Yesterday as I was perusing my Facebook feed, I came across this:
In case you're not up on the Pentagon-like acronym, FSBO is "For Sale By Owner", and the story is about people that try and save a little money by not using realtors. Fred is one of Washington's most experienced (and oddly low-key) realtors. He's watched most every neighborhood change and migrate and understands pricing particularly well. He friended me on Facebook, and though he usually talks about music (he's a fan of jazz and classical), he cited this Washington Post story about the pitfalls of people selling their homes without using a realtor.
What I found interesting is that traditionally, most realtors wouldn't want to bring up this topic at all. This article is a mixed bag of positive and negative experiences of not using realtors. Here Fred made a point out of highlighting the article, along with his take, the implicit act of rising above it. And surely, it's yet another excuse to talk to Fred, who makes a living out of developing relationships with people. If you engage him on this topic, he's drawn you into a conversation about it, which is better than you considering this route without having a conversation.
One wonders, if a lone realtor understands how to handle negative press with social media, what's stopping you?
Disclosure: When I lived in DC, Fred was my agent for two purchases and sales until I fled to the west coast.
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