Are you getting bombarded with agent calls?

Just as you're pulling into the driveway you notice a package left at your doorstep by an agent kindly leaving his material for you. Then, once in the door you notice there are three more new messages on your machine - all agents wanting to know how you are, how your sale is going and inquiring if there's anything they can do to help. You check the mail and sure enough - postcards! Sitting down to dinner the phone rings and another has found you!

Why does this happen?

You feel like there's some hot list that you're on that's leading agents - not buyers - right to your doorstep. The truth is, there is. Each time you post an ad, put a sign up or put yourself on some quick-list fsbo internet site, the alarm goes off and your name, phone number, address and date of ad is emailed to agents throughout the entire area that subscribe to various fsbo lead-generation services.

How can you stop it?

Why on earth would you want to? Of course they want to list and sell your home. But they're also relied heavily upon by their buyers that want to know what's on the market that fits their home needs. The FSBO sign may steer away some agents with good, prospective buyers for your home. In reality, good agents will take the time to find out about your home and ask for your written permission to show it. Remember that it's best to get one offer from a buyer working with an agent than to get no offer at all and you can always counter or reject an offer.

Want to know what Realtors® know?

Statistics recorded by the National Association of Realtors® show:
  • 87% of FSBOs eventually wind up listing with a Realtor.
  • Over 92% that sell by owner state that they would never do it again.
  • Homes sold by owner sell on average for 9.5% less than fair market value.

One good way to stop follow up calls

It's not in your best interest to avoid an agent with a buyer, however, if you want to stop the follow up phone calls, then let the agent know you've got someone in mind to sell your home, should you decide to go that route.