We offer flat fee MLS starting at only $49.95.

I think you’ll find that who markets your property isn’t as important as how you market it and at what price. I can almost guarantee you that sellers that do list on the MLS with us for a flat fee are getting as many showings as if they were listed with a full service Realtor, assuming of course their asking price is right.

As you probably already know; not having to pay for the listing commission allows you t greater flexibility when it pertains to the asking price. Also if you need help with any other aspect of the home selling process, we have resources that can help, everything from title insurance, to local pre-screened real attorneys and appraisers. You can check us out online at http://www.reozom.com.

Was reading along and saw only debt of a "student loan." Heard today that banks (some) are now considering student loans in debt-to-income ratio when considering a loan.

M,

I have referenced a link to some statistics relating to FSBO sales. It may be helpful in making your decision regarding the best way to sell your home.

It sounds like you have done a fair amount of research regarding your qualification to purchase your next home. If you need the names of an experienced and qualified lenders to obtain preapproval, I could provide you with a list.

This thread is too funny! I thought I saw Elvis pumping gas in Michigan the other day, but it looks like he's selling real estate in Evanston.

M-- Don't blame the agent for not selling your home, the price is probably too high. I like Keith's answer which includes a list of questions to ask your agent. If no homes in your neighborhood have sold since you have been on the market, don't blame him / her. Look around you. Are there many fsbo listings? Go visit the ones you see and compare them to your home. Then go visit some homes your agent recommends you see. I think you might get your eyes opened by that process alone.

Carol Pease

Well.....crap! With the endorsement of the king, I feel that I need to buy it now. You are costing me money, man. Now I have to steal from the ABR fund to buy it. :)

Chris, I have a copy of that book by my desk. It's not a bad book, and an excellent resource for FSBO sellers, and a good book for every agent to read to understand where sellers might be coming from, and what they're thinking.

It also doesn't hurt to know the questions they'll be asking you, as "Dummies" has a list of questions to ask a potential listing agent" and you should be prepared to answer them and answer them well.

OK,

I just checked with Amazon.com. The book is " House Selling for Dummies." $13.59 used!

M,

You are in a tough spot. Anybody who wants to sell on there own REALLY needs to do a lot of research. They actually have a book in the Dummy series "Real Estate for Dummies" or "FSBO for Dummies". Go spend the $17 on this book and start the research.

If you are going to do it on your own, I think that a book like this is a reasonable start at a reasonable price.

M
You have some great answers here, so I will be brief
Any home will sell for the right price. The amount you owe, the amount you need to net, the amount you need for your downpayment, do not have any importance to buyers.

Do yourself a favor. Ask your Realtor how many homes, like yours, since your home went on the market:
1. Sold
2. Lowered their price
3. Entered escrow
4. Failed to sell and expired.

Look at that list. I mean no offiense, but it is possible that you will need to make a tough choice (dpending upon why you need to move) of either selling at a loss, or staying put. Or you could rent it out.

Just because your listing is over-priced is not a reason to blame the Realtor. We do not make the market, we simply interpert for our clients.

M,

Glad to see there are several points of view to your questions. The bottom line, without taking time to get all the facts, including do you qualify to purchase your next home you are shooting in the dark.

As Tom mentioned, there are Title Companies that provide standard forms, and will assist for a fee. That is one choice of many. I would also agree with Sonya, according to the National Association of Realtors(R) unreprisented sellers usually net less than through an agent. This is more information that you will need to research for your neighborhood.

M,
Although I'd always recommend employing the services of a professional Realtor to sell your home, it sounds like you have some good reasons to at least give it a shot. A couple big advantages of listing through an agent are more exposure for your home, and retaining a professional and their acquired knowledge and expertise in guiding you through the transaction. Not that it CAN'T be done, just that in today's market it's very tough.

You may wan't to contact a local title company, and they can provide you with a FSBO package including blank purchase agreements and homeowner disclosures. I work in the mortgage business and would be glad to put together some mortgage calculators and open house flyers to display in your home to prospective buyers.

Other than that, you can google stuff if you want to find out more info. Just beware that a lot of the info you find might not be all that accurate, since local real estate customs and practices vary.

And as far as a mortgage for when you purchase your next home, as of now you can still get in for as little as 3-5% here in Michigan provided both buyer's credit is good and you qualify based on your income and debts. Best of luck!
Tony

The Roatch's for what its worth , i have a 45 minute commute, my husband has a hour commute, we would also like to have a child (and biologically can't put it off much longer) and our current house is 1000 sq ft. without a basement. I think those are pretty great reason to move.

The home owner who sells his own house has a fool for a client.

M - actually statistically speaking you will make less selling your home yourself. This is because an agent has the ability to market your home extensively to a larger pool of buyers. Thus, you are not limiting yourself to the few buyers that may see your sign in the yard or your ad in the paper. This is also because an agent is a trained professional with skilled negotiating skills. If you google online or email me I would be happy to send you a list of duties that a realtor does for you.

Gary, never thought I could make a profit in this market, just wanted to get the house sold with out bringing cash to the table.

As for ten percent down, my husband and I have a combined credit score in the 800's and were told we could still get a house with that sort of down payment. (we also have no debt besides one student loan)

I am so sorry that you are not having any luck with selling your home. It is a tough market. You need the expertise of an experienced agent and lots of exposure for your home. Advertising is expensive but much needed in today's market. I will be happy to refer you to a great agent in your area. Just let me know!

WOW per the professional ethics we truly can't make comments you need to contact the State to obtain all the laws regulated for anyone selling a property, if you don't follow those regulations you can be sued. Under a realtor you follow under their e & o insurance policy and there could be a flat fee listing agent that can save you $1000's. http://www.lynn911.com

Best of luck in selling your home by owner. As a licensed broker in MI, I have to tell you I sold my first few homes myself, loved it so much I went into real estate.
Now as to your question? I am sorry I can't answer that.
Realtors have gone to school for their knowledge, I have the GRI, Graduate Real Estate Degree and have sold many homes in my 13 years. That knowledge I have is gained with a considerable cost and I just don't pass it along for free.
Just google it, I'm sure there is tons of information on the internet to help you.

M,

Many homeowners are in your prediciment. Before placing your home on the market, may I make a suggestion. Please contact a few lenders to verify the MINIMUM amount needed to move into your next home and verify you qualify for a mortgage after selling your current home. If you do not qualify, where will you move to after selling?

There are many free websites a non-reprisented seller can utilize to market their home today. Once your contract expires, contact me through Trulia and I will assist you with Internet Marketing sites. Most are free, some are pay. I do ask for two qualified buyer referrals for my assistance. These can be anywhere in the US.