FSBO or For Sale By Owner is a term used to define a seller who wants to sell their property without the assistance of a real estate agent.  In some circles FSBOs are looked down on or as being crazy.  When I hear this I just cringe.  In Maryland as in most states only the legitimate owner of the property can legally sell their share, their interest or their ownership in real estate property.  Therefore, anyone who sells property in the state of Maryland is a FSBO, regardless if they use a real estate agent or not!  So, if you feel comfortable about doing this then this is your site.  Most of the information you will need for a FSBO sale is located in the different pages on this site and are free to use as you like. 

The FSBO Advantage!  Money, Money, Money!  Let’s face it, most sellers consider doing a FSBO sale to avoid paying a commission.  In fact every time a home or business is sold someone earns a commission!  The commission can be in the way of a dollar amount owed to a real estate agent or the hard work and sweat equity put in by the owner to sell the property.  Let’s not kid ourselves, selling a property is a full time job.  If you have the time and willing to put a little research into it, you may find that the results can be worth it.

You will need to consider:

• How to Advertise
• Cost of Advertising
• How to Qualify a Buyer
• How to control access to your property
• Being available to show the property during the day, evenings and on weekends
• Liability issues after the sale
• Buyer Agent Fees*

Buyer Agent Fees – FSBO sales are set up to the advantage of the seller and since real estate commissions are paid by the seller most of the home buyers in the marketplace will use a buyer agent.  Therefore since most buyers looking for a home will be affiliated with an agent they will expect you to pay the buyers agent fee of up to 3%.   It is not a requirement that you pay this but you should expect to be asked to help pay this fee or adjust your price accordingly.  After all the buyer thinks that since your are saving on sales commission he should too.