What information should I include on a FSBO flier to get someone to call?

Question

Do I lay it all out there so only the truly interested call, or do I leave it vague enough so that someone who MIGHT be interested calls me and comes to see it? I obviously want serious buyers, but don't want to exclude anyone who might be won over by the charms of the house that a flier might not be able to convey. Some helpful hints would be appreciated, including what NOT to put on the flier.

Answer 1

Have sold fsbo before. here is what I have put in mine.

Used only 81/2 by 11 flyer. had a really good colored picture of front of home centered and positioned in the top 1/3 of the paper just below (in times new roman type size 20) the street address which was centered.

middle 1/3 was broken into two columns each having 6 items in list form stating certain features of the home such as bed/bath count, any upgraded features like tile floor or new kitchen appliances, sq ft of home, lot size and location to any main attractions like mall, park, and listed the school districst.

The bottom third was back to centered information stating list price in same type as street address with smaller type for how to contact me such as home or cell number and best hours or 24 hr notice to show ect. .

bought a fsbo sign with plastic tube and printed 10 pages first round. you want them to be able to get them out of the tube easily. you will also want to get 20 more printed ahead of time as your neighbors will be the first ones to pick you clean. even if they are not going to buy they want to know what you are tyring to do ( being good nosey neighbors) also you will want to get smaller fsbo signs that have directional arrows. make a 1 mile radius search of your home and find all major roads leading to your home or neighborhood. Those who are truly looking will track it down like a dog. I know I have followed signs for 10 miles when it was out in the country off a major highway.

have the house cool or warm ( not cold or hot) when showing depending upon the weather. have oil, onions and garlic boiling in small pot on stove 20 minutes before you show the house. ( smells are a big factor for curb appeal ) if the house feels homey even with most of your stuff out of there it is a good thing.

speaking of which stage the house. meaning get rid of the "you" in the house. remove all excess items and furniture to show how big the rooms are.

Answer 2

Whatever you do it has to be coordinated with your other marketing pieces.

I personally don't list the price because I want the prospect to call my 800 number which captures their information for me. In your case, the price would be acceptable. Besides the physical attributes, you want to state some of the "benefits" to calling and buying your house as opposed to your competition. Whatever that might be. Brokers protected, free house warranty, free moving service, free lawn care for a year. For higher priced properties I have offered cars and boats and other big ticket incentives. It is very effective especially if the cost of holding the property will be more than any incentive.

You don't want to over describe any feature and avoid cliches. Keep it simple and to the point but highlight your benefits!

I would also suggest you keep your neighbors informed. They are often your best spokespersons. If you have an open house, invite them over an hour or two ahead of time to preview the property without strangers around.

Answer 3

bedrooms, bathrooms, square footage, lot size, year built, and perks-- like a new water heater, remodeled kitchen, etc.

I think you should ALWAYS list price. this isn't like, a car where someone will buy a flashy one if you can talk them into it-- all buyers have a limit as far as what they qualify for, so you need to be clear. I wont bother calling on fliers if they dont have prices....too mcuh work.

Answer 4

consider putting pictures of it on a web site so people can take a peek w/o calling you for little questions.That'll be curious to see what you have to offer and when they call you know they are serious.

Answer 5

make sure you put on there whether or not you will pay someone else's realtor a buyers rep comission. If they have a realtor already and you are not paying a comission, they may not call.

Answer 6

if you want only serious buyer-put in the flier- mortgage preapproval required.