RSS FeedWe are not all the same, I swear. Realtors, that is. But with real estate agents like this prize-winner on the loose, it's no wonder we're sometimes ranked alongside guys selling discount gold watches and stereo equipment out of the trunk of a Buick. ("Act now, and we'll throw in a free genuine gold Rolex!")
As a licensed real estate broker for many years, a lot of "how-to" articles pass through my Inbox on the fast-track to Trash. I recently came across helpful hints on how to get listings from FSBO's – aka "fizz-bo's" – folks trying to sell their homes "by owner," without the help of a Realtor.
A Realtor by the name of Lynn Hicks (apparently her real name) gleefully offered her "Super-Successful FSBO Technique":
"When I see a FSBO pop up, I call and tell them I have a client (usually my mom or a friend) that would like to see the house but is not comfortable viewing properties w/out their agent. They always schedule an appt. and allow me to 'tag along' too. I let my 'client' ask questions and remain pretty quiet, only handing them my business card upon arrival. Usually they start asking me questions. One time, she did not ask me anything but called me a week later. After initial contact, I…just follow up with them with little bits of information, friendly emails or phone calls."
In case you missed it, Lynn's standard modus operandi, and her advice to other Realtors, is to LIE TO YOU TO GET INSIDE YOUR HOME! Lynn is a liar. Lynn's mother is a liar. Lynn's friends are liars. They are conspiring together, lying to you, to get inside your home and trick you into listing with Lynn. Lynn's Little Listing Liars. Incredible, isn't it?
My first reaction to Lynn's ploy was to email her – with a copy to her broker – and tell her exactly what I think of her practices. But there may be a lot of Lynn Hicks out there, and there was no state or company given, and no link to email. Frankly, her broker may already know about and approve what Lynn is up to anyway. And, sadly, Lying Lynn is not alone. Her post goes on to say she got this swell idea from another Realtor whose own method for FSBO prospecting is also dishonest.
Don't get me wrong: I want your business, too. Statistically, homes listed with licensed real estate brokers sell more quickly, for more money, with a whole lot less hassle to the sellers. And I have called FSBO homeowners when I had a legitimate customer who might fit their house. But I absolutely respect your wish to sell your home without my help and have no intention of trying to con you into listing with me.
So, here are my promises to you:
- I promise you, all Realtors are not same – there are some really great ones out there who are hard-working and honest.
- I promise I will never pretend my Aunt Matilda or anyone else is a client in order to get inside your house, or otherwise lie to, deceive, or swindle you.
- I promise, whether I stand to make a nickel or not, I will always treat you like I want to be treated.
- I promise, if you want to "FSBO" your house, I'll help you do it – for free!
If you have questions along the way, need help navigating disclosures, inspections, forms, closing agents, or just need a little bit of professional advice, give me a call. I will be more than happy to assist you without cost, pressure, or strings attached.
Naturally, if you ultimately decide to list with a Realtor, I hope you'll pick me. But, just to be clear, I will never sweeten the deal with a free gold Rolex.
Heather Neill, Broker
ABR, CRS, e-Pro, GRI
Heritage Real Estate Co.
Fairmont, West Virginia
(304) 612-3746
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