For Sale By Owner (FSBO)
Now it's easier than ever to sell your home yourself, or pay far less than the standard "6 percent" commission to a real estate agent.
Why? The Internet.

Information is power. For years, real estate agents and their lobbying groups have done their best to block public access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). The MLS is a collection of information about virtually all the "listed" homes for sale in a given area, (usually to the exclusion of FSBO's). Home buyers have had to work with real estate agents in order to gain access to information on the MLS. To this day, real estate agents attempt to maintain strict control of the MLS.

The Internet. The Internet now provides an enormous amount of real estate market information to consumers—information which wasn't previously available. Today, you might just as easily sell your home and find your next home via the Internet instead of the MLS.

Advantages of selling as a FSBO.

Increase your profit margin or net cash from the sale.
Escrow and Title companies can handle most of the transaction.
Disclosure services are available to handle the required disclosures.
The Internet has over 600,000 sites that contain FSBO-related information.
Termite and Home inspections will show the condition of the property and let you know what needs to be repaired.
In a seller's market, you may get several offers within weeks after starting to advertise the property for sale.
There are a number of "For Sale By Owner listing services where you can advertise.
Many real estate agents and mortgage loan officers market their services to FSBO's.
You still have the option list your home in the MLS.
Is a real estate sales commission always 6 percent?

Most real estate sales agents charge a 6 percent commission. Six percent of what—the sales price? If you owned your home free and clear of debt, the commission would be 6 percent of your equity. What if you had a mortgage on your home? Would you be paying a 6 percent commission? No! If your loan balance were 70 percent of the sales price, you would have 30 percent equity. In this case, the 6 percent sales commission, would be 20 percent of your equity! A FSBO sale would save all or most of the equity you'd otherwise pay to a real estate agent.

Open Listing.
The MLS is the most powerful marketing tool in existence for the FSBO. We can help you list in exactly the same MLS as if you had paid a traditional real estate agent to list your property. If you sell your property yourself, "By Owner", without a real estate agent involved, you'll pay no commission to anyone. If a real estate agent is representing the buyers of your property, you'll pay that agent 2 to 3 percent of the selling price. You will only sign an "Open Listing Agreement" (a non-exclusive listing agreement which is an authorization to place your property in the MLS), which may be canceled at any time. This is one way you can put the power of the MLS to work for you. For more about our Open Listing Program, click here.

Professional Property Inspections
Unless your home is relatively new, consider getting a professional home inspection. Many buyers will order inspections if they suspect potential problems. A buyer will use any excuse to justify offering you less than you'd like. A professional inspection can help support your property value.
A professional inspector can accurately assess the condition of your property, and know when to call upon the expertise of others if required. An inspector should evaluate the condition of the exterior: roof, vent pipes, gutters, chimney, siding, masonry, foundation, exterior grounds, (structures, stairs, walkways, driveways, outbuildings, drainage, etc.) Interior inspections should be performed systematically from top to bottom: from the attic to the basement or crawl space. Functionality of doors, windows and storm sashes should be checked. Bio-hazards (lead-based paint, asbestos, etc.) should be noted. The home's infrastructure should be inspected and/or tested: electrical, plumbing, ventilation systems, heating and cooling, water pressure, etc. In the event a structural engineer's opinion may be required, a professional home inspector should recognize and alert you to that need. An engineer's advice might be sought when there are questions about physical conditions, which may potentially threaten the structure and the safety of occupants.

Ask your escrow agent, title officer, real estate or mortgage agent for referrals. Ask the inspector for their professional credentials, experience, and names of a few satisfied customers. Are there complaints registered with the Better Business Bureau? Are they a member of a professional organization such as:

National Academy of Building Inspection Engineers
National Association of Certified Home Inspectors
American Society of Home Inspectors
National Association of Home Inspectors