Hi Dunes,

My comment that you cited below wasn't aimed in your direction. I actually had David's comment in mind in which he said "It is a rare site to see a good agent on trulia anymore." We don't believe that is the case and don't believe that all members should be judged based on this single incident.

It is your choice to republish the email that you received from Peter, and we haven't objected to your doing so here or in the question you posted. However we also don't want to spread such negativity around either.

I'm not sure what relevance Peter's email has to the multiple profile issue that occurred with this question a while ago. If you have concerns that you wish to bring to our attention, please feel free to contact me directly.

Thank you,

Emily

"but this was one instance and shouldn't be used to judge all the real estate professionals on our site. "

Something I never said or claimed.

I posted an email sent to me from a member of this Forum and it certainly should be used to judge HIS place as a Real Estate Professional on this site.

BTW, This is the thread that was dead until Peter bumped it back up with his comment.

If you look I was sharing the email with the other participants of this thread from a month ago because I thought it ironic he posted on the same thread where another NAR Agent used multiple profiles to insult Rockinblu and complement himself.
That agent was also contacted if I remember right.

Hi Everyone,

This post continues to veer farther and farther off-topic. If no one has any further answers specific to Econ's question, it seems the present discussion would be better taken offline or addressed in another thread.

We are very regretful about the email that was sent to Dunes and have contacted the sender about his behavior, but this was one instance and shouldn't be used to judge all the real estate professionals on our site. I sincerely believe that the majority of our users would agree that such behavior is absolutely unacceptable.

If anyone has further concerns about this issue, please feel free to contact me directly via my profile.

Thank you,

Emily Gibson
Community Moderator

I wasn't offended David, I was pretty much responding to the comment Sarah made and the email she sent me saying basically the same thing.

Just on this question here and the Low Commission question Sarah was commenting on there appears an Nar agent using multiple profiles to insult people, a Nar Agent that sends me a vile email and a Real Estate Pro that that vents on me with a
"Maybe he failed his real estate license test" rant

But I'm hostile ?

Sarah,

Show me where I am "constantly" downplaying agents everywhere on this site. I only give the otherside when agents post biased statistics from the NAR to misrepresent facts to sellers. My opinion of agents has changed from my first days on Zillow, and yes that is a fact. However, go to my profile and copy and paste on this thread where I have downplayed an agent's worth, educational requirements, general integrity, or stated anything really derogatory in general about agents. I'll even go so far as to open the the opportunity further, and have you look for something on Zillow as well. If I state YOU don't know what YOU are talking/posting about in referencing what I do on this site, I am not downplaying your worth as an agent, however agents should have better reading comprehension than what you exhibited in your interpretation of my posts. Now put up or shut up.

Dunes for the record- I don't think you are an idiot but I think you are extremely argumentative and no I don't think that the reactions to your remarks were warranted. I would have liked to see responses instead on both sides of the coin- truly I think it is possible to really dig into a discussion if the question “why it that important to you” is asked repeatedly.

It just seems as though no REALTOR is good enough unless they are completely advocated by you. There is a difference you know, agents can just be agents without being a member of the National Association of REALTORS. You have to pay and dedicate yourself to be part of the association- and it's not a requirement of all agents, it a choice.

You are correct- expertise doesn't = real estate license. I completely applaud this, before becoming A REALTOR I worked at an office of 55 agents and saw how each conducted themselves on a daily basis- I also went through audits with the Real Estate Commission- happy to say that we always passed them all with flying colors! I am certain that there are many outstanding agents in my area that work extremely well with the public. Usually, those who aren't don't make it in this business so you can remain hopeful in this?

I wasn't trying to offend you Dunes, I am at peace with my inner hostility.

I didn't lie there are only a limited number of good agents on here.

Forgot to add.... Ask someone what happened in this thread with a NAR agent and the second profile as a buyer he created then used to insult people and wax on about how super honest/intelligent he was?

Think he got a stern warning also! LOL

"Dunes does seem a little hostile lately ;("

"Pick your agent then go to Trulia to see if they are a moron. That is where all the bad agents are. It is a rare site to see a good agent on trulia anymore."

Question asked and answered!

I'm not sending emails to anyone!

"You are a Class A
Retard. If I ever were to meet up with you I would stick my foot so far up your ass
your mouth would taste (sht) for weeks to come. Go back to (mastbating) to the home
ads & have a great life - you, your fat wife & ugly kids." From a NAR member

or making these kind of comments in the Forum..
"Dunes has some bug up his ass about real estate agents. Maybe he had a bad experience. It happens but should he bash the whole industry? Maybe he failed his real estate license test and is on a crusade to take everyone down with him" From a Real Estate Pro?

Anyone who has paid any attention knows the entire time I've been at Trulia I have always told anyone who would listen to find a good agent. I've always said they are there, ask questions, become informed and do not just believe someone because the have an RE license and claim expertise.

I have recommended agents to people, I have defended agents, I have even stated several times that some of the agents I disagree with are still excellent agents and I would not hesitate one moment to use them.

What I don't do is send silly emails, call people names or participate in a discussion without some point to make. Agents do not get automatic expertise status because they have a RE license or joined NAR.

Agents are not worth any monetary value unless they provide a service and it is that service which is the most discussed topic in this Forum. I do question what some/many agents seem to feel that service is, where it begins, what it's value is and where it ends. Simple as that..........

Because if they weren't here, agents would post all of their misinformation unchecked. I am grateful they are here although Dunes does seem a little hostile lately ;(

Why is it that Dunes and Rockinblu are constantly downplaying agents everywehere on this site?

Can anyone answer this question- Dunes or Rockinblu?

What makes you so special?

For the record I sold a FBSO once that was 85k under value- it was a dream. I wanted to buy it myself actually! But it was a perfect time for my client Kathy from Orange County to buy it and I am glad she did. She loves that home!!! Just saying- I think your statements are completely generalized and not specific.

"Would you rather smoke pot all day & write stupid things online?" ... "Go back to (mastbating)"

Is this a one or the other scenario? Am I expected to choose? Am I suppose to do all three at once?

Agents should be more clear in their expectations of the public, having expertise to share is pointless if you can't be clear?

Can I combine any two of the three options? Do I need a real estate attorney? Is there a Flat fee service ?

Who said I wanted to sell my mobile home?

I needed less criticism and more YAY!!!!!!

"Voted" Most likely to flunked out of real estate school (Class of 1812), Dunes

David,

I was just thinking yesterday about how my impression of agents in general has changed from my early days on the net on Zillow to my present ones on Trulia. :(

I keep telling people to look on trulia for an agent, maybe I should change that. Pick your agent then go to Trulia to see if they are a moron. That is where all the bad agents are. It is a rare site to see a good agent on trulia anymore.

"Would you rather smoke pot all day & write stupid things online?"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I would, but it bothers my sinuses.........but I can still write stupid things online all day.

See you must always listen to the Professionals..

Peter Testa wants to chat with you

Hi Dunes,

Peter Testa found you on Trulia Voices and wanted to drop you a line:

Message from Peter Testa:

Hey there. I noticed you like to write nonsense in the commentary section on Trulia.
Are you that bored? If you flunked out of real estate school you can still do
something useful with your life. Why not become an activist in your community there
in Oregon- climb trees & yell at the lumberjacks. Would that be to hard for you?
Would you rather smoke pot all day & write stupid things online? You are a Class A
Retard. If I ever were to meet up with you I would stick my foot so far up your ass
your mouth would taste (sht) for weeks to come. Go back to (mastbating) to the home
ads & have a great life - you, your fat wife & ugly kids. One day maybe I'll sell
your mobile home for you. Yours truly, -Identifying Pathetic Excuses for Human Life

Peter, you have surely shown the world what kind of person I am.

The words in ( ) are so I could get this past the "no profanity" posting thing.

This was the perfect question/thread for that informative "coffee grinder" comparison.

Let me just add an "YAY!!!!!!"

Selling a home is not like selling a car or a coffee grinder. List your home for sale with a Realtor & they will post your home for sale in the places that matter most.

Econ,

Given the honesty displayed on this thread, I'm sure I know of one agent you won't be using if you are considering listing, that is if you aren't already.

Just so you truly understand where I'm coming from, you can go over my posts and my FSBO blog, and I don't believe you will find anything where I state that agents don't earn their commission, are generally dishonest, and most people should go the FSBO route. I just have to step in from time to time when agents take the various routes that were used on this thread to discourage someone from attempting a FSBO, if that's their wish. Think about this for a moment. If an agent can truly get 348k, whereas the seller on his/her own would have only gotten 300k, what does that say for the effectiveness of buyer agents? The agents can't have it both ways.

The irony of this whole thread is that you never even posted that you were a FSBO. In my first reply, which pretty much answered your question, I left that open, and addressed you in either case, represented and FSBO.

Dunes,

You and David were doing a little latin a while ago (oops, that didn't come out right). In regards to Miranda and Brian's posts, how about this> argumentum ad hominem. And yes, I checked Brian's profile, and quite honestly his posts seem very helpful and knowledgeable. In a quick scan I only saw one other post using that 16% malarkey. However, his actions on this thread, to me, seem to be an embarrassment not only to himself, but to his colleagues as well. So much for creditability.

I'm done.

Miranda, you have it all wrong. I'm the sad little rude man with no life, loser, blah blah blah.

Rockinblu if you check his profile, useful answers, best answers, blogs, seems to have a few people thinking he's contributing quality stuff.

Of course I can see someone thought your insults were useful (Brian?) so the thumbs up is obviously a misleading measure of worth.

BTW Rockinblu is retired and has already raised his family, been a homeowner ect.., so if his wife tells him he can hang out because he has no friends, well he's earned it.

Hoping someone feels the need to say the same about you someday.

Dunes

hello,

Just a kind reminder to please keep the discussion on topic. Econ's goal is to find out how he can post his house for sale. He had some great answers for that, thanks to you! I personally love the discussion that is happening, but maybe you could start a separate thread for that one

vicky (from trulia)

Sorry Dunes, I do not know latin, Google does.

I yield to the master of the universe, or maybe just the master of Trulia.

David, You think that was good you should see my outfit for conventions.

Since you know Latin...."Res melius evinissent Coca"

Majister mundi sum! Dunes

Thank you Jedi Master.....



Sentio aliquos togatos contra me conspirare.

Actually I thank-you! I've been thinking a lot about letting things slide lately and appreciate your reminder that sometimes helping just one person has more value than being angry about the many worthless spam comments or the avoidance of facts or the creation of less than honest facts in order to drum up business for a idiot with a RE license. This will most likely result in another email about my flippant comments.

Anyway, I can honestly tell you that the help you provide for people that come here does make me think you are never going to have to worry about the value you have. Rock on Rockinblu......

"Sit vis vobiscum" Dunes

"Rockinblu, why would you spend this much time using the credibility you have rightfully earned in this forum responding to this crap?"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dunes,

I have a terrible, and well earned reputation for simply not letting things slide. I have even printed out this thread up to and including your post, which I thank you very much for.

Hey David,

Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. I didn't check for #9. NaNa Na NaNa.

I was trying to break the ice, I am glad I could make someone laugh. I haven't had much time for Trulia lately but I know this, Econ needs some help and that is why a question was asked. The question is not about how great NAR is or how great agents are, we all know they are great... It is "how do i post my house for sale?" Maybe Econ means Trulia, maybe not but here is my answer:

You can hover over "my trulia" on the upper right hand side, then scroll down to and click on manage my blog. Click on "write new post", put the category as homebuying, because more buyers are going to look at that section. Write a title that catches the eye and choose your location.

As you write your ad you will want to put some pictures in, on the top of the box you will notice you can hover over the icons and one of them says "insert image" there you can uploan pictures from your computer, put as many as you can.

If you have any more question Econ please don't hesitate to ask, some times the regulars bicker amoungst ourselves don't worry about that it helps keep us honest.

Oops sorry Alan. I made an edit after your post.

Miranda,

I'm sorry. I forgot my manners. Welcome to Trulia. Your first post, and you did a great job taking up for your fellow Colorado Springs resident. You two must have attended the same schools. Your writing and paragraphing along with the use of ... reminds me a lot of Brian's posting.

From Trulia's Community Guidelines:

"Multiple profiles are prohibited
Each individual can only have one profile and account. Members who use different profiles to ask and answer their own questions or disturb the community risk having their accounts deactivated."

Good catch, Rockin'

thumbs up from me.

Miranda,

You may be right. Maybe I am a little harsh on the NAR.

http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS187576+11-Fe…

"I was discussing the ins and outs of someone selling a property FSBO vs. using a Realtor and correcting inaccurate information...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
So I guess that The assertion is accurate that if a FSBO sold for 300K, a Realtor would have probably gotten 348k. The unbiased studies referred to in my posts simply do not agree.
______________________________________________________________

"because it's important that consumers get accurate and complete information and questionable information needs to be challenged not allowed to stand as if it were truth.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

That's exactly the reason I referenced the various studies that refute your claim of agents generally selling "comparable" houses for 16% more than FSBOs. I also brought up the fact that flat-fee FSBOs are not counted as FSBOs by the NAR which skews the numbers you were using.

Miranda,

I am not biased against all agents. Just those that perpetuate the stigma that honest speaking hard working agents are trying to overcome.

@David...Now that's a funny post...way to go! Finally someone with a sense of humor I was beginning to think I was on the Huffington Post *laugh*

@rockinblu - Thanks for an amusing diversion. You have your opinion and I have the truth *smile*
You haven't provided anything of substance to alter my opinion and am not concerned with altering yours. An intelligent person will easily be able to make an informed decision for themselves.

The yearly NAR survey was the one I cited in my earlier post and is the only national study of its depth and size based on an eight-page questionnaire sent in August 2008 to 133,000 home buyers and sellers who purchased their homes between July 2007 and June 2008, according to county records, which generated 10,053 usable responses. Difficult to bias a survey that only reports what the respondents (consumers) say and doesn't twist data with the use theoretical models or assumptions...only biased to someone who isn't open to facts.

You're more than welcome to purchase the entire extensive report from NAR for $125 or review a few exerpts at the link provided.

Things I know about you

1. Your reading my comment
2. Now your saying/thinking thats a stupid fact.
4. You didnt notice that i skipped 3.
5. Your checking it now.
6. Your smiling.
7. Your still reading my comment.
8. You know all you have read is true.
10. You didnt notice that i skipped 9.
11. Your checking it now.
12. You didnt notice there are only 10 facts

Brian,

If you're so close minded to believe only studies you agree with are relevant that's your problem. You can interpret the Northwestern study your way, and I'll interpret it my way. As for as the Stanford study, I didn't feel any need to run it down as you never did post a link to an unbiased source for the statistics you use. However, since I assume your source is the NAR, I guess they are certainly ones whose information I would trust. Yeah, right. A very creditable source regarding FSBOs.

By the way, you will not find a post of mine stating that an agent couldn't, in all probability, sell a house faster.
___________________________________________________________________

"So AT BEST the FSBO seller MAY save 1% or 2% at the outside and even most of those who were able to sell successfully as a FSBO said it wasn't worth the time, effort and frustration involved."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sorry, I saved better than 5% in commission, paid an attorney $500, spent $40 in signs, and $25 in snacks and beverages, and had a good time doing it. No, it's not for everyone, nor on any thread did I ever post it was.
_________________________________________________

"Since you only cited a news article, in a Canadian paper, rather than actually reading (probably because you have to PAY for it)"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Not deserving of a comment.
________________________________________________________

"spewing half truths and unvetted opinions"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

People in glass houses.
___________________________________________________

My only bias regarding agents and FSBOs is against agents posting carefully worded misleading statements and slanted statistics with an intent to discourage FSBOs. There are enough valid reasons for most people to use an agent that agents don't have to come on here with biased propaganda. If you would have come on here and posted the following reasons, I would probably have given you a thumbs up:

1. Chances are your house will be sold quicker.

2. Convenience.

3. Let them take the risk of dealing with strangers while in your home.

4. Better suited to handle unexpected problems.

5. Better chance of a properly prepared house for showings.

The above reasons are from my blog> http://www.trulia.com/blog/rockinblu/2009/01/what_am_i_missi…

I know none of this is really "relevant" to you, but maybe it is for other readers that may be sellers, and that's who I'm really interested in. They shouldn't just make their mind up based on a lot of propaganda put out by the NAR and enhanced by some agents. I'm simply giving some balance to those kind of posts. If you have to resort to character attacking to undermine me to make a point as well as the other bs, then I feel you're really grasping.

@Fred - I type over 100 words a minute and think faster than that...thanks for your concern

@CSInvestor - good post, right to the point, but please let me clarify...I wasn't asking for your business or defending my commission...I don't need to do either. I was discussing the ins and outs of someone selling a property FSBO vs. using a Realtor and correcting inaccurate information...because it's important that consumers get accurate and complete information and questionable information needs to be challenged not allowed to stand as if it were truth.

Regards :o)

Econ, I think the best deal for you would be Craigslist. It is free and lots of people are looking for homes on Craigslist. You can even put up to six pictures, I believe, on Craigslist.
Let me know if you have more questions.

Dodi Bateman
Keller Williams Partners Realty
719-287-2239
dodi.bateman@yahoo.com

It's so sad and hilarious when realtors defend their commision fees. I would never use someone like Brian who is confrontational. Realtors should be paid for the work they do. So if he puts in 50 hours at let's say $50/hour and spends $2000 in marketing, then he should collect $4500. If Brian thinks he' worth $200/hr then he should charge that. I also think that realtors should get paid even if they don't sell the house if they spend $$$ marketing the property. It's only fair.

@Brian - boy you have too much time on your hands to write that book below!

@Everyone else - Econ asked a simple question. How to post his house for sale (probably referring to Trulia.com), so it's a simple answer.

Thank you for clarifying for anyone reading where you got your bias along with the erroneous conclusions and information you provide. You clearly demonstrate how bias can cause someone to conclude that an elephant can hang from a cliff with its tail tied to a dandelion just because they have developed a theory that says so...forget all the overwhelming evidence to the contrary.

I tend to only read RELEVANT information.

If you had actually read the Northwestern study, you would have seen that it did not conclude that "sellers who sell “by owner” actually save more money, and retain more equity, than sellers who sell through agents" as you stated.

While the Northwestern study was an interesting theoretical exercise, despite using questionable assumptions in its statistical modeling, anyone with an academic background (like me) will tell you that their assumptions in the models they used do not translate accurately in to the real world or into any markets or models other than the one they specifically examined at the specific time they looked at it and only for those properties they specifically examined....in case you also missed that the study also excluded a bunch of data for a number of reasons. Madison, Wisconson is a nice place, but hardly a large, vibrant market.

Further...though they did conclude that MLS Sellers, that's sellers presumably working with a Realtor, sell their homes faster than FSBO sellers, even that conclusion favorable to Realtors cannot be properly be extrapolated in to the assumption that working with an Agent/Realtor means you will sell your home faster....though in reality this is supported by statistics in most markets.

Since you only cited a news article, in a Canadian paper, rather than actually reading (probably because you have to PAY for it) the Stanford Study, which is so typical of the lazy bloggers that permeate the net now a days spewing half truths and unvetted opinions, I actually hunted it down and paid the $5 to read it. It was unremarkable except for the fact that it admittedly used a "data set pertaining to sales of faculty and staff homes on the Stanford University campus" which is hardly a large open market and the study even acknowledged this is a "unique" data set...again hardly translatable to any open market.

Even the news article you cited, in a Canadian newspaper, lauds the use of Realtors in many aspects and states the "successful" FSBO seller they talked to slashed over $100,000 off the price his neighbors home, who was in foreclosure, was selling for just to sell his home. Not only can most normal people not afford to do something like that, but that's just inane thinking for ANY seller...even in the few markets like Florida, California, and Nevada that are reeling from their past history of unsupportable appreciations. It also says he saved about $17,000 in commission, but doesn't correlate that to the thousands in equity he most likely lost by just dropping his price $100,000 willy nilly.

If this is all you can generate to support your opinion, I recommend you keep looking because it hardly contradicts yet another national study based on an eight-page questionnaire sent in August 2008 to 133,000 home buyers and sellers who purchased their homes between July 2007 and June 2008, according to county records, which generated 10,053 usable responses. Difficult to bias a study that only reports what the respondents report and doesn't use theoretical models or assumptions.

You weren't able to refute one thing I said with any well supported evidence and in fact only strengthened my position with the evidence you did provide. i.e. the article in the star that shows FSBO's are dying off by stating that FSBO's have dropped from 18% in 1997 to about 12% for the year ending mid 2008.

If it's such a good deal why did FSBO #'s decrease during the years it was most easy to sell a home - 1997 to 2007?

It's unfortunate that you may have had a bad experience with your agent, and of course we only have your side of the story for that, but your experience cannot be generalized to an aggregate since there have been millions upon millions of transactions and happy customers for over 100 years since Realtors organized and developed their Code of Ethics...and the historical facts just outweigh your fantasy.

A small amount of people will be successful in selling their homes themselves...more power to them. Most people already have jobs and would rather have the knowledge, education, and expertise of a Realtor Professional to sell their property faster and for more money rather than taking on the risk and job of trying to sell their properties.

I am capable of doing almost all my own motorcycle maintenance...but my time working, living my life and spending with family and friends is more valuable and better spent by using my professional motorcycle mechanic...I also know the job will be done right.

Brian,

You must be one of the few agents that have never seen the study attached to the link below.

http://faculty.wcas.northwestern.edu/~ane686/research/fsbo.pdf

Furthermore, you can do as I did and order a back copy of Consumer Reports Magazine Sept 08 issue from Amazon.com for their survey.

Also while I didn't bother to find a link to the exact Stanford study below is a link to an AP story referencing it.

http://www.thestar.com/article/509460

Now that I've showed you my links that are from reliable sources, do you want to show me a link to your reliable source that also said that in 2006 it was a good time to buy.

It's also common knowledge that Ramsey charges for businesses to be on his Endorsed Local Provider list.
What do RE agents pay anyway. Maybe something along the lines of insurance agents, huh. So much for you quoting Dave Ramsey.

http://www.insurance-forums.net/forum/dave-ramsey-endorsed-l…

BTW, my attorney cost me $500 and I sold at almost 20k more than where my agent was trying to lead me, before he essentially delisted me while I was away on vacation.

If you bothered at all to read any of my blog entitled "What Am I Missing Here?" you would see where you fit in it. It seems you have jumped from slanted statistics without any reliable source to back them up, to FUD.

Hello Econ, It's possible to post your home on Trulia.com and not have to list with a local broker.

Having looked for "studies" mentioned by rockinblu, I have yet to find anything that supports his statement, but even assuming what is sited is factual there is much more copious evidence and information available to the consumer that supports the benefits of using a Realtor including the economic benefit. I know of very few people who are even slightly knowledgeable about real estate who recommend selling FSBO if you don't have real estate experience and even they recommend having an attorney...hmmm Attorney...wonder how much that costs? *laugh*.

Even consumer and business advocates like Dave Ramsey recommend using an agent to assist in selling your home. Article after article available on the internet, even on FSBO sites, talk about the challenges in time, money, and liabilities of not working with an agent and ignoring them won't make them go away.

Let's not forget that the vast majority of buyers are using a Realtor/Agent to help them protect their interests and guide them through the myriad of pitfalls, inspections, disclosures , etc., so the FSBO is looking at having to pay them at the very least. It the Seller won't pay the agent...they buyer will just buy another house... and there have always been plenty out there to choose from...even in the long gone seller's market. Then of course there are the normal marketing costs in FSBO selling...nothing is free after all. So AT BEST the FSBO seller MAY save 1% or 2% at the outside and even most of those who were able to sell successfully as a FSBO said it wasn't worth the time, effort and frustration involved.

Educated consumers are my best clients. If someone feels they have the time and money to spend attempting to educate themselves and sell their own property then I say give it a shot. Almost all those who do end up going with a Realtor anyway and have a much greater appreciation for what we do for them as the result. The rapidly declining rate of people even attempting to sell their property FSBO, down from 14% to about 9% over the past few years simply supports my points.

Personally, I love competing with FSBO listings because they have always helped my own listings even faster and I especially love negotiating for a buyer client on a FSBO property since I have yet to negotiate with a FSBO who has settled for what my buyer would have paid.

Flat Fee or Fee for service, which as a stand alone business model is for the most part being shown to be unsuccessful and not economically viable, ARE in point of fact Realtor/Agent assisted simply because an REALTOR/AGENT ASSISTS the seller *laugh*. The fact that the seller received reduced services only means the seller had to do more work and the agent did less work or provided less service than a full time full service Realtor normally would. Even these services charge more the more work or service you want them to do.

When I have given the option for reduced service or fee for service to my clients in the past, I have never had a client tell me they wanted less service in selling their largest investment. In fact, I currently have a client who is actually bragging that he is paying slightly more than his workmate, who is also selling a home and went with a "discounted" Realtor, because after comparing what services they each are receiving his workmate was "VERY UNHAPPY" with the level of service he was receiving compared to that I am providing to my client. Having had numerous clients who came to me for assistance tell me they would never make the mistake of using one of those type services again, all I can say is you get what you pay for.

There are over 1 Million Realtors in the United States and competition is a good thing because it keeps the standards on the playing field high. Over 75% of those who get their real estate licenses in Colorado don't even last 2 years and those of us who are not just surviving but thriving in this market, 2008 was my best year yet, are those who provide the highest levels of service and performance to the consumer. My service is a bargain, especially when compared to what a mechanic or attorney gets paid...hmmm...maybe I should charge by the hour *smile*

Best
Brian L. A. Wess
CRS, GRI, ABR, ASR, CSR, e-PRO
Realtor®, Broker Associate
Residential & Investment Specialist
Pat Newell & Associates, Inc - Metro Brokers
Colorado Springs, CO
Direct: 719-528-6672
Web: BrianWess.com
             COLORADO REAL ESTATE...DONE RIGHT!™

Voted "Best Realtor in Colorado Springs" 2006 & 2008"
The Independent News Readers Poll: Gold 2006, Silver 2008

"According to statistics taken from a national survey of home buyers and sellers, only about 5% of home sellers who even attempted to sell their property as a FSBO were successful and only 1% of those sold the property to someone they didn't know. On top of that, comparable properties sold by Realtors sold for 16% more money than the properties sold FSBO. So in those cases the FSBO home sellers left anywhere from about 9% to 10% of their equity on the closing table because they didn't work with a Realtor."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
And Brian, what unbiased sources for your statistics might they be? All I know is that there are unbiased sources that differ with your sources. In separate studies by Northwestern University and Stanford University, “by owner” sellers were found to be as effective as agents in maximizing the sales price of their homes. After commissions are factored into the equation, the studies reported, sellers who sell “by owner” actually save more money, and retain more equity, than sellers who sell through agents. The September 08 issue of Consumer Reports magazine also reported that FSBO sellers are more likely to get their asking price while agents deliver, on average, a sales price that is $5,000 less than the original asking price.
I think you also failed to mention that flat-fee FSBOs are considered agent assisted and therefore not included in NAR surveys as true FSBOs.

http://www.trulia.com/blog/rockinblu/2009/01/what_am_i_missi…

The previous poster gave you some good suggestions, however it's important to also note a few additional items.

According to statistics taken from a national survey of home buyers and sellers, only about 5% of home sellers who even attempted to sell their property as a FSBO were successful and only 1% of those sold the property to someone they didn't know. On top of that, comparable properties sold by Realtors sold for 16% more money than the properties sold FSBO. So in those cases the FSBO home sellers left anywhere from about 9% to 10% of their equity on the closing table because they didn't work with a Realtor.

The days of just putting a sign in the yard, throwing the property on the MLS and getting it to sell are probably gone for good. In addition to developing a successful, pragmatic and unemotional marketing strategy, you need to be aware of things like what are your liabilities when selling a property that could come back to haunt you later.

Of course time is many times one of the biggest issues. One of the largest frustrations expressed by FSBO sellers surveyed, in addition to having to learn about and do all the paperwork involved, was the schallenges involved with trying to schedule time to show their property and the time they wasted showing properties to buyers who couldn't qualify to purchase their property.

As we all know buyer's want to see the property on their schedule...not yours...and in a buyers market with so many competing properties available they can very easily just move to the next one in line. With regard to qualification for a loan, most of the Realtors who have survived in this challenging market make sure of a buyers loan qualifications before they even begin showing them properties. After all, in addition to wasting everyones time, it does a disservice to the buyer to show them homes they cannot qualify for.

If you would like a professional consultation on the options available for selleing your home, you can feel free to contact me for assistance. I invite you to take a look at my Client Testimonials here: http://BrianWess.com/ClientTestimonials

Best regards
Brian L. A. Wess
CRS, GRI, ABR, ASR, CSR, e-PRO
Realtor®, Broker Associate
Residential & Investment Specialist
Pat Newell & Associates, Inc - Metro Brokers
Colorado Springs, CO
Direct: 719-528-6672
Web: BrianWess.com
             COLORADO REAL ESTATE...DONE RIGHT!™

Voted "Best Realtor in Colorado Springs" 2006 & 2008
The Independent News Readers Poll: Gold 2006, Silver 2008

Hi Econ,
Only agents can post homes on Trulia at this time. If you are working with an agent have them post it for you. If you do not have an agent I would love to interview for the job of getting your home sold in a timely manner. I not only post your home on Trulia but also on over 100 other sites plus print media. With today's market it takes all that plus more and pricing your home correctly to get it sold. Call me for a no obligation appointment so that I can show you how my team and I can get your home sold with the least amount of stress and time. Have a great week and God Bless,
Pamela Weatherford
Keller Williams Hope Realty
719.661.8672-C
719.749.2738-H
pamelashomes@dishmail.net
Soli Deo Gloria

Trulia only accepts listings that are represented by a broker/agent. If you have an agent, have the agent do it. As an owner, you may create an ad in the blog section, and even upload photos and videos along with posting links.

Whether you are represented by an agent or not, the blog attached to the link below may be of some interest to you. While it is directed to FSBOs, even if you are represented, there are even some ideas in it that you could possibly use to augment your agent's marketing plan. Please if represented, always keep your agent abreast of anything you do on your own, and use your agent for the contact person. Good luck.

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