for their clients. Conversely, a buyer that is seeking out FSBO properties is less likely to be calling/using a buyer's agent in the first place.
Also, a big reason that many RE agents avoid FSBO deals is that it inevitably turns into a scenario where they are playing both seller's and buyer's agent. While dual-agency is allowed in many locales, it is to be avoided if/whenever possible. It creates an immediate conflict of interest that has to be "waived" by both parties (potential powder-keg in the making). It adds another level of complexity and further opens the door to disputes and/or litigation in an industry that is already one of the most litigious. And, for that extra work, risk, and hassle of representing both sides, the average FSBO seller usually wants to pay a fraction of the industry standard for ONE side. Not to mention, most FSBO sellers are wildly optimistic and/or completely clueless as to their asking prices and/or their specific market.
That said...if you can successfully close an FSBO deal without involving an RE agent, then more power to you (seriously).
