Not my style

Get out of your car and knock on the door. While you are standing, you might as well knock on the doors for the other houses on the street.

Hi Jack - I might to call to find out more information about a house from a FSBO. Not likely to call this guy unless I ran out of ideas for a blog post or a question.

I do occasionally call on FSBO's but usually only when I have a client looking in that neighborhood and want to know more about the property to see if it is a good fit for my clients. 

Every answer is correct. As a Loan Officer I make those calls each week. Timing is important and finding the time can be difficult. Bottom line: they do not normally want to hear from agents of investors but a Mortgage lender? This really helps to uncover the truth and pain points. 

Check the do not call list forst. It's usually better to drop them a note, letting them know you're available if they decide to interview agents.

If their home is one that I would like to market or if I have a buyer looking for something like their home.

I think you should do it in person. If he likes you and trust you he will give you the listing. If he does not give you the listing, you can offer to do an open house for him and hope you can get a buyer. I would check with title company first to see what you are dealing with and also you get to know if the house has any liens on it, and then you can decide if you would want to take the listing. I helped a client to buy a house that was by owner, and when title opend, it had 7 liens and one of them was a child support. It was a mess and we had to delay closing 3 month. Do your homework and then decide!

Good luck!

Wow - that's quite the sign! I'm not an agent any more, but when I was I did occasionally contact FSBO's. Now I have several clients who use my letters to prospect to them - a series of 10 letters that give helpful hints about pricing, advertising, home safety, etc. and in so doing, point out just what a tough job it is. 

I have an 8 week plan.  Start off with hand written note, then phone call, then drop by etc.

Yes, I try to go in person, but not to list their house.

I wait for them to present their "Why not?" question.

If on the phone, the conversation begins, "Tell me more about your home." Followed buy "Sounds wonerful." "Who/When/Where are you moving?"

Negotiate first price reduction on phone, then go contract the house.

No, it is much more effective to knock on their door.

I don't market to them.  Maybe I should.  I do not think I would take a Buyer to a FSBO unless they buyer asked about it.  

The only time I call on FSBO's is when I have a buyer I'm working with say they saw this property (FSBO) and they are interested in seeing it.  Now I have a reason to call them.  A number of times, it ended up that my buyer did not like the house, but the FSBO liked my style and later hired me, and I ultimately got their house sold.

If the opportunity met my clients criteria, I would explore any opportunity but judging by the signage, that opportunity probably isn't a match.

I tried FSBO's a few times, but I find that they think they know more about selling than Realtors.  I don't have the patience.

Hi Jack Lewitz 

No as I have not had good luck with FBSO's. I know a few agents who call them and also expireds and have gotten listings. I just feel if they are trying to do it themselves usually due to not wanting to pay commmissions so I do not like to deal with clients that are unreasonable, overprice their properties, argue that they know more than experienced agents, and want to cut commissions. It is their liablilty and lawsuit when they do it themselves. 

I would call and also leave some marketing material and my business card.  He obviously NEEDS some help.

Sounds like a whiner, but it wold be worth a call.  He may be using humor to attract people.

Yes, and I will schedule a preview in case I have buyers that might be interested.  

No. but I probably should at least drop off a business card and get to know them.

I typically do not call on FSBO's to list the home. I might contact them about price and amenities and whether they will pay a commission if I bring a buyer. Although I do a lot of cold calling...I just have not felt right calling on those who want to go it alone. Some are able to do the job and some think they are and are defiant for whatever reason...and I just do not have time to retrain someone who did not contact me in the first place.

I usually give them to one of my team members, we have had success with FSBO's

I do prospect fsbo sellers, and for me it has paid off.

Many are listed with Tribune owned ForSalebyOwner already.  The commission putting it on the MLS is a mere $100. It will not cover the my insurance.

Of course

I would knok the door and introduce myself. walk through the house and bring a right buyer is most important to get the deal.

You bet, when I see them in the right areas!  If the home is in an area, far from my market area, I won't. 

That's a great FSBO to knock on!!

I usually pay them a visit and provide them with a "For Sale By Owner Safety Tips" sheet along with mortgage information for their potential buyers. I give them information to help them sell their home.

I would not call because I made it part of my business plan to try to stay away from short sales and this sounds like a candidate.  I also can't take this sign seriously, who would put something like that out there, very fishy.

No I do not.

I do not see many of them here ( SoCal) to tell the truth. How do you find them? Craig list?

Most of the time they find me before I find them. 

I've made a living listing fsbos and xprds.  Created a system that really works... click to see how the system works

Jack - I have not called on FSBO's, nor have I knocked on their doors. We just don't even see that many in my area to begin with.

Tough one.  Some FSBO's are so out in left field, it's hard to approach them and be honest with them without getting them upset. If someone does it successfully, do share some tips.

The ones I have called seem to be so unrealistic or upside down. 

Yes!  They are a good source of listings.

Never have but I know two REALTORS® with uncanny success at this. If you are good at what you do, go for it.

I do not knock on doors of FSBOs but sometimes go to the open house.

I'll drop in if they have an open house and talk to them. If they come off as crazy I'd rather concentrate on my current prospects and clients.

If you are looking for a motivated seller, that guy might be at the top of the list. Why not give it a shot?

Tried few times, worked with one recently - however, I do not have the system for that kind of follow up, Jack Lewitz .

I would like more information on the house, what gem?