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Updated over 16 years ago, 04/06/2008

User Stats

8
Posts
0
Votes
Christine Maurer
  • Fleetwood, PA
0
Votes |
8
Posts

F.S.B.O? any advice?

Christine Maurer
  • Fleetwood, PA
Posted

Going to look at my first F.S.B.O. Anyone have any advice? do's or do nots?
Are they a better deal vs. finding a property to rehab? Thanks
:help:

User Stats

1,462
Posts
9
Votes
Calixto Urdiales
  • Residential Real Estate Agent
  • Los Angeles, CA
9
Votes |
1,462
Posts
Calixto Urdiales
  • Residential Real Estate Agent
  • Los Angeles, CA
Replied

Well it all depends my friend on the current situation the home owner is in at the time. Some of these homeowners are in default and are stuck between a rock and a hard place. This may be a good chance to make money and at the same time help the current homeowner out of a sticky situation.

If not in default they are probably motivated for they do not have the marketing skills of a real estate agent and need help getting the property off their hands.

User Stats

430
Posts
22
Votes
Jason Cummins
  • Real Estate Investor
  • Katy, TX
22
Votes |
430
Posts
Jason Cummins
  • Real Estate Investor
  • Katy, TX
Replied

It depends on what your exit strategy is. Really no one can answer that question. There are a lot of FSBO's that you would have to rehab, so I do not really see the difference.

Are you buying to hold? Are you trying to wholesale them? Are you trying to fix and flip them?

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User Stats

20
Posts
3
Votes
Vernon B
  • Real Estate Investor
3
Votes |
20
Posts
Vernon B
  • Real Estate Investor
Replied

Try to find out what the owner really neads to get out of the sale. If they need cash..How much, are they relocating..why, foreclosure..., you get the idea. You will need to build a rapport in order to get this kind of personal information from them. You goal is to get a good deal on terms or price. Terms in my opinion are better.

User Stats

15,745
Posts
10,940
Votes
Will Barnard
Pro Member
  • Developer
  • Santa Clarita, CA
10,940
Votes |
15,745
Posts
Will Barnard
Pro Member
  • Developer
  • Santa Clarita, CA
ModeratorReplied

Jason hit the nail on the head. Just because it is a FSBO does not mean it does not require a rehab. There could be a number of reasons why the seller chose to sell by owner rather than list with an agent. Realtors are not all great and often times are worthless and know less than you do as an investor.
Being a newbie investor Christine, you need to plan an investment strategy first before searching out properties.

Good luck.

User Stats

633
Posts
488
Votes
Brandon Schlichter
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Circleville, OH
488
Votes |
633
Posts
Brandon Schlichter
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Circleville, OH
Replied

I do alot of FSBO previewing for my real estate business.

I find that the MAJORIY of FSBOs overprice the property by 10-30% from market value. There is a minority that does underprice, these are individuals that don't do much checking on the state of the market or the like.

Just make sure YOU know what homes are worth and the costs to repair things.