I think if your friends are truly your friends in real estate you should have this conversation with them...although I do wholeheartedly and respectfully disagree with your entire position. Not because I AM an agent but because I have dedicated my life to providing a valuable service to my clients and if it were just a tax on a service you could provide yourself and get the same benefit it would not be the industry that it is. I would like to think that I could change your mind in a few short sentences but that is doubtful.. I respect your opinion though and thanks for the dialogue .....

David-

I do not have anything against Real Estate Agents. In fact 4 of my friends are Real Estate Agents. I guess I am the "do it yourself" type person. I believe if you have bought and/or sold Real Property at least 3 or 4 times that you should be able to do it yourself with the help of a little team. As long as you have a competent Real Estate Attorney, Tax Adviser and a good Title Company who works together with you as a team. I see no need for a Real Estate Agent, except for getting me information on the MLS or Comps.
As a buyer, I want to get the lowest price possible and that is in direct conflict with how an agent works because most if not all Agents work on commission (please correct me if I am wrong). The higher the price the bigger the dollar signs an Agent sees in his eyes. He/She thrives on getting the highest possible price. How many Agents do you know that will work to get a "Buyer" the lowest possible price on a property? Admit it, an agent would balk at such an idea or concept. Your statement "national statistics support the fact that if you sell with an agent you will net 9% more or 15% overall MORE than if you were to sell it yourself" only proves my point.
Be that as it may, I would recommend a Real Estate Agent to 1st and/or 2nd time sellers and buyers. If fact, I have referred my 1st time home buying friends to my Real Estate Agent friends.
Sorry if I have offended you in any way shape or form.
Bob

Bobhud-

I am not sure where you what you have against real estate agents but what you should understand first is that national statistics support the fact that if you sell with an agent you will net 9% more or 15% overall MORE than if you were to sell it yourself. Selling with an accredited agent is even better, and I didn't note anything in the question that lead me to believe that it was not the direction they need to head.

So no, I don't think the advice (note spelling) will be free, although the initial consultation would be, but I am certain that the call will be a good investment. If you are questioning whether or not I know this agent.......I assure you I do not, and if this particular seller called me I would not consider taking on business in the area nor would I represent a buyer in that area. Pretty close for me is about 30 minutes or less :)

Thanks for the feedback, I enjoy the discussion because there are many misconceptions about the REAL value here! Thanks again....

David-

Your answer begs this question to be asked. Is a Real Estate agent going to offer free advise on how to market a FSBO property without wanting to get himself in on the sale? I think NOT.
You may not be in Shawnee County, but you are pretty darn close in Johnson County.

Look for a number1agent in your area who can talk to you about marketing. This site is one valuable tool but there are thousands nation wide that people use differently in different demographics. I am not affiliated in any way in Topeka but this is who I would call >>>>

http://www.topekaandlawrencekshomes.com/

Cory

Use postlets.com. It syndicates to trulia. BTW, I had good response when I upgraded to the plus version.
You might find the link below interesting as well.

http://www.trulia.com/voices/answer/Home_Selling/How_do_you_…

Hi Bobhud,

I'm sorry that I wasn't more clear with my initial response. I should have indicated that Trulia does not include For Sale by Owner listings within our search results at this time, however if Cory is indeed working with a agent or broker he should direct that person to the link below to submit the listing information to us.

Best Wishes,

Emily Gibson
Customer Service Representative

Emily & John-
You two are not reading Cory's question correctly. He is using the word (I), meaning himself. Both of his sentences are worded that way. My interpretation of his post, is that he wants to sell his house on own and not with an Agent/Broker and would like the information posted here. He wants to do his own marketing. Now bearing in mind that he posted this question in Mar 08, he may, or may not have sold it by now since this is June. Cory feel free to jump in at anytime here and advise of your situation. He could have also found that site that caters to Home Owners wanting the sell their Home.
Bob

If you are looking for an agent to help you in your sale. Coldwell Banker Griffith & Blair post all of our listings on Trulia, Googlebase, and over 20 other national websites.

My 1st impression of this question is that Cory wants to sell his house on his own and NOT use an Agent or a Broker. Emily why are you making the assumption that an agent or broker is needed to sell his house?

Hi Cory,

Please direct your agent or broker to the link below to submit your listing to Trulia.

Best Wishes,

Emily Gibson
Customer Service Representative