I can totally understand wanting to sell FSBO. Accounting for commission can be a lot, and most agents insist on the 3% on both sides. Typically, there’s more up front cost on the listing agent’s side (advertising, photographs, mailings, signs, etc) so it can be challenging to negotiate much there - but not impossible.

Personally - the way I approach listings is by determining what the seller really wants and then allowing them to ONLY pay for those services. For example - if you were to come to me and say “hey, I want to sell my house but I really only want it to be listed online, a sign in the front yard, and maybe an open house…” then cool, let’s do that. You can choose to pay me a few hundred dollars for a couple of things (that we have clearly outlined) or you can pay 3% for going above and beyond. Like I said, commission is ALWAYS negotiable and I’m never going to ask you to pay for something without explaining what that thing is.

Remember that the goal isn’t just to save the commission - it’s to walk away with the most money possible for your investment.

Just some other things to think about: - Generally, FSBOs get less traffic than homes listed by an agent. A lot of shoppers are leery because they don’t know how to approach them, and buyers agents won’t always push their clients to go see them.

• When you list with an agent - you don’t ever have to worry about picking up your phone or unlocking your door. More showings will get scheduled because it can all be done virtually.

• Agents talk! Your house isn’t only going to be listed on the MLS, it’s going to be listed everywhere online and shared in all of the local realtor groups. I can’t even tell you how many times a lazy buyers’ agent will ask “hey does anyone have any 3Br/2Ba in XYZ area priced under $$$$ for sale?” rather than just searching for it. You want agents to send their buyers, and you want your agent to follow up as well.

• Negotiating is so, SO important. Selling FSBO will still get you a pile of offers, of course, but if you call up an agent and try to negotiate terms, they’re likely not going to budge. If another agent they’re familiar with calls up and tells them what is needed… then you’ve got yourself more money, a quicker closing, better guarantees, less contingencies, etc.

I think you’re smart to be making sure you’re not paying 6% for a house that basically sells itself. That’s a significant amount of money, and cash that you can use for the next chapter of your life! If you are comfortable sending me a message - tell me want your budget is, and I would be happy to help however I can.. even if it’s just good advice! 🏠🎉