Four simple words can make a big difference for the seller but not necessarily the buyer. FSBO houses are homes that the owners have sold. This is to avoid the commission.

What do FSBO sales mean for you, the buyer? You will still want to do the same things as if you were selling the house through a realty agent.

• Check comps to determine if the asking price is fair.

• Make an offer and then negotiate a contract.

FSBO sellers usually set the price by looking at the listing prices within the area and not at actual sales prices. If you are making an offer, good comps can help. Asking the seller/owner is also a good idea.

• How long have you owned the house?

• Is the property listed with an agent before the seller takes over? If so, how long?

• Why is the seller still claiming that the house hasn't sold, especially if it was FSBO for more than a year?

You might want to take a close look at the property before you make an offer. Sometimes sellers are so unrealistic about the price of their property that they have had to pass it from one agent after another until they get the listing.

With that said, here are some other questions you might have about purchasing FSBO homes.

Can I Use A Buyer's Agent To Help Me With An FSBO Transaction

A seller may not use a real agent, but that doesn't necessarily mean they can't. Real estate agents often use agent-assisted listings and FSBO listings to help clients find the right home. However, buyer's agents must also provide food for their clients. Therefore, they will often insist on the seller "cooperating" before presenting an FSBO listing to you or making an offer. This is usually done by either paying them a commission (usually 3%) or applying a credit of 3 percent at closing. The buyer then hands the agent the credit.

Sellers can choose not to work with an agent. This will save them money, but it will reduce the buyer pool.

Does My Agent Get A Commission If I Find An FSBO House By Myself?

Answer: Your contract. The bigger question is, why did you hire a realtor?

A majority of homeowners will only make a few real estate transactions over their lifetime. An agent will close as many deals in one week or less. The experience you pay for is not just in finding the right home but also in closing the deal. FSBO sellers are not required to meet with an agent. Your buyer's agent will help you negotiate the best price for the property, find title companies, appraisers, mortgage brokers, and hire attorneys.

What Do I Need To Hire A Lawyer To Purchase FSBO?

Perhaps. Each state, and sometimes each region within it, has its own laws and requirements for real estate transactions. For example, some states require both the buyer and seller to be represented by an attorney. Closing on real estate can be done by either a title company or a lender.

However, it doesn't matter if you're purchasing a property as a short sale or as part of an estate. An attorney can help you navigate the sometimes complicated waters.

Can I Get A Pre-Approval Mortgage For An FSBO?

It's not a bad idea. It's a good idea. Many FSBO sellers may be inexperienced and will need to respond quickly to multiple offers. You can reduce the obstacles between you and a sale by being prequalified or preapproved for a mortgage.

Who Holds Escrow Funds When You Purchase An FSBO House?

The seller. The listing agent usually holds earnest money in the escrow account until closing. If no real estate agent is no, an attorney or title company can act as the escrow agent.

What Is A C.L.U.E.? What Is A C.L.U.E. Report?

A Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange (C.L.U.E.) A Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange (C.L.U.E.) report shows any insurance claims that sellers made on a property in the past five years. The seller can only request a report. However, if there is nothing to hide, it shouldn't be an issue. The report will contain the date of all claims, the amount, and the cause of the loss. It may also include information about a natural disaster like a tornado. In addition, you will be looking for potential future problems such as mold or structural damage. The report could be paid for by you (approximately $20).

What Do I Need To Hire A Home Inspector?

Yes, yes, and yes! Let's suppose that the FSBO seller will be honest. Even though they may not be able to see every problem with the house, they may be honest. Hire an inspector to inspect every wire, pipe, and puddle. This will prevent any surprises later. Also, ensure that the inspection includes radon, electromagnetic fields, and asbestos.