I will never forget early in my career back in 1981, the interest rates were 18%. In those days, you could only sell the 1 house in 10 that had a good assumable loan, or had seller financing.  I would hunker down with the MLS book, and circle those listings that met that criteria.  I would ignore others, which were mainly unsalable at the time to other than a rare cash buyer. 

While out showing properties with my client, we came across a F.S.B.O. sign on a lawn a few doors away from a home we were viewing.  I was a pretty green agent in 1981, but I got out of the car, knocked on the door to the F.S.B.O.  I asked their price, what kind of financing was available, and if they were willing to cooperate with an agent.  I ended up showing the house, and selling it.

There are probably a couple things I would do to have handled it slightly different, but it was a good sale, and accomplished what everyone wished for.

We do not get many any more Debbie, They are captured by Redfin.

Hi Debbie - I have stopped when I noticed a For Sale By Owner in the past and called but I admit I haven't done it in years.  

So far, it has been "None of the above".  I know, I know, I'm missing out.  I'll try harder.

I know there are KW offices across the region that have enrolled their agents into the 'dialing for dollars' program and hammer FSBOs and Expired to the point of enraging them.  Did I suggest these folks are flaming mad?

I do drop by simply to assess the property. 

"Do you have a buyer?" they ask.

"Yes I do, but not under these conditions."

"What would it take?" or "I'm NOT LISTING"

"I wish you the best of success" or now I have the stage.

I Have a Door hanger that promotes my website as a 24-7 Open House I hang the tago on the door and call them a day later the conversion rate on FSBO's is very low!

I used to attend the open house of sale by owners and introduce myself and give them tips. I have not seen any in my area in a long time.

I saw a sign like that. I jotted the phone # down. There were 3 "no soliciation signs on the door including one "No realtor or missionary". Under FSBO there was no "no realtors, will contact DRE for any violation.  A few days later a big hand written sign "Pending release-multiple offers". Educated people in Silicon Valley do not always use realtor service. They sell it themselves.

I stop, write down address, phone number and take a photo of the home. Have a system that is phenomenal... watch this video then click on follow up videos...https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9GkUiFIlcW0

No I have never done this. 

If I see a sign in my area, I will stop and write down the number. Then check it against the DO Not Call List. Call them to get information about the house, and ask for an appointment if they decided to start interviewing agents to list the home. I haven't written them any letters lately. It's a shot in the dark for me, but most of them I talk too will pay me to bring a buyer.

FSBOs are very few and far between in our market. So far I haven't had any interaction with one at all.

All of the above!!  And maybe even facebook them.... 

I take down the number, if I see them outside I will stop and it all depends on the time of day.

I pull over, write down the number and call them right away.

Most of these are unsuccessful though since many fsbo's are a little far from reality in their expectations of price, and many more never return a phone call.

I did in the beginning of my career, but not any more.

I do not.

I don't bother them. In areas I've worked in the past (large metro areas/many agents), the FSBO folks tend to have a zillion aggressive agents swarming them. It feels akin to telemarketing- if someone likes that sort of thing, more power to them. I'd rather leave the FSBO seller in peace.

I will write down the number & the address.  I will call them and set up a viewing of their home.  

I always hot down the address, photograph the home and the sign. I the give it to one of my team members for follow up

my team members are not enthused about for sale by owner....I had the perfect close and made a score on fsbo's when I was working in real estate.... I may write a post about this....I did one in the past, but it's buried somewhere....I think I'll write a new one....

There was a time when I would knock or call.  I do not see many FSBO signs these days.  FSBO's are not my priority market.  That's not to say I eliminate them entirely ... just not my focus.

I would take down the number and call, as well as send a letter. Prospecting fsbos is a part of my business,

I will send a letter if the home passes muster to be marketable and it's confirmed that it is not Realtor or liceseee owned. 

I'll only stop into an FSBO if they have an open house or have a buyer ready. Most of my time is taken up by my Buyers nad my Sellers. Chasing FSBOs for listings is not appealing to me but I understand and appreciate other Realtors that try.

Stop and knock. If willing to cooperate with us; we have buyers.