New York is a buyer beware state. And you are right about why they don’t fill it out even if the house is perfect. And yes also right about a lot of $500 checks. 99% of my buyers do an inspection with a licensed engineer although some don’t. The buyer does not have the option of rejecting the $500 and asking for the disclosure.

Absolutely! Just curious - does the buyer have the option of rejecting the $500 and requiring a disclosure or are do they have to accept the $500 and roll the dice as to what might not be obvious or found in an inspection? I can't imagine why anyone would fill out a disclosure, even if nothing was wrong with the house, and take a chance of being sued for not disclosing something of which they might not have been aware. Bet there's a lot of $500 checks being written! I know it's off the original topic but it's a very interesting concept. Sounds like an effort at tort reform - keeping lawsuits to a minmum. Caveat Emptor appears to be alive in well in NY.

I agree it’s a small amount of money. I don’t know how it came about but I think there would be more compliance if it was 5,000.

JR - we don't have that law in Kentucky. It's required to be filled out on every residential property with the exception of new construction. Even owners who have never occupied the property are still required to complete it to the best of their ability. Agents have been fined for using outdated forms (they are revised by the Real Estate Commission every so often - the latest being January of 2007). I mentioned it because Angela said she has listed her home with an agent but used her own disclosure, which is not permitted.
KY is very strict in regard to disclosure (both property and agency). And, I would venture to say that most lawsuits in this state between buyers and sellers are in regard to property disclosures being inaccurate or the seller failing to disclose. The New York position sounds interesting. Would be interested to know how that came about. $500 seems like a small price to pay for not having to tell the buyer that the basement takes on water every time it rains or the house was damaged by a tornado. Not every issue with a home can be identified by a home inspector. Thanks for the input.

if you did provide your own property disclosure upon listing your home as you've indicated in your response, you might want to reconsider. Not utilizing the proper form is a violation of KRS 324.360 for which your listing agent will be held accountable.
~~~~~~~~~~


Don’t know what the disclosure law is in KY, but in NY, the seller either fills out a disclosure form or refunds the buyer $500 at the closing. I have never in my career come across an attorney who advised a seller to fill out of the disclosure form. I have had sellers who insist on filling it out, when the time came for the closing, the atty tore it up and the seller paid the $500. So I would be very leery of trying to do this part of a FSBO without some legal advice in any state.

Thanks, JR. I feel like Jack Nicholson in A Few Good Men...."you can't handle the truth". It's unfortunate that Angela viewed my comments as "rambling nonsense" when I was sharing one perspective held by more than just a few agents and the reasons why some agents aren't interested in showing FSBO's .
And, by the way, Angela, if you did provide your own property disclosure upon listing your home as you've indicated in your response, you might want to reconsider. Not utilizing the proper form is a violation of KRS 324.360 for which your listing agent will be held accountable.
I obviously mistook your posting as a question for which you were seeking answers. Judging from your reaction to my answer - hate my job, too much time on my hands, providing rambling nonsense and a sales pitch - I misunderstood. But, judging from the political rhetoric prevalent in our country, it should come as no surprise that someone with a different opinion is personally attacked. Good job! You really put me in my place. Congrats.

Thanks to everyone who was genuinely trying to help and wasn't trying to "sell" me on using a realtor. By the way Rainey- I'm in sales too- so save your pitch and best of luck to your buying clients.
~~~~~~~~~

LOL, I love it! You come on trulia and ask a question, and someone takes the time to give their opinion and answer and this is what they get. You’d think someone in sales would have more sense (such as, because I am in sales I don’t HANG UP RUDELY on telemarketers).

Best of Luck Angela and sorry for getting sidetracked on one of my 347,852 pet peeves on your thread.

Sincerely hope everything goes smoothly for you.....

Thanks Angela!

My last comment wasnt directed at you or the others with valid advice/ideas. I really appreciate all the help.

Thanks again

CYA and sell it BABY!!!! Good for you and I hope it sells quickly and PAINLESSLY!

Best wishes Angela!

Angela,
Recently, I did list my home with an agent. Thank you for your advice. As far as some of the comments made by some of the other agents particularly Rainey Delotell... 1. I didnt list the house with an agent because of your rambling nonsense. 2. The home is being sold as-is I provided my own disclosure sheet 3. A short sale is not needed- there is no mortgage. 4. Rainey said "And, finally, I've never found a FSBO that was priced reasonably. Every homeowner thinks their home is worth much more than it really is because, after all, it's THEIR home" Well Rainey, --- A realtor is the one that named my original asking price.

Enough said. I'm not going to ramble like Rainey who must not like her job and has way too much time on her hands. I'm just relieved (as an investor) Rainey isnt the one representing me as the buyer looking for properties.

Thanks to everyone who was genuinely trying to help and wasn't trying to "sell" me on using a realtor. By the way Rainey- I'm in sales too- so save your pitch and best of luck to your buying clients.

Again, A Sincere Thanks to everyone else for their ideas and advice.

I think it’s ridiculous for a MLS to list the “sold” date as the date the realtor input it. Ours has a field that has the “title date”, that is what is used.

JR

Actually my questioning (not beef ;) is/was about the way it is gathered and I did discuss that in my long rambling incoherent manner on the Practical Suggestion thread (like page 5 or 6 or 7 by now)

That discussion was started by my referring to this Blog by a Realtor and the comments made by Realtors on ActiveRain..
http://activerain.com/blogsview/1222989/is-your-mls-lying-

My question was simply, with over 700 different MLS's did anyone really know how many had the same problem and as the person who wrote the Blog asks at the end of the comments, what effect it would have on the sales data released to the press each month or quarterly..Could it be misleading? I never said it was only asked someone to show me it was not...(not I think, but show me)

The NAR Home Buyers and Sellers Profile and the NAR members Profile are surveys and my problem with those is the returned response rate ect.. to the survey itself and it's being presented/used as factual...

See long and rambling...Classic Dunes LOL

I think it's already on the MLS. Is that your home in your profile Angela?

Are you thinking of unlisting it and doing a FSBO? Or is there a different home we're talking about?

Angela:

If you are selling FSBO, you might try a couple of different tactics to get your home sold:

1. Find a "flat rate" Realtor to list your home on the MLS. Go to http://www.fsbo.com and you'll find Realtors willing to list your property for you on the MLS for fees ranging from $99 to $500. This will provide you with the largest number of "eyes" from Realtors on your property. The Realtor listing your property for you can also help you review, negotiate and transact your sale so you are not completely alone or without professional help.

2. List your home on Craigslist at http://www.craigslist.org and note in your ad that you will "cooperate" with Realtors, meaning that you are offering a commission to a Real Estate agent who brings a client to your home.

3. Place a newspaper add in your neighborhood that you will be selling your home and will agree to cooperate with real estate agents and brokers.

This should provide you with the greatest coverage. However, start with the FSBO site to see if you can engage a Realtor to place your listing on the MLS.

Good luck!!

Sincerely,
Grace Morioka, SRES, E-Pro
Area Pro Realty
San Jose, CA

Now ya did it JR...

Let's GeTTTTT READDDDY TOOOOOO RUUUUMMMBLE!!!!!

Actually no need to as everybody knows NAR just makes that stuff up.

Typical NAR Data Collection (Actual Conversation....honest)

Tom NAR. ..So how many homes should we say were sold

James NAR...Well we said 24 last month so let's say 38 this month to show an upward Trend in sales

Tom..Good and I'll also say none of the homes sold were FSBOS..lol in an evil manner

James...Feel like some coffee?

You see actual proof.....Dunes
~~~~~~~~~~
That is funny, Dunes, but actually I think your beef is more with WHICH data is collected and not the manner in which it is collected. But I may be wrong, that’s why I’m going to hide! The data is collected from MLS statistics. MOST MLSes, mine, anyway, are very strict about updating and reporting. And if MLS doesn’t notice something is marked UC but has closed, believe me, the agents report each other, LOL!

Wow... which one of them wore a "wire"?

It's almost as though we were in the room.

Now ya did it JR...

Let's GeTTTTT READDDDY TOOOOOO RUUUUMMMBLE!!!!!

Actually no need to as everybody knows NAR just makes that stuff up.

Typical NAR Data Collection (Actual Conversation....honest)

Tom NAR. ..So how many homes should we say were sold

James NAR...Well we said 24 last month so let's say 38 this month to show an upward Trend in sales

Tom..Good and I'll also say none of the homes sold were FSBOS..lol in an evil manner

James...Feel like some coffee?

You see actual proof.....Dunes

In response to Dunes, let me note that a report from the National Association of Realtors in the spring of 2008 stated that FSBO's typically sell for 16% (not 12%) less than those who are listed and sold by realtors.
~~~~~~~~~~~~

Uh oh, not good to cite the NAR when giving statistics to Dunes!

PS I'm givin a Thumbs up to everybody just cause I can

Doug

There is no doubt in my mind you are an excellent Broker and obviously an honest person, the data thing is just a pet peeve of mine (Along with 347,852 other things) and you are right that it is necessary for Angela to understand the importance of her role in the marketing of her property as well as determining the Price ect..
That is a good point to make and you make it well..

Now lets discuss Dual Agency and liven things up or would anyone like to hear my opinion of the new Mayor Program?..LOL...Nevermind

That Dunes Guy

I have run to FSBO's. There have been times when it was THE sharpest home for sale in the neighborhood. (are you taking notes Angela?) :) I viewed the extra work as a balancing factor to the simple cash deals I've had that closed in 3 weeks.

Some transactions are really easy and we can actually breathe while doing them. Some involve great effort on everyones part. Both pay the bills and keep my E&O insurer employed.

Angela,

I can't speak for all Realtors, but I believe that most will try to sell your property if it suits their buyer and the buyer specifically asks to see your home. But if you are expecting Realtors to run to you with their precious clients "it ain't gonna happen". My feeling is that when I bring a buyer to a FSBO I am doing 2 times the work for half of the commission, so unless I have an agreement with my buyer clients I usually steer clear of FSBOs.

So, good luck with your sale, but as with everything in life, you get what you pay for!

Barry

Ok, we might have gotten off track. In the interest of answering Angela's question, Dunes is right. There are Buyers agents out there who will show the home to their buyers. I have done so to in the past. However, everything still comes full circle. How much demand are you creating by those sort of efforts? If you Angela can create the demand you need to sell your home, do it. If not, you may want to look at other options. Next time I'll reference the link to the data I'm referring too. Trouble is, I'm not swayed by the numbers so much. Numbers can be stretched (+/-) just like a story. Hence, I figured 6% instead of the 12%. Either way, Good luck!

The JOYS of E&O!!! CYA like always and Sell it BABY!!!
~~~~~~~~~
Angela, you made me laugh out loud!! Covah yahass Baybeee!!

The JOYS of E&O!!! CYA like always and Sell it BABY!!!

LOL!!

I voted for "Czar", but that didn't fly.

(and yes, it does)... thanks

Cool...
Alan, even though I wouldn't give my vote in favor of the Mayor Program I would still give my vote that you be a Mayor....Does that make sense? lol

Troublemaker, Dunes

there are plenty of Buyers Agents that will show their clients her home if she is Priced right
~~~~~~~~~~
and if it suits my client's needs... I'm one of them... If i know about the FSBO (and that's where they fall-down the most for me).... and it fits my client... I will show it, and I'm not the least bit concerned about the legal liabilities... my insurance covers me.

Doug

"There are surveys out that show that homes sell for 12% more when sold by Realtors. Even if those surveys are inaccurate and the homes only sell for 6% more with a Realtor."

You are the one making the statement and claiming something as verification of your position so it is not my job to prove them wrong (I don't what year,who did them, why, how many) , it's your responsibility to provide the source you used to justify your position which would allow others (like me/or Angela) to see how much validity the data/statistics you are using have....Were they surveys done by NAR?

I have always said the data provided by surveys which support both Anti-FSBO and Pro FSBO positions are flawed making them not a reliable source to base either position on and have always provided my reasons/facts to back up my position.

If as mentioned by another Agent that your facts/position are based on 2005 statistics which you wish to suggest apply to this Market in 2009... you'll have to wait a few days for me to stop laughing...
If they are from the NAR 2008 Homebuyer and Seller Profile then those facts/% were determined this way..

NAR mailed an eight-page questionnaire in August 2008 to a national sample of 133,000 home buyers and sellers who purchased their homes between July 2007 and June 2008, according to county records. It generated 10,053 usable responses; the adjusted response rate was 7.9 percent. All information is characteristic of the 12-month period ending in June 2008 with the exception of income data, which are for 2007. Because of rounding and omissions for space, percentage distributions for some findings may not
add up to 100 percent......http://www.realtor.org/press_room/news_releases/2008/11/home…

If you wish to base your position on that data being a absolutely accurate representation of the Market then just say so.

I don't really care if an Agent thinks FSBOs are a bad idea or a good idea because I really do not think most Consumers are that influenced one way or another by those opinions. I do object to the use of Statistics/%/numbers to support a position and the source of those are not even provided for anyone to verify or review..You used them you provide the source..

Would you have have asked where the data came from if someone had commented that there were some surveys that said 85% of FSBOs are sold for more money and in a Shorter amount of time than a Agent listed home? I think you might have.....You should since they are just made up numbers and that is not to suggest yours were only (once again) you should provide the source if you are going to use them...

Bottom line, I think my comment to Angela that there are plenty of Buyers Agents that will show their clients her home if she is Priced right and is offering a competitive commission to the Agent is pretty accurate...

Dunes,

I would like to see your statistics that prove otherwise.

Angela,

I agree with Agent Angela from Texas as well. This is America, and the beauty to a free market is being able to sell what you own yourself. However, what Dunes fails to realize (only because he's not a Realtor or Lawyer) is the liability involved for Realtors to sell FSBO's. He can argue until he's blue in the face and passes out from lack of oxygen, but the liability for any licensed professional is still there and still very real. The best scenario is for you to sell your home to another private buyer (not represented by an Agent). In court a judge would look at that differently than if a Realtor was involved.

I hope you’re able to sell your home yourself. There is nothing like making more money. After all, that's why we're having this discussion right?

Finally, the last point I'll make. With any product you sell it's all about DEMAND. When a property enters the MLS and is marketed properly the audience is huge. Trying to market your property yourself is like being a small fish in a big pond, how many people are going to see it? You would have to hand out a TON of flyers all over Cincinnati in order to come close to the exposure you will get listing it through a Realtor. It's not all because of the Realtor that you would make more money, a lot has to do with the demand they create. I just sold a property in Erlanger in 3 days and another in Independence in 5 days in THIS market, and all because of the PRICE and DEMAND. You can do the same, just create the DEMAND, and if you need help I'm only a phone call away. :)

Fortunately for Angela there are plenty of Agents that will show her home to their clients, so do what you wish someone else can do business and make a commission...I think that's fine with Angela.

The survey using 2005 statistics which may not be accurate today..Tossing that kind of data out as some kind of example or to make some kind of point is pretty lame IMO... 4 years old

In response to Dunes, let me note that a report from the National Association of Realtors in the spring of 2008 stated that FSBO's typically sell for 16% (not 12%) less than those who are listed and sold by realtors.

The information was compiled from 2005 statistics so it may not be accurate today. Given the state of the market and the lack of exposure FSBO's have for their properties, I would estimate that number now might be even higher.

In regard to my "job" being to find the right home for my client, let me share the following:

1) when dealing with a FSBO, I am not permitted to discuss commission via the telephone. Such a conversation is required to take place in person.
2) I then need to meet with the FSBO face to face prior to showing the property to establish commission and to have the seller sign a binding contract for a "one time" showing agreeing to pay me should I procure a buyer.
3) I then need to carefully tour the home and have the seller complete a property disclosure and lead based paint disclosure if applicable for my clients to review to protect myself from any liability arising from obvious/latent defects related to the property. I am doing all this prior to even showing the property without knowing whether or not my client will even have an interest.
(All of the above activities are unnecessary when the home is listed with an agent)
4) If I show the property and my client wants to write an offer, I then write the offer and present it to the seller explaining each nuance throughout the contract while being exceptionally careful not to violate my agency relationship with my buyer.
5) Once contract negotiations are completed, I then need to handle both sides of termite, whole house, radon, mold and any other inspections the buyer deems appropriate by reviewing the inspection report, preparing an addendum and presenting those findings to the seller. Most of the time sellers depend upon their agent to locate professionals who can correct any defects. Needless to say, since the seller doesn't have an agent, that task will also fall to me.
6) It will be my responsibility throughout the loan process to keep the seller (who is NOT my client) updated as to the status of the loan.
7) I will then be required to review the settlement statement with both the seller and the buyer and to set up and arrange a closing date.
While my job may be to find my client the right home, I am not required by law to do twice the work for half money and to double my liability in regard to defects of the home and violations of agency.

I tell my clients that if they see a FSBO they care to view they are welcome to contact the owner but that I do not want to be involved. My clients, without exception, indicate they prefer to buy a home listed by a professional and sold by a professional to decrease the chance something could go terribly wrong with the largest purchase of their lives.

And, finally, I've never found a FSBO that was priced reasonably. Every homeowner thinks their home is worth much more than it really is because, after all, it's THEIR home. As a realtor, I wouldn't even attempt to price my own property without getting an appraisal first.

Sellers have a difficult time taking the emotion out of what is simply a business transaction. They put a price tag on their attachment to the property and the memories within. Unfortunately, buyers don't value that attachment in the same manner sellers do.

While Dunes might think agents have "no excuse" not to show any and all properties regardless of the status or the work/risk involved in bringing the deal together, that's actually not accurate. Every agent should set their own parameters as to what they are willing or not willing to do to make a sale. If that makes me "not smart" in his eyes, so be it.

"There are surveys out that show that homes sell for 12% more when sold by Realtors."
What survey, by who, what year......I'll provide the info on how the survey was done ect..gladly

No need to use questionable material to discourage an FSBO

" I am willing to pay commission to buyer's agent?"

Who would show it? A lot of Agents would show it to their clients...Why? Because if their clients likes it and buys the Agent gets paid..

Why show it if there is already a lot of inventory?

Because it might be the property your client wants and you'll get paid..Let's not get so into FSBOs are bad that we dispense misleading information, I do not believe for one second any Agent is going to pass on the Commission offered because it's an FSBO that would just be silly/stupid..

.Agents are in the Profession to make a living, passing on the Commission of an FSBO does not show an example of ethics or Professionalism, it just proves your being.......well not smart!

Your job is to help your client find the home that THEY are looking for, not show them the one's YOU prefer for whatever reason....

An FSBO offers a competitive commission then a Buyers Agent has no excuse to not show it if it is something their client may be interested in...

Angela it would be your responsibility to be sure the Buyer Agents know about your Home and Commission

I'm a Professional I wouldn't show it...Give me a Break...

Dunes

Angela-this is America. You can enter the free market however you like. WITH a Listing Agent, without, offering buyer Agent commission, or not.

You have to understand, everyone here has seen the liability horror stories in person. It's not a sales pitch. It's a genuine desire to see you get the best and most real information. Okay...some of it is just sales. But not maliciously intended I assure you!

No, Brokers are not typically receptive to FSBO's walking in to their sales meetings and marketing their home. However, you can certainly make calls to offices near your home and let them know you welcome Buyer Agents. You can distribute fliers to neighboring broker offices inviting buyer agents. You can hold an open house, and do the same technique. Some of your fliers will fall short, understand. But some will make it into agents' mailboxes and that is what could help you.

Advertise on Craigslist "BUYER AGENT'S WELCOME". That is a welcome mat for Realtors. I often have clients that are at a price point or have specifications on a home that can be hard to find. I have been known to scan viciously the craigslist ads looking for FSBO homes for my clients. I have seen a few that invited buyer agents and they always catch my eye. I have also called some that didn't mention it, and they were very receptive more often than not.

You can market your home however you choose. It does not change who you are or your mission. Rockinblu sent you some FSBO links that you should check out. It's good information and very real.

You need to do this to the fullest extent. If it doesn't work like you want it to, keep your options open. You can list any time you want to. But there is no shame in trying to sell it yourself. Are you sure your pricing is dead on? Work with a Realtor to get the pricing right. Give yourself a time limit of how long you want this headache before you're willing to pass it on to a Listing Agent. There is no shame in that either! Just be sure to be loyal to the one that spends time with you, giving you information you need.

I hope this helps!

Happy Selling!

Angela,

There are surveys out that show that homes sell for 12% more when sold by Realtors. Even if those surveys are inaccurate and the homes only sell for 6% more with a Realtor. Think about that, for every 100,000 you would net $6,000 more than if you sold it yourself. I have to agree with Rainey, there is far too much liability these days for me to mess with FSBO unless they want me to list the property. That's what I'm in the business for. Good luck.

Hi Angela, in my state agents usually see for sale by owner properties in those areas where they are showing properties to their clients/buyers..... if their clients like the neighborhood and your home is a FSBO for sale by owner, the agent usually will contact the seller, ask if they are cooperating with Agents who bring them a buyer, if and when this leads to a contract and closing, if the seller says yes, the question then is for how much, and usually at least in my state and with my brokerage company, the Buyers Agent will ask the Seller to sign a one time showing agreement, that clearly states, that the Seller will owe the Agent/Brokerage company x % of commission on the sale price at the closing with this client....

Otherwise you can just put on your flyer that you are cooperating with Realtors who bring a buyer at ...... % of purchase price, and you can add that also to any ads you put in the paper...

Otherwise I am not sure what else you can do, short of hiring a listing agent who will then market your property to all Agents!!!!

Good Luck to you!
Edith Karoline - YourRealtor4Life!
Working always in the very BEST interest of her clients!
EdithSellsHomes@gmail.com
Your Chicago Connection
PS if you ever come across anyone you know who thinks about moving to Chicago and/or Northern Illinois,
send them my way and they will receive 1st class real estate service here.

Hi Angela,

Rainey brings up some credible points. Liability would be a huge concern relating to buyer agents and their clients. E&O insurance may cover damages if there is a default but I would need to check into that.

As I think through the situation, an "Open" right to sell contract comes to mind. This may protect both seller and buyer. If you sell the property no commission is paid to the agent. If the agent sells, you would compensate the agent. There is a disclosure avaliable to agents working with FSBO sellers, but this may not offer enough protection to the agent and client in a legal dispute.

Agents work hard to earn their license while keeping informed on legal issues and other aspects of buying and selling real estate. Most agents are not willing to put themselves in a position where they may loose their license. The seller and buyer contracts protect both parties and the agents that represent their clients and are created by attorneys and other affiliates.

Selling and buying homes go beyond listing a home and its purchase price. An agent offers many protections to their clients. When a deal goes South for any number of reasons, agents are prepared and ready to defend your rights.

If you are selling your home on your own to avoid paying a commission, you may want to rethink the situation because a potential lawsuit may costs you well beyond the cost of commission.

I hope this helps!

In response to Agent Erin Rowley's answer about preparing flyers and speaking at a local brokerages sales meeting, I don't believe that will happen in Northern KY. They must be very gracious in Savannah. I can't imagine our brokers permitting distribution of for sale by owner flyers in our offices or "guest speakers" who were FSBO's. I can't speak for every brokerage but I've been with Sibcy Cline, Coldwell Banker and RE/MAX and never have I seen this happen.
Imagine calling Macy's and asking if you could set up shop in their linen department and sell handmade pillow slips. Even if you offered to give them part of the profit, doubt they'd buy into it. Or, imagine a car dealership letting you park your car you're trying to sell on their lot and telling them that if one of their salesmen sells it for you, you'll pay them a commission.
Ridiculous? Absolutely. Please view real estate sales in the same manner as you would any other industry that is in the business of selling a product to a consumer.

Hi Angela,

There's a chance you might find some useful info on doing a FSBO attached to the links below. Good luck.

http://www.trulia.com/blog/rockinblu/2008/08/thinking_about_…

http://www.fsboprimer.com/selling.html

Hello Angela,
The best way to market your home to Realtors is to have a local Realtor list your home and have it on the MLS. With so many home for sale now, I think it will be difficult to have a home not in the MLS and the other avenues that the Realtors may use to market their lisitings. A good marketing plan may be worth your investment to get your home sold.
Best of Luck to you,

Carrie Roberts
Sarasota, FL

Angela,

Another option would be to perhaps make flyers/or ask permission to speak at a sales meeting for nearby brokerages. There may be a mixed reaction, but you could hit the lotto if your home is in tip top shape, priced right, and one of those agents has the right buyer....

Hi Angela -
You probably don't want to hear the answer I'm about to give you but I'll be honest with you from my viewpoint and past experience. As a real estate agent, my preference is to deal with homes listed by other agents when I'm showing property. While I have on occasion shown for sale by owners who have agreed to "co-operate" (industry term for compensate) a buyer's agent, the truth of the matter is that it exposes me to more liability when dealing with an owner who is not an agent.
Most real estate commissions view such transactions as an "unlevel playing field" when a professional is negotiating a contract with a non-professional. So, in essence, it almost places the buyer's agent in a position of representing both parties when in fact the agent should be only representing the buyer. But to ensure that all paperwork is filled out completely and that the seller fully understands the terms of the offer, etc. the agent has no choice in most cases but to guide the seller through the process. In turn, the purchaser may feel that the agent they thought was representing them is now "helping the seller".
We live in a very litigious society. As an agent, I look for ways to reduce my exposure to a lawsuit by ensuring I follow all aspects of "agency" in both Ohio and Kentucky. Avoiding for sale by owners, in my opinion, reduces that liability.
I only speak for myself. There may be other agents who are more than happy to work with FSBO's that market to them. Personally, I delete them from my inbox when I receive a flyer from a For Sale by Owner.
Good luck.

Angela, you could do all these things BUT why would a buyer's agent really pay much attention with so much inventory out there? If your property is outstanding in price and appearance, head and shoulders above the rest then you wll get buyers yourself.

A good Realtor in this market is an investment not a cost. If your property value is below what you owe, perhaps a short sale would be the solution.

We have seen FSBO's accomplish agent support by posting an "agents welcome" rider on your for sale sign. However, this is not the best time to do a FSBO because of the heavy competition provided by short sale and foreclosures.

A comprehensive marketing plan would be advisable.....

Good luck

You could call several buyer's agents in your area, and tell them exactly what you just posted here. You could also list your property with a flat-fee listing service or a listing agent. You could post an ad on craigslist, and several other online classifieds sites.