Earlier today I noticed this semi-detached property is still for sale. It is listed with Property Sold.ca, a For Sale By Owner (FSBO) website.
Last year when I saw the listing I contacted the owner to see if he was interested in letting me come take a look, since at the time I had a client looking for a property in this location, which is south of Queen St, and is very desirable. After sending repeated e-mails to him with no reply, I finally found his phone number and called. He does not live at this address, so it was difficult tracking him down. When I called, I could not even complete my first sentence introducing myself before he cut me off and hung up.
I guess he really does not like real estate agents, even those that are trying to help.
Unfortunately his house is still for sale. The mean days on the market in this area, according to the most recent Toronto Real Estate Board Market Watch report is 15 days. I believe his property has now been for sale for over 365 days. I understand some people wish to go through the process of selling their property themselves, and may be happy and have a good experience, and I respect their choice. But, as I think this case demonstrates, not every property is cut out to go it alone. There is a role for the old fashioned, professional, local expertise of a good Realtor.
I would really like to help this person sell this property, since it is in my real estate farm area, and it hurts me every time I drive by and see it sitting vacant, and deteriorating. This property needs a home!
If you are the owner, and you are reading this, I can help. If you are a buyer and like the property photos, please contact the owner directly through the FSBO website linked to above.
By the way, my clients bought another property and are happy.
George
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Great Article. I have worked with FSBO’s and it can be a challenge. I find the best course of action is to be consistent yet persistent. That said there are those people who are immune to reason.
Thanks Mike for your comment. Yes, some FSBOs are real bears and have a hate on for any realtor. But, as you said there are ways to win them over, sometimes. In fact, when I look back when I started in this industry, my first listing was for a FSBO, and we sold that property after just one weekend open house. Luck perhaps, but I do think approach and the marketing we brought in play helped.
George