To use or not to use a real estate agent for FSBO

[Lorenzo Perez]

Hello all,

I was driving around town and found a house that is being sold through for sale  by owner. I looked at the house and it needs some updating but is livable in the mean time. Would you recommend that I use a real estate agent to help me work through this deal or just go through an attorney? We have a real estate agent and we already had her run comps in the area since we had been shopping in this area.

[Jake Thomas]

@Lorenzo Perez I agree that you don't want to damage your relationship with your agent but personally I like to buy directly from the FSBO's. I am an agent but I never take a commission when I buy a FSBO I just negotiate the price a little lower as I explain to them I can handle all the paperwork for free and save them the hassle anyways. They save money, I get a lower price win win. Now if you are not comfortable managing the paperwork yet then using an agent is logical. Errors on a contract can bite you in the end. Also, sometimes FSBO's dislike working with Realtors and paying commissions so sometimes bringing in an agent can complicate the transaction even though you would think a licensed professional would make it easier.