Hey guys and girls,
Im new to this challenging world of RE
Im very intrested in going after FSBOs. I just dont know how to approach them. Im looking for questions and/or phrases that will get them to thinking.
Im not nieve enough to think that I''l get the listing the first few times that I make contatce with them.
Im looking for ideas that will prolong getting the dogs sicked on me or the dial tone..
I know that there is some brilliant agents in this forum... Can you share some ideas?

Offer to hold an open house for them.

Offer something of substance I also offer to hold a open house. I also offer free advertising in the 3 major RE books in my area with call capture. This is paid for and done through my Mortgage associate.

You will be pleasantly surprised how fsbos will love to bend your ear! I’m sure there are other ideas but this is what I do…I stop over at an open house. They are expecting visitors…. Face to face is best (IMO). The 1st meeting I just chat…get to know them… I give them a little info on my co and me. Find out how long they are going to try on their own before getting a realtor involved. I may even give them an open house sign in sheet…talk to them about follow up. Maybe the next week I bring them a property disclosure and some more info that you can do that they cant. Drip, drip, drip…I usually don’t have to worry about uncomfortable silence… they have all kinds of stuff to talk to you about… Don’t give out all of your knowledge… It takes some time but if they don’t sell on their own, they will use an agent who was patient, courteous, helpful and there. Sometimes being there at the right time is what it takes. If they do sell on their own, they usually will be good “press” for you.

Coffegirl hit the nail on the head.

NEVER bombard them with statistics that show they won't be successful.
Give them generic "coaching" materials that show them what to do. Keep in contact.
If they actually do what you tell them to do and sell by themselves, you can position yourself as their buyer's agent or work for a flat fee as a transaction agent.

Thanks everyone for your help.. It is people like you'll that make this forum great

I totally agree. Pretend you are the "Do It Yourself for Homesellers" store and you'll help them with everything. No, you're not going to write contracts for them, but offer to be of assistance should they need ANYTHING.

I love the "trick of popping by in an aloof way, not in a nervous "I hope I land you" way. Ask if you might take a look since you may have a potential buyer in the area. Ask if they WOULD be willing to co-op IF you brought them a buyer, ask as you are looking at the house if they have had any other phone calls or showings and how they felt the showings went... and don't stay too long because you've "got to go present an offer".
--A