The idea of selling and buying homes FSBO (for sale by owner) has intrigued people on both sides of the fence. Obviously the idea is to save money if you're the buyer or make more if you're the seller, and this can happen. In fact most buyers that shop FSBOs are looking for a GREAT DEAL. Another reason buyers may shop FSBO homes is that the home they are looking for is not listed with a Realtor. That is why it is a good idea to work with an agent who has knowledge of FSBO homes on the market and is comfortable working with them. Unfortunately most homes offered FSBO are over priced due to a seller who wants more than the home is worth or is just not motivated to sell quickly. Often times the potential buyer doesn't have the experience or market knowledge to realize the home is overpriced. BUYER BE WARE! The seller is usually the one who wins.

Be careful not to make an emotional or impulse buy, don't forget the importance of this investment. Not only do you want a comfortable place to live but you want to make sure you are in a good re-sell position down the road. A well planed, good investment could make you virtually rich when it comes time to sell.

The assistance of a Realtor can prove very beneficial in helping you make a good buying decision. If a FSBO home is found that you like a good Realtor can do research to determine fair market value and neighborhood appreciation rates all backed up with solid documentation. Your agent can also help negotiate the best price for you, schedule inspections, the property survey, the appraisal, the closing, and most importantly keep you from making a poor investment. The best part is... In most cases even a FSBO seller pays the Realtor costs! That's right, in my experience most FSBO sellers will cooperate with Realtors including compensation for the transaction. In addition the seller may be relived that somebody else is coordinating all the necessary steps needed to close the deal. That means that all the great assistance and consultation of a Realtor is at no cost to you. Bottom line unless you know exactly what you are doing and have prior experience and knowledge of the market you are potentially buying in, seek the assistance of a professional. I believe you will find the assistance of a good Realtor very worthwhile in the end.