Jean Hedren - Northwest Wisconsin

Why selling your home on your own generally doesn't succeed - reason #3

There are many reasons why selling FSBO is a difficult task to pull off. In reason #1, I discuss the wrong listing price. Reason #2 is lack of online exposure.

#3 - Buyers want your commission savings

One very important consideration that most people who try to sell on their own don't realize is that buyers understand you are not paying a Realtor to sell the home. These buyers tend to be bargain hunters and since the seller is not paying a commission will feel justified in offering less for the home.

Lots of for sale by owner sellers end up receiving low ball offers. Even if the home is priced right, the seller can end up with a lower number on the bottom line.

If you are thinking of selling your home in NW Wisconsin, I welcome the opportunity to be interviewed.

Why selling your home on your own generally doesn't succeed - reason #2

There are many reasons why selling FSBO is a difficult talk to pull off. In reason #1, I discuss the wrong listing price.

#2 - Lack of online exposure

Many for sale by owners only put up a hand made "for sale by owner" sign in the front lawn and expect that to do the job.

Others think that including their listing in one of the for sale by owner online sites like Isoldmyhome.com, forsalebyowner.com, or buyowner.com is going to bring lots of buyers.

Unfortunately that's not the case. The for sale by owner real estate websites do not generate much buyer traffic in comparison to the sites that web savvy Realtors use to market listings.

Google a local search with real estate keywords a buyer would typically use as an online search, and you'll see the results. Using my local town as an example, a buyer would use keywords like Gordon Wisconsin homes for sale or Gordon WI real estate. The top search results are sites that show listings by Realtors and Real Estate agents individual websites. You can check out your own town or city.

A web savvy will also use social media to market a home. Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, blogs, and other media help drive traffic to a listing. For sale by owners generally do not have the expertise to market with social media.

If you are thinking of selling your home, I welcome the opportunity to be interviewed.

Realty Times: 15 tips for living green

This article offers many simple ways to help the environment. Here's the complete list reprited from the article:

1. Buy earth-friendly cleaning products: This used to be a tall order for budget-conscious households, but now there are a plethora of products on the market available for the same price as traditional cleaners. Some households take it one step further and harness the cheap cleaning power of baking soda, vinegar, and lemon.
2. Lights out: Turning lights off when you’re not in a room means you use less energy. This means the power plant produces less power and emits less pollution.
3. Turn the water off: It is tempting to let the water run while we brush our teeth or wash dishes. Take a quick second to turn the handle to “off” and preserve water each day!
4. Upgrade Insulation: A well-insulated home can save you money! Insulation helps keep your warmed or cooled air inside the home. Check the attics and walls of older homes to see if upgrades are needed.
5. Check for cracks: Air escapes through cracks around windows and doors. It is essentially wasted energy. Check windows and doors for leaks and fill them with caulking.
6. Change lightbulbs to CFLs: These new bulbs might look a little funny and cost a bit more initially, but they last longer and save tons of money in the long run.
7. Use cloth diapers: Attention all parents! Cloth diapers aren’t what they used to be. Not only do they work just as well as disposables (some say better), but they cost less and save the environment. A disposable diapers takes up to 500 years to biodegrade in a landfill. Americans send millions to the dump each year.
8. Use a laptop: Did you know a laptop uses less energy than a desktop unit? For home use consider using a laptop. Not only will you save energy, but you’ll save space as well.
9. Electric water heater: These compact units are great for families wanting to heat water only on demand. You’ll never run our of hot water and you’ll use less energy in the process because you won’t be heating water for when you don’t need it.
10. Zero-Voc paints: Paint can be toxic. Traditional paints emit fumes for years to come, meaning your family breathes in this nasty stuff. Zero-voc paints, however, are safe and cost only a fraction more than traditionals.
11. Unplug appliances: Even if an appliance isn’t in use, it is still pulling a small amount of power. Unplug appliances when they’re not in use. Even small changes can have a big impact if everyone does it!
12. Free and Clear laundry detergent: Our rivers, lakes, and oceans will thank you. Every year gallons and gallons of toxic chemicals make their way down our drains and back into our water supply.
13. Energy efficient appliances: Energy Star rated are a great place to start. These appliances meet a strict standard of energy usage. Switching to an energy efficient washer or dryer can save you cash and energy.
14. Wash in cold water: Once you have those Energy Star appliances, be sure to wash in cold water when you can. It uses less energy!
15. Recycle! Most cities have recycling centers where you can drop off metal, glass, paper, cardboard, and plastic. Keep extra bins in your garage, spend a few extra minutes sorting your trash, and do your part of save the environment.

Home sellers: If you've updated your home you are currently selling or plan to sell with energy-efficient features flaunt it. Many buyers look for cost-saving, energy efficient features, so let them know. For tips on how to help your home sell faster, check out this post: Why some homes sell faster.