Private Home Sales

Working with an Agent

You don't have to deal with people who saw the brokerage sign in the lawn after coming out of nowhere to inquire about your property, many of them unable to buy at a given time.  Who are these people?  Are they even approved for a loan that covers your asking price?  This is one of many reasons why sellers choose to sell without a big agent-promoting sign on their lawn.  Guess what.  You can too.  Several of my clients have successfully sold their properties without using a lawn sign.  You see, it was their home, so they decided whether using one to promote their property was best, since signs are not required for serious buyers to find and express interest.  Some owners even chose to hide those lockboxes on the porch or leave them outside when showings were planned, rather than have them installed at the door.  Granted, I am compelled to add listings to both FMLS and GA MLS, where serious home buyers shop, but the nosy neighbors never knew the property was for sale until the new owners moved in. 

Homes for Sale by Owner

Please notify me of your home for sale by owner so that it can be shared with buyers who may be a good match.  Email addresses and phone numbers will be shared with no one and used only by me for this purpose.  I welcome the opportunity to serve, but I won't ask owners to list their homes with me.   But please be mindful that a written agreement must be in place that sets forth the terms of an Authorization to Show Unlisted Property, which, among other protective stipulations for both parties, specifies the agreed-upon sales commission to be paid at settlement.  While owners have no representation in this arrangement, they will have ample time to review all documents privately with their trusted advisors before signing. 

Benefits of working with my clients on your For Sale By Owner

• More Affordable:  Lower sales expenses may mean a higher net return on the investment and more money back to the owner at settlement.  Agreed-upon seller expenses are paid out of the sales proceeds at closing, so 

there are no upfront fees whatsoever 

for the buyer and me to tour your home.  Granted, the seller may incur contractor fees for agreed-upon pre-closing repairs should a Purchase and Sale Agreement be reached,  but many of those can often be addressed at settlement.  

• Potentially Much Safer:  Buyer visits are limited to one pre-screened buyer party, licensed agent, and professional home inspectors.  Further, most sales transaction documents required before closing will be eSigned, reducing in-person interaction.

• Greater Privacy:  My vehicle is unmarked, no lawn sign is required, and sales details needn't be shared in MLS, so owners should expect less promotional real estate electronic and regular mail.

• Good Communication:  This is a traditional real estate transaction through a single licensed real estate broker governed by the rules of the Georgia Real Estate Commission & Appraisers Board, only outside of the local MLS.  In that light, offers made directly to the owner will include a pre-approval letter from a local direct lender, signed by the loan officer, that displays their name, email address, and phone number.  The closing attorney's contact information will also be provided, allowing owners to stay involved and informed throughout the sales process.

• More Control and Freedom:  No listing agreement is required, so there is no exclusive long-term commitment to any one broker until, of course, a Purchase and Sale Agreement is reached.

Given the lack of representation and other pitfalls, selling a property for sale by owner is not always the safest for the seller, but the involvement of licensed professionals who can be held accountable for their actions should offer some peace of mind.  Please see the answers to some frequently asked questions about selling one's home. 

Call Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker, Solomon Greene, when you're considering a Metro Atlanta For Sale by Owner Sale.