It is very differcult to sell on your own because your home will not show in the MLS as available. The market we had three years ago you could put a sign in front of the house and hope for the best. Today there are so many outlets to advertise. A realtor can help speed up the sale and get you to the price you need to be at to sell.

Thu May 8 2008, 13:06

Expect to hear doom and gloom here on selling yourself. What do you expect?? This is howthey put bread on the table.
My advice even if some may say I am not qualified -
My home is at 3431 Colony Mill Rd. Toano, Va. WMLS #30013732 and REIN MLS #0818241
I have been FSBO on the market for 2 1/2 months and have done every bit of advertising I could. I have had an Open House, I have emailed and phoned most important leads. Every person that has been through my house says its great and it shows very well. I have not had an offer on my 343K castle. My point is you can be perfect and maybe it will not happen quick.

Thu May 1 2008, 08:57

I've helped many River Oaks residents sell their homes over the past few years. The market has definitely turned, and I think Port Potomac has a lot to do with it (newer subdivision). Also, the fact that the Giant grocery store just closed. The property values in River Oaks have fallen, but homes are still selling there. Make sure you confirm the status of your loan with Countrywide. If I can be of any help, please give me a call toll free at 1-877-395-2495.

Tue Apr 29 2008, 17:43

Hi Joe, The good news for you is that home sales are picking up. Some of the ones you mentioned may already by under contract. The homes that are selling the quickest are homes that are priced well. If you are relocating, I'm sure you are under a deadline. I would price it the most competitively you can and advertise it heavily (Washington Post open houses are a great place to start).

I picked up a FSBO magazine today when I was in the Montclair area. It was sad. There were only just a few listings in Prince William County. I think the issue that homeowners who want to FSBO have run into is the length of time on the market and the expense of marking. The Washington Post ad I mentioned is around $150. If you do that every week for 6 months, like the realtors do, you can understand why realtors charge what they do. It's tough.

The market is starting to pick up, as I said. And, with a sign in the yard, advertising in the Post, Craig's List (I have found to be an excellent resource for listing homes) and the FSBO owner website, you may be able to get it sold before you leave. If you're military, the militarybyowner site is good, too. I work for ZipRealty.com and you can list your home on our site. Go tohttp:// www.ziprealty.com/agent/afoley to get more information.

If you find that you are running out of time and the property has not sold, I'd love to work with you. We offer sellers a reduced listing fee. Check it out when you're at the site.

Best of Luck! Angela Foley

Thu Apr 24 2008, 20:33

Congratulations on your past success as a FSBO. Unfortunately this market is a much tougher one than in the past two years and having the most exposure for your home is critical. Are you sure your loan is assumable? Not to many loans written in the last few years were unless it was VA. Most buyers who see a FSBO expect a better price than one that was listed in the MLS. Also make sure you know what seller subsidies have also been included in the sale. That will also lower what the comps are for your home. Good luck on your plans.

Mon Apr 21 2008, 18:42

I would highly recommend talking with a realtor about listing your home on the MLS. It is harder to sell for sale by owner when you are in a buyers market. Also, in order to get a good offer make sure you have everything in pristine condition. This is true more so when you are in a buyers market. Good Luck.

Mon Apr 21 2008, 08:07