What works better for you and why? We got a debate going amongst a few of us and wanted to see how others do it.

I always call FSBO's.

Expireds, I mail them about three times before I contact them in person or phone. I prefer phone.

I had my house for sale and withdrew it form the market and started getting mailings from someone marketing me as an expired.

His biggest selling point and his "slogan" is horrible. I still get mailings from him. His catchphrase:

"I won't interrupt your day with unsolicited phone calls"

That is seriously the best thing he has to say about himself.

I would rather get the phone calls than the 2-3 mailings a week.

Ok folks,

You can just do a serious mail campaign to expireds (at least 7 postcards)....., with hand delivering the 1st package which increases your chances.


Now with Fsbos, I would mail a minimum of 3 postcards and then go to the door or call.

With fsbos you could waste a unlimited amount of postcard stamps on....it's a waste.

Thats my 2 cents and since I've had a feww to many to drink I better just stop teyping for tonight! ...

I pull comps and knock on their door. The phone usually rings while I'm there (another agent).

I have found that people are more likely to have confidence in an agent who shows initiative and takes the time to try and meet them in person.

It's interesting the things they will discuss with you too. Neighbors possibly moving, why they were unhappy with the last agent, what they expect.

I actually like to ask them what they believe "excellent" service is. A lot of times, it's not what YOU think it is or it's something simple that you've never thought of. I let them know why I'm asking. My reason, I learn something new and am able to custom tailor a plan just for them!

If you don't know their objections, how can you overcome them? A post card is not personal enough. Plus, they already get 50 different cards from other agents. The phone call is better but you're one of many tht they will get. Think about how the seller percives that.. agents just sit around all day and mail postcards and make phone calls.. what are they really doing for me? Do they actually get out of their office?

That's my 2 cents. May or may not work for you but it is different!

I pull up some comps too. Call the FSBO and ask them when they're having an open house and then just plan to stop by with your marketing material. I find it works better than mailers or phone calls. It shows initiative on your part and is a great way to build a relationship with the homeowner and stand out from the crowd.
I've only had one homeowner refuse to let me in.
As far as expireds go, we're not allowed to contact expireds in our area- they have to initiate the contact.
Cliff

Go to the door. Set yourself apart from the rest of the crowd. ( Also You have bypassed the do not call list.)

I believe that people are going to list with people they trust, and personal contact is the best way to build trust.

This may seem like a stupid question but, how can you prepare comps for fsbo without knowing details. For instance, if you drive by and see a fsbo sign and haven't seen an ad to know certain details (amenities, number of rooms, etc.). Seems like you would need to make a phone call for details and then run the risk of rejection if they wouldn't care to receive your information.

I really like the idea of dropping by with a cma but am just curious about details of how you gather your information beforehand.

Thanks for any input.

Tax assessor records are the way that I find the basic information on a property. I have a direct link to the courthouse records, including sales.

Where in Central Alabama are you located? I'm in the Foley/Gulf Shores area. Maybe we can share referrals!

[/qb][/QUOTE]Tax assessor records are the way that I find the basic information on a property. I have a direct link to the courthouse records, including sales.

Where in Central Alabama are you located? I'm in the Foley/Gulf Shores area. Maybe we can share referrals! [/QB][/QUOTE]

I have some of that, basic sales data, sometimes the sq.ft. and # of Bedrooms/baths. I go through old listings on MLS. But many of these homes haven't been sold since the records started being kept on computer. For any information on those homes, I have to go to city hall - for multiple municipalities, in a dense area with heavy traffic, this isn't very cost-effective and can take hours. With expireds it makes no sense to do this every day - I could get it done, but I'd never do anything else because it would take up the whole day. How do you get such a direct link?

Another stupid question...you can't tell anything about condition. A lot of homes have been redone inside and out. You can tell about the exterior from a driveby, but I've seen some beautiful exteriors look like a 60s timewarp once I get into the house. How do you account for that when you do your comps? Even with all that info, you are dealing with a huge margin of error. Overestimating - the sellers get that nice high number drilled into their heads! Underestimating - they get offended...

Give them a price range of the comparables. And to answer the original post, I drop off a copy of my book


http://www.listeveryfsbo.com

The book sounds nice, but my back is against a wall financially. Waaaay too expensive. $30-40 per copy is the MOST I would be willing to pay and even that's a stretch. It's simply more than I can afford right now.

Also FSBO's in my area are generally the poisonous type (quoting Dirk Zeller). They want far more than their property is worth and they don't want to pay for an agent. You have to get them over BOTH hurdles. Also, with 7000 realtors in my immediate area -everyone has a "friend" in the business - who probably advised them on the FSBO to begin with. 99% already know who they will list with before the sign goes in the ground. (if horror of horrors - they find they have no choice but to cough up the money.)

Yes, FSBO's can be tough, I tried working them but never had a reason to get back in otuch with them that was any different than anyone else.

That's why I wrote the book. Not only does it put me in a class by myself, it gives me a reason to contact them the next week.

By the way, the book is only $19.99 and that's cusomized and personalized with all the changes.

Regardless, best of luck, and get out there and meet people!

Do you start FSBOS's on a mailing campaign first ScoFla...say 2-3 postcards then just go and visit/drop off the book or call them??

Whats your best approach

In my area, FSBO's are pretty quick to list so I don't think a letter or postcard campaign would work too well.

I try to call them and set an appointment to see the house, not list it, just see it. Then it's pretty easy to start a conversation and see what they are thinking about doing. Then it's easy to hand them the book.

But remember, getting in front of the people is the main thing. The book is great and all and I do like being the only one that has a book with my nme on it, but unless you meet the Sellers and build a little friendship with them, nothing else matters