What’s Stopping Your FSBO From Selling?

chris.ha • July 11, 2019

When it comes to selling your home, there’s simply TOO MANY factors that come into play for someone to do it all on their own. Statistics show about a 20% average increase in sale price when people sell with an agent. Not only do homes sell for more but they get off the market FASTER!! If you’re thinking about selling your home, read this article before deciding to sell it by yourself.

Lack of Resources

As a homeowner, you have your own career, life, and responsibilities to take care of. The last thing you want is to add the full time job of being your own real estate agent to your list. In order to sell a house and find potential buyers, you need lots of time, marketing resources, and more that you may not have access to. Do you have that kind of time to dedicate to finding buyers and solving problems with inspections, title searches, etc.?

Another common misconception is about “saving money”. Homeowners tend to think they will save money by not paying a commission to an agent. In reality, if you don’t know your way around a real estate transaction, you could spend double or triple what you spend with an agent. This can come in the form of a marketing budget, home repairs, staging costs, and more! Instead of spending all of your money on this, hire an agent that can market your property for you, stage it for you, and help you determine which repairs ACTUALLY need to be made for the sale to go through!

Speaking of lack of resources, even if you do have thousands of dollars to market your home, the one resource you lack is experience. Selling a home is hard enough as it is, without experience in the industry and understanding the market and your consumers, it lessens your chances by a big margin. Last year, 18% of FSBO properties didn’t sell at all. This can cause major issues if you have a strict timeline in which your home needs to be sold.

FSBO is scam-likely

In an FSBO situation, both buyers and sellers can get scammed. For example, Mark (a previous client) paid a homeowner of an FSBO $5,000 for a earnest deposit, the homeowner changed his mind, and with no legal documents signed, Mark lost his money. This can happen vice versa as well. There’s been cases where a foreign buyer will deposit more than the required amount with a bad check, then request a refund. As a result, the seller loses money due to not having the funds that were “deposited”.

Scams can also come in the form of fraudulent paperwork, fake attorneys, etc. This problem can be completely eliminated with the use of a real estate agent. An agent will know the difference between real and fake paperwork, deposits, appraisals, etc. They will also guide you on how to avoid getting scammed by fraudulent buyers.

Legal Troubles

It is also very common for FSBO deals to run into legal issues during or after the transactions. One of the most important aspect of an offer is it’s contingencies. Contingencies are like conditions that allow buyers/sellers to terminate a contract if these conditions are not met. Such as appraisals, financing, and inspection requirements. Without these being done correctly, you, as a seller and buyer, lack the protection you need in case something occurs.

Something to take into consideration is disclosures. As a seller, you need to know what you do and do not need to disclose to the buying party in order for your transaction to be valid and not add any extra responsibilities to your side. For example, sellers MUST disclose all and any material defects in the home. If the seller does not disclose this information and the buyer is unaware, the seller could be solely responsible for all the repairs.

On top of the legal liabilities and risk, you have to handle all the legal paperwork. This means you need to know how to write a sale contract, property disclosures, occupancy agreements, and more. This alone is enough to drive some owners straight to the nearest brokerage. All in all, seeking a consultation will at least help point you in the right direction.

Conclusion

Your best chance at having a completely smooth real estate transaction is to find the best realtor in your area. If you’re in or near Orlando,FL, you’re in great hands with the Brown Home Group at Keller Williams Advantage II Realty. We would love to hand you the keys to your new home! If you have any questions or concerns about your FSBO listing feel free to reach out to us or visit our website!

Phone:321-348-8720

e-mail:rick@brownhomegroup.com

website: www.brownhomegroup.com

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The Orlando Law Scoop - Big Updates at OLG: New Attorney, Upcoming Events & More!

By Rick Brown • April 16, 2025

Spring Forward with OLG New Bootcamp, Fresh Blogs, and Meet Our New Attorney! As we welcome April, we’re bringing you a fresh batch of updates from The Orlando Law Group! From exciting new opportunities for non-profits to our latest blog posts and the introduction of a new attorney, there’s a lot to catch up on

A No-Nonsense Guide to a Hassle-Free Job Relocation

February 17, 2025

Moving for a job is a big deal. It can mean exciting new opportunities, but let’s be real—it’s also a lot to handle. From packing up your life to figuring out your new city, there’s a lot to juggle. Whether you're chasing a promotion, switching industries, or just looking for a fresh start, making the transition smooth (and affordable) takes some planning. But don’t stress—there are plenty of ways to make moving for work easier, faster, and way less of a headache. Level Up Your Career With Online Education If you're in a field like nursing, getting an advanced degree can open a lot of doors. An online master’s in nursing, for example, can help you move into leadership roles like administration or education, which often come with better hours and higher pay. The best part? Online MSN degree programs make it easier to juggle work and school since you can study on your own schedule. Plus, you’ll save time and money by skipping the commute. Investing in your education isn’t just about earning more—it puts you in a position to make a bigger impact in your field. Make House Hunting Easier With Local Real Estate Pros Finding a place to live in a new city can be overwhelming, especially if you’re trying to balance your budget, commute, and lifestyle all at once. Want to make things easier on yourself? Get yourself a real estate agent who actually knows the area. They’ll point you toward the right neighborhoods, keep you from making expensive mistakes, and take a ton of stress off your plate. Sure, you could spend hours lost in online listings and market trends, but why make it harder than it needs to be? Let someone who does this every day (like Brown Home Group ) handle the tricky stuff so you can focus on the move itself. Keep Your Important Stuff Safe While Moving Packing up and moving is already chaotic enough—you don’t want to add losing important documents or valuables to the mix. Keep things like passports, birth certificates, and financial documents in a separate bag that stays with you at all times. If you want extra protection, a fireproof or theft-proof bag can help keep everything secure. Having all your essentials in one place means you won’t be scrambling to find them when you need them. Understand How Taxes Affect Employer-Paid Moving Expenses If your employer is covering your moving costs, don’t assume it’s all free money. Right now, employer-paid moving expenses are considered taxable income, which means you’ll owe taxes on them. But keep an eye on tax law changes—by 2026, moving expenses might become tax-deductible again. Either way, save your receipts and keep track of everything. It’s better to be prepared than surprised when tax season rolls around. If you're unsure about what applies to you, checking IRS resources or talking to a tax professional can help clear things up. Find a Job Faster by Understanding the Local Market Even if you’re moving for a specific job, understanding the job market in your new city can help you plan for the future. Some industries, like healthcare and tech, are growing in certain areas, while others may be more competitive. Checking out local job boards or resources can give you a sense of what to expect . Knowing which industries are booming and what skills are in demand can also help you negotiate better pay or prepare for future career moves. Meet New People by Getting Involved in Hobbies Moving to a new city can feel lonely at first, but getting involved in local activities is one of the best ways to meet people. Whether it’s joining a hiking group, attending a book club, or signing up for a class, shared hobbies can lead to great personal and professional connections . If you’re in a field like tech or design, events like hackathons or art meetups can even open up new job opportunities. Making connections through hobbies isn’t just fun—it can also help you feel more at home in your new city. Stay Organized With a Moving Timeline A solid game plan can make your move way less chaotic. Creating a timeline for everything —from giving notice at your current job to setting up utilities in your new place—keeps you on track. Breaking things down into small, manageable tasks makes everything feel less overwhelming. Sharing your plan with your employer, family, or anyone else involved helps avoid last-minute surprises. And don’t forget to book movers or rental trucks early to get the best rates! Moving for work can be a lot, but it doesn’t have to be a total headache. With a little planning, some local know-how, and a flexible mindset, you can make the whole thing way easier. Stay organized, ask for help when you need it, and take it one step at a time. Before you know it, you’ll be unpacked, finding your new favorite coffee spot, and settling into your next adventure! Discover the key to your real estate dreams with Brown Home Group —your trusted partner in buying, selling, or investing in Central Florida’s vibrant market!

The Orlando Law Scoop - Take Charge of 2025: A Practical Checklist for Your Peace of Mind

By Rick Brown • January 15, 2025

Start the New Year with Confidence: Your Essential Legal and Financial Checklist for the New Year As we step into the new year, it’s the perfect time to reassess our goals and ensure our affairs are in order. Whether you’re looking to protect your family’s future, streamline your business, or simply get a fresh start, our New Year Reset Checklist is here to guide you. From updating your estate plan to revisiting your insurance coverage, these straightforward tips will help you begin the year with clarity and confidence. Let’s make 2025 your best year yet! N ew Year Reset Checklist Review or Update Your Estate Plan Confirm wills, trusts, and healthcare directives are up to date. Make sure beneficiaries and key contacts still reflect your current wishes. Verify Insurance Coverage Check life, home, auto, or business policies for accuracy and adequate coverage. Add new, high-value items (like holiday gifts) to your policy. Organize Important Documents Safely store originals (wills, titles, deeds) in a secure location. Keep digital backups in an encrypted folder or password manager. Assess Your Finances Review your budget and set savings goals for the year. Check beneficiary designations on bank, retirement, and investment accounts. Consider Charitable or Non-Profit Involvement Think about attending our Non-Profit Bootcamp if you’re interested in establishing or growing a charitable organization. Explore tax benefits and community impact of giving back. Plan for Business Updates (if applicable) Ensure business licenses, permits, and corporate documents are current. Schedule time to review or revise your operating agreements. Schedule Professional Consultations Estate Planning Attorney: Secure or update your plan. Financial Advisor: Review investment strategies, retirement, and tax planning. CPA or Tax Professional: Get organized ahead of tax deadlines. Starting the year off with a clear plan sets you on the right path—less stress, fewer surprises, and more peace of mind. If you need guidance, we’re here to help. Call 407-565-HELP to schedule a consultation or learn more about our services. Make 2025 the Year You Secure Your Legacy Planning for the future doesn’t have to be overwhelming. In our latest YouTube video series, Attorney Erika De Jesus breaks down the basics of estate planning—from wills to trusts. If you’ve been putting off this vital task, now’s the perfect time to learn how to safeguard your loved ones and secure your legacy.