re: Real Estate Question

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This comment always drives me nuts. If I'm selling a house FSBO and I have a number in mind that I need to clear, then my ability to negotiate with the buyer is limited by the commission that "I" am paying.

Example: House is listed for $250k. I need to clear $225k. If the seller is not paying any closing cost or commissions, then the buyer can offer $225k and I would accept it. If the buyer brings an agent, and that agent wants 3% commission, I now can't accept any offer below $232k. Throw in some money towards closing costs, a home warranty, etc, and my bottom line price increases.

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We just bought a house that was FSBO without an agent on either end. A few months before that just went thru selling my grandmothers house with the "help" of real estate people.

This FSBO has been so easy. About a week ago, I talked directly to the seller/owner instead of going thru waiting for agents to call us back. We saw the house, called, talked with owner, agreed to buy it, drew up papers and go to closing next week and will pay cash so no dealing with the mortgage people and their BS.

Total cost $250 for title transfer, $650 for title search. (Due to the unique construction of the home, we did not want/need termite, septic or other inspections. We got a great price by dealing personally with the owners and they were very open about everything to do with the house).


Dealing with the agent to sell gram's house was expensive, aggravating and took months to accomplish and we were not happy with the result. Everything was a huge deal and took so long and had agents, brokers and other people involved. Total nightmare.

By comparison, this FSBO deal has been great. It has gone off as more of an adoption that a real estate transaction and we couldn't be happier.

(Yes i understand that newer houses should have all those inspections, protections ( or may require them per mortgage requirements) and such so my experience may be unique. But I also bought my other house decades ago as a FSBO and was also very pleased with it.)