“The Overpriced Factor,” “The Hassle Factor,” Etc.

Non-Realtors may be inclined to believe it’s some kind of conspiracy.

But, in reality, there are multiple, rational reasons that experienced Buyers’ agents seldom show For Sale By Owner homes (“FSBO’s”).

Here are just a couple:

—FSBO’s are invariably mispriced (want to guess which direction??).
—They’re poorly staged and marketed.
—They’re more difficult to arrange showings for (the owners are harder to reach, aren’t familiar with lockboxes, etc.).
—FSBO’s have no clue how to navigate the sales process ” let alone deal with such things as required Seller disclosures, inspection issues, appraisal issues, standard Minnesota real estate contracts and addenda, closing and title work, and the like.

Adding insult to the above injury?

FSBO’s usually offer a sub-par commission ” called the “Pay-out” ” to the Buyer’s agent and their broker.

Thanks, but no thanks . . .

Proof of Realtor Value-Added

Want proof that Realtors add value?

In order of preference, here’s who I prefer ” and I’d venture the lion’s share of veteran agents would prefer ” to have on the other side of any given deal:

1. a Good Buyer’s/Seller’s agent.
2.  A not-so-good Buyer’s/Seller’s agent.
3. No agent, i.e., a FSBO or unrepresented Buyer.

Sure, transactions with only one agent may be twice the money ” but they can be triple the work and potential headaches . . .

About the author

Ross Kaplan has 19+ years experience selling real estate all over the Twin Cities. He is also a 12-time consecutive "Super Real Estate Agent," as determined by Mpls. - St. Paul Magazine and Twin Cities Business Magazine. Prior to becoming a Realtor, Ross was an attorney (corporate law), CPA, and entrepreneur. He holds an economics degree from Stanford.

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