You’ve been looking at homes and one day while scrolling through listings online you find the perfect house. The only problem, it’s listed as “for sale by owner” (FSBO). Can you still buy it? And if so, is it a good idea? Here’s what you need to know about buying a FSBO.
Buying a FSBO is definitely a possibility.
It’s another way of purchasing a home, though this time directly from the owner. Most for sale by owners are willing to pay the selling agent’s commission, so you can still get representation, but if not, you’ll need to talk to your agent about next steps. As much as buying a home from the owner can certainly work, keep in mind the seller has a different threshold around disclosure than agents do, so inspections are even more important.
There are some potential drawbacks to consider.
For one, FSBO sellers may not be experienced in negotiating home sales, which could put you at a disadvantage. Additionally, without an agent, you’ll have to do your own due diligence in researching the neighborhood, checking for liens, and property title issues, as well as making sure that the home meets all safety and building code requirements.
Keep in mind that you can hire an agent to represent you even if the seller does not want to pay the commission. With this big of a purchase, you might want to have an expert negotiator on your side.
So, is buying a FSBO a good idea?
It depends. If you’re comfortable doing your own research and are confident in your negotiation skills, it could work. However, if you’re not sure whether you’re up for the challenge, it might be better to go with an experienced realtor who will help you navigate the transaction from start to close.
Q& A answer
The answer to the question of whether or not you can buy a home directly from an owner depends on various factors. It may be possible for an owner to sell their home without working with a real estate agent, but it also depends on the unique circumstances of both the buyer and the seller. The buyer’s credit score and ability to secure a mortgage through a bank or lender will play a role in their ability to purchase a home. Additionally, sellers may prefer to work with agents in order to handle negotiations and paperwork efficiently and effectively. Ultimately, it is possible for a home to be bought directly from an owner, but it can be helpful to consult with experts in the field before making such a big decision.
