We asked another recent Yigdigs home seller about their FSBO experience. Karen Pierce successfully sold her home and saved over $14,000. Not bad! Here is what she said in her own words.
Yigdigs FSBO customer success
What initially made you decide to sell your home For Sale by Owner?
I chose to do a For sale by Owner for two reasons, to save the commission and to have room to negotiate off the sale price.
Had you sold a home before with an agent or sold a home FSBO?
Yes to both. We’ve always had company moves where the real estate fees were part of our moving package. However, our last two moves were not job related and the 6% commission seemed ridiculous to pay when we could easily do it ourselves.
What challenges or difficulties did you run into along the way?
I think the most challenging and perhaps disheartening aspect of the whole process was dealing with misinformation and hostility from real estate agents. Considering the state of the housing market, it would seem they would be more accommodating as their industry was suffering too. Not the case.
One issue that I wasn’t prepared for was the 10 day opt out period which was part of my offer. It was an oversight on my part not to know this was a standard part of the contract.
Initially I was concerned with the complexities of the contract but the video on Yigdigs was able to show me that it is a simple process.
What was the result of your FSBO experience? Was it positive? (how long until an offer, did it close, did you save money)
It was a very satisfying experience and one that I would recommend to anyone who wants to save money and sell their house quickly. It is not complicated!! Real estate agents would have you believe that it is, but truly, it is not.
I listed my home the first week in January on Yigdigs, I had an offer 3 days afterward and closed February 16th. I did end of giving 3% away to an agent who brought me the buyers. (I saved over $14,000.00) In hindsight, I should have asked the buyers to pay her commission.
Also, I let the buyers agent choose the title company…big mistake. She obviously is getting a kickback from them and chose Stewart Title in Hempstead…a 45 minute drive for me and a 2 hour drive for her buyers. The title company was unprofessional and at times incompetent. I’ve closed on enough homes to know that the process is pretty simple. I would never use Stewart Title again and would advise others not to use them and to be aware they are giving money to the agent for bringing them the business. By the way, the agent said she chose them because she thought we would like the drive!!
What advice would you give to others?
Just go for it!! I am a widow who did this completely on my own…with the help of Yigdigs of course. Getting into the MLS is essential and you won’t find a better deal than with the Yigdigs plans. Not only did it give me the exposure I needed, the information on the site was invaluable as was the advice from my Houston listing agent and Andy Salo, Yigdigs founder. Even after I closed, Andy was helpful with a few issues that arose.
It is not complicated, just make sure all the information you are given is correct. Make sure you price your home with the others in the neighborhood and make sure you let agents know they are welcome. Also, remember EVERYTHING is negotiable!
Read all customer testimonials.
Tags: FSBO, Home Seller, Selling your Home, Yigdigs customers
