FSBO Resources

In this day and age there are a ton of resources for anyone who wishes to sell their property FSBO. The internet has revolutionized the way we search for homes. This might not apply to the Silent and Boomer generations, but it is a perfect fit with Gens X and Y. Generation X didn't grow up with the internet, but they quickly adapted to it once they've entered the workplace. Most of Gen Y grew up with computers, and surfing the net is second nature to us. We decided to take advantage of the digital age and create a massive advertising campaign using the internet as the anchor.

1. We created our own website www.34TAFTLANE.com using Microsoft Internet publisher. At www.godaddy.com we got a domain name for $15.
2. We posted on www.craigslist.com. Craigslist is key to any successful post as it's constantly browsed by thousands of people of all ages. The best thing about craigslist, is that people who search on it are usually serious buyers who know what they want.
3. We took advantage of websites like www.FSBO.com, www.ForSaleByOwner.com and www.Owners.com. These websites are well organized and get a good amount of traffic. It is questionable however, whether any prospective buyer leads come from these websites, or if they are mainly used by sellers.
4. We posted on Garden State MLS - www.gsmls.com. The MLS, which stands for Multiple Listing Service works in conjunction with www.Realtor.com. The MLS posting costs $500 and lasts until you sell. These websites are not so much for principle buyers, as they are for buyers' agents. Buyers' agents are realtors who help buyers find and negotiate a property sale. They are usually compensated 2% by the seller/owner for bringing in a buyer. Working with them is OK, but the last thing they are is your friend.
5. We tried out NYTimes.com, which brought absolutely no results and cost $125 for 14 days.
6. We've put large, laminated FSBO signs around town with our website spelled out in reflective letters. This cost about $30 and was totally worth it. People driving around come by attracted by the sign, and check out the website because they are intrigued.
7. To reach the older public we've put ads in the newspaper. I ran a NY Times ad in the Sunday Times for our open house. This cost $175 for one day and brought absolutely no results. Total waste. The only phone call I received, was from the annoying Foxtons Realtors, who insisted that we needed their services. They were adamant about coming and showing us 'What we bring to the table'. Well Foxtons, I am happy that you only charge 3% vs. the usual 6% for an exclusive listing. However, you obviously lack in listening skills, because when told 'Not interested' you kept pressing. They called 3 times and will probably call again.
8. We've posted on all small and obscure FSBO sites that we could find. Luckily that paid off, as we are seeing a large number of people referred to our own website through these smaller ones.
9. We are holding an open house bi-weekly. According to research quoted on National Association of Realtors website, open houses are ineffective. They mostly bring in curios weekend gawkers. That's OK, since we firmly believe that "You never know".
10. We have posted tear-off ads around town. No way to track that.
11. In summary - most leads we've got came from #1 Laminated signs and #2 Craigslist. So you may ask if all the other efforts above were fruitless. Perhaps and perhaps not, since you never know and we haven't sold our condo yet.
12. The one website I found very useful is www.realestateabc.com. It covers many questions you might have, concerning the sale of your home, in a clear and unbiased way.