FSBO Guide
For Sale By Owner Resources
1. Understand the FSBO Process including the Pros and Cons of Selling By Owner- Research the pros and cons of selling by owner.
- Familiarize yourself with local laws, market trends, and real estate practices. I’ve provided the most current city point of sale requirements in the right-hand column.
- Consider the time, follow up, legalities, effort, and knowledge required for a successful FSBO sale.
- Know that you can always call on me for any help you need and if, after your best efforts you’re over it – I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and make it happen.
- Identify local real estate agents with strong sales records and market knowledge.
- Ask about their marketing strategies, pricing expertise, and communication style.
- Keep an agent in mind if your FSBO efforts aren’t yielding results as expected.
- Establish a clear timeline for when you might transition to agent assistance.
Best Real Estate Agent Interview Questions
Sell With Whewell – My Marketing & Service Proposal
My Reviews
- Market Research: Study recent comparable sales (comps) in your area to understand pricing trends. Use the last 3-6 months worth of inventory and sales.
- Online Tools: Online instant estimates are very often inaccurate. Only a CMA from a professional will help you price your home effectively to sell for the most money with the best terms for you. Request a no-obligation valuation to the right to get a better idea of your home’s current value in today’s market.
- Professional Appraisal (Optional): Hiring an appraiser can give you a precise valuation. However, once your Buyer’s appraisal happens, it could differ in value.
While online tools like Zillow’s Zestimate can give you a general idea, they often rely on broad algorithms that overlook the unique features of your home, local market nuances, and recent sales that could make a big difference. A Custom Market Analysis (CMA) from a local, experienced real estate professional takes all of these factors into account. I’ll use real-time data from recent home sales in your neighborhood and a deep understanding of local market trends to give you an accurate and reliable estimate of your home’s value.
Get the truth about your home’s worth-not an approximation. It’s FREE, fast, and tailored specifically to your property.
Fill out this form and I’ll personally provide a custom CMA that reflects your home’s unique qualities. No obligation-just expert insights!
4. Prepare Your Home For Sale- Declutter and Clean: Create a neutral, appealing space by depersonalizing and organizing.
- Make Repairs: Fix visible issues like leaks, cracks, or peeling paint.
- Stage Your Home: Showcase your home’s best features with strategic furniture placement and décor.
- Curb Appeal: Enhance the exterior with landscaping, fresh paint, and a clean entryway.
Dear Homeowner,
It might seem strange that I, a real estate agent, want to help you sell your home on your own. You’re probably thinking, “What’s the catch?” Truth is, I get it. I understand wanting to save money and take things into your own hands. I do it, too-whether it’s tackling home projects or figuring things out myself. Sometimes it works out great, sometimes it’s just okay, and other times I end up calling a professional anyway.
Let’s say I decided to paint my house. If a pro painter walked by and kept bugging me, saying, “You can’t do this as well as I can,” or “You’re going to mess it up”, I’d be thinking, Get out of my way-I’ve got this. But if another professional painter said, “Hey, here are a few tips that might help,” I’d appreciate it. And if I did run into trouble or got tired of the project, that’s the painter I’d call.
5. Invest in Professional Photos- Professional Photos: Invest in high-quality photos or virtual tours to attract more interest.
- Use Tab’s Photo-Ready Checklist to make sure your property shines!
When you invest in professional photography it makes a huge difference in getting the most attention for your property.
I recommend Boulevard Real Estate Media for all of my photography, drone video, and 3D walkthroughs.
*If my client has invested in professional media and I use those photos, I will deduct the cost of those photos up to $200.
6. Prepare the Necessary Paperwork- Disclosure Forms: Provide legally required disclosures about your property’s condition.
1. Ohio Residential Property Disclosure Form
2. Lead Based Paint Disclosure Form (built 1978 or prior) and
3. Buyer’s “For Your Protection” EPA Pamphlet re: Lead Paint & Disclosure - Sales Contract: Use a state-approved sales agreement form or hire an attorney to draft one.
Sample Purchase Agreement (Ohio) - Other Documentation: Gather your deed, title, property tax records, HOA documents, and any warranties or manuals for appliances.
- Schedule showings at convenient times for buyers, even at dark if that’s their only availability.
- Highlight your home’s best features during tours.
- Be ready to answer questions but avoid pressuring buyers.
- Pre-qualify buyers by asking for proof of mortgage pre-approval or financial readiness.
- Be cautious of unqualified buyers or those who might waste your time.
- Make sure to get the full names of the buyers, phone number and email prior to showing the home (or during your open houses).
Here is my free unbranded sign-in sheet. - If showing the home alone, alert the neighbors or a close-by friend that you’re showing the house and let them know what time you should be done.
- Put pets away or put in the car temporarily during the showing timeframe.
- Online Listings: Post your home on FSBO websites like ForSaleByOwner.com, Zillow, and Craigslist.
- Social Media: Share your listing on platforms like Facebook and Instagram.
- Signage: Place a “For Sale By Owner” sign in your yard with contact information.
- Open Houses: Schedule at least 3 initial open houses. Recommended times are
Thursday evening 5-7pm,
Saturday 12-3pm and
Sunday 11-2pm.
That’s my approach here. You’ll likely hear from agents telling you that selling on your own is a mistake or trying to scare you into hiring them. I’m not doing that. I want to help you succeed in selling your home on your own. If you give it your best shot and decide you’d like some help down the road, great-I’d love to be your go-to. But I want to earn that opportunity, not pressure you into it.
9. Negotiate Offers- Review offers carefully, considering not only the price but also contingencies, closing timelines, and buyer financing.
- Be prepared to counteroffer or negotiate terms.
- Stay professional and avoid emotional decisions.
- Real Estate Attorney: Ensure contracts and documents comply with local laws.
- Title Company: Handle title searches and the closing process.
- Escrow Agent: Manage earnest money and disbursements at closing.
Recommendations:
Attorney Ronald A. Skingle
6505 Rockside Road, Suite 320
Independence, Ohio 44131
(216) 503-9293 (Telephone)
(216) 373-4999 (Facsimile)
rskingle@ronaldskingle.com
Ohio Real Title (Title & Escrow)
Peggy Justus
1213 Prospect Ave. Ste 200
Cleveland, Ohio 44115
Phone: 216-373-8254
Fax: 216-453-8826
peggyjustus@ohiorealtitle.com
- Buyers may request a home inspection or appraisal as part of their offer. Most lenders will require an appraisal of value.
- Be ready to address issues that arise or negotiate repairs or credits.
For now, I hope this guide gives you practical, insider tips you won’t find elsewhere. It’s not just fluff-it’s meant to give you an edge. And if you have questions while you’re navigating this process or about anything in the guide, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Best of luck with your sale!
Your friend in real estate serving NE Ohio for 20+ Years,Tabatha Whewell
EPIQUE Realty
(216) 978-7933 / Tab@NEOhioRealty.com 12. Close the Sale
- Coordinate with the buyer, title company, and attorney to finalize the transaction.
- Sign all necessary paperwork, transfer the deed, and receive payment.
- Ensure all your belongings are removed, and the home is left in clean condition.
- Hand over keys, garage door openers, and any manuals or warranties.
- Ensure your buyer has set up utilities for possession day before you cancel or disconnect. Utility Provider Info
- Celebrate your successful FSBO sale!
- Let your partnering agent know that your home has sold so that they can enter it into the MLS as a comparable sale.
FSBO Tools and ResourcesCourtesy of Tabatha Whewell and www.NEOhioRealty.com
For any issues please contact Tab@NEOhioRealty.com
Request Your Custom Valuation
City Point of Sale Requirements Ohio Closing Cost Calculator Tax Rates by County School Information
Questions? Contact Tabatha
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EPIQUE REALTY
Tabatha Whewell | License ID: 2003018978
+1(216) 978-7933 Tab@NEOhioRealty.com
IDX information is provided exclusively for consumers’ personal, non-commercial use and that it may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed to be accurate. Listing information updated daily.
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