[manaboutown]

Originally Posted by Dburesh

You can definitely sell your home on your own...why pay the ridiculous commissions to a realtor? I've sold 2 of our villas & many homes for my friends in The Villages. I have some very good friends that are realtors & they agree that is the way to go if you are able. I used to be a real estate paralegal in Ohio & have looked into the FL law so I actually draw up the contract for you & do the negotiating(if you don't want to be involved), advertise on the free websites, conduct an open house if you need 1 for only $1,500! I also have connections with a Title Company if you need one. I used to do title work, prepare docs & perform the closings in Ohio, so I do have experience & enjoy doing it on the side, since I'm only 62 & am not able to work because of several health issues. Give me a call @ 513-222-2981 to chat! GOOD LUCK!!!

UH OH!

"Unlicensed Practice of Real Estate in Florida

Unlicensed Practice of Real Estate is a Third Degree Felony in Florida.
Under Florida Statute 475.42(1)(a), the crime of Unlicensed Practice of Real Estate is committed when a person engages in real estate activities listed under Florida Statute 475.01(1)(a) without a real estate license for compensation.

Real Estate Activities Requiring Licensure

In Florida, it is unlawful to engage in the following real estate related activities for compensation without possessing a real estate broker’s license or sales associate license.

Advertising or marketing another person’s timeshare or property for compensation.
Auctioning or attempting to auction another person’s property for compensation.
Buying or attempting to buy real estate on behalf of another person for compensation.
Listing another person’s timeshare or property for compensation.
Operating as a real estate broker or sales associate without a license.
Renting, leasing, or attempting to rent or lease real estate on behalf of another person for compensation."

From: Unlicensed Practice of Real Estate in Florida

[toeser]

Originally Posted by txbob34

I am selling my designer house in Marsh Bend (south of the turnpike). My neighbors are telling me that this neighborhood is one of the most desirable in this area as its next to the softball fields and stores. They are also telling me that several people sold their homes by owner within days of advertised it and used a real estate attorney to draw up the contract.

I was told that a couple of the people who sold it on their own had consulted a Villages realtor who recommended selling their homes for considerably less than they ended up selling on the own.

Being the market is so hot at the moment. What advantage is there selling a house using a realtor vs using a real estate attorney to write the contract?

None that I can think of since I have sold multiple properties FSBO. Be prepared for more work, but at a huge return for your effort.

[montagnard1969]

In this or any other market the only advantage you receive from a realtor is exposure through MLS. Since this market is so seller advantaged, the only thing you need is a
good closing attorney or Title Company. You do the advertising and the showing and leave the legal issues to the attorney or title company. It is amazing how much money you will save doing it yourself.
The real estate agent has only one interest in mind, making a sale and their commission. They will get you to sell even if it means you get less for your home. Their allegiance is to their bank account, not yours.
As the market goes, you are beginning to see discount real estate brokers entering the market. As with automobiles, soon much of the real estate market will be the same, online sales. In most cases real estate agents will be going by the wayside. They claim personal service, but is it worth 7% of the sale price? Personally, I don't think so.

[bp243]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

You will still need a title company to handle the paperwork, hold the earnest money, and prepare and record the deed. Tri-County Title is one company that will provide you with a free FSBO package. Other companies will too. Before you start to show the house, you need a sales contract, which is part of the FSBO package. You and the buyer can sign the contract, and the buyer can make out an earnest money check directly to the title company. I have seen people try to sell their house, but when they find a willing buyer, they don't have the necessary sales contract paperwork to formalize the deal, or a company to accept the earnest money, and the deal falls through.

Always enjoy reading your responses...clear, concise and unbiased!

[Mspacak]

Hello
I am bought from a "sale by owner " courtyard in Fenney .
The seller saved 30k on commission
He used this title company who I highly recommend
Johnathan W. Thompson

Fidelity National Title

333 3rd Avenue North, Suite 500C

St. Petersburg, FL 33701

727-539-9941

He used live in the Villages and knows exactly what needs to be done to sell for you.
You can the PSA agreement on line for the contract and hire an attorney if needed.
Good luck
Good luck on your sell

[nordic tug]

Originally Posted by wisbad1

McLain and Burnstein charges $1000. to do all

McLin & Burnsed

[BlueStarAirlines]

Originally Posted by txbob34

this neighborhood is one of the most desirable in this area as its next to the softball fields and stores.

As others have said, no harm trying to sell it yourself. I would caution as for me, this would make this a less desirable spot. Just like most don't want to live next to a pickleball court, I would hate to live next to a softball field....make that any field especially if they have lights. Living close to shopping is good, but next to shopping isn't desirable. Lights, delivery trucks, etc are very unappealing.

[Debfrommaine]

Originally Posted by Mspacak

Hello
I am bought from a "sale by owner " courtyard in Fenney .
The seller saved 30k on commission
He used this title company who I highly recommend
Johnathan W. Thompson

Fidelity National Title

333 3rd Avenue North, Suite 500C

St. Petersburg, FL 33701

727-539-9941

He used live in the Villages and knows exactly what needs to be done to sell for you.
You can the PSA agreement on line for the contract and hire an attorney if needed.
Good luck
Good luck on your sell

We worked with Jonathan; highly recommend as well, very knowledgeable.

[davem4616]

Originally Posted by txbob34

I am selling my designer house in Marsh Bend (south of the turnpike). My neighbors are telling me that this neighborhood is one of the most desirable in this area as its next to the softball fields and stores. They are also telling me that several people sold their homes by owner within days of advertised it and used a real estate attorney to draw up the contract.

I was told that a couple of the people who sold it on their own had consulted a Villages realtor who recommended selling their homes for considerably less than they ended up selling on the own.

Being the market is so hot at the moment. What advantage is there selling a house using a realtor vs using a real estate attorney to write the contract?

good luck...never done a SBO

wish you well

[Bonanza]

Originally Posted by wisbad1

McLain and Burnstein charges $1000. to do all

What are you calling "all," i.e. exactly what are you including in your use of the word "all?"

If you are speaking about what an attorney or title company will charge the seller, that amount is high for simply doing the paper work. There are a number of other fees for the seller, including but not limited to documentary stamps, recording fees, taxes, etc. A seller should be prepared to pay at least 1%+ at closing if selling as a FSBO, not including what an attorney or title company charges.

[Vermilion Villager]

Originally Posted by manaboutown

UH OH!

"Unlicensed Practice of Real Estate in Florida

Unlicensed Practice of Real Estate is a Third Degree Felony in Florida.
Under Florida Statute 475.42(1)(a), the crime of Unlicensed Practice of Real Estate is committed when a person engages in real estate activities listed under Florida Statute 475.01(1)(a) without a real estate license for compensation.

Real Estate Activities Requiring Licensure

In Florida, it is unlawful to engage in the following real estate related activities for compensation without possessing a real estate broker’s license or sales associate license.

Advertising or marketing another person’s timeshare or property for compensation.
Auctioning or attempting to auction another person’s property for compensation.
Buying or attempting to buy real estate on behalf of another person for compensation.
Listing another person’s timeshare or property for compensation.
Operating as a real estate broker or sales associate without a license.
Renting, leasing, or attempting to rent or lease real estate on behalf of another person for compensation."

From: Unlicensed Practice of Real Estate in Florida

This law applies to someone selling real estate for another person. Does not apply to a FSBO.

[Bonanza]

Originally Posted by montagnard1969

In this or any other market the only advantage you receive from a realtor is exposure through MLS. Since this market is so seller advantaged, the only thing you need is a
good closing attorney or Title Company. You do the advertising and the showing and leave the legal issues to the attorney or title company. It is amazing how much money you will save doing it yourself.
The real estate agent has only one interest in mind, making a sale and their commission. They will get you to sell even if it means you get less for your home. Their allegiance is to their bank account, not yours.
As the market goes, you are beginning to see discount real estate brokers entering the market. As with automobiles, soon much of the real estate market will be the same, online sales. In most cases real estate agents will be going by the wayside. They claim personal service, but is it worth 7% of the sale price? Personally, I don't think so.

As in any sales profession, earning a living is what is paramount. Of course, making a sale is important, but your comment is ridiculous! And an agent will NOT make a seller sell for less than what the house's value is unless there is a bonafide reason for doing that. An agent is looking for the highest and best price for the property.

And yes, agents and Realtors don't claim personal service -- they GIVE personal service! I have not seen a 7% commission in many years but a commission is definitely worth letting an agent/Realtor handle the sale. An agent works hard and has many expenses to pay in their profession; don't forget, most agents have to get their split from their broker and do not receive the entire commission.

There obviously is a reason you are so anti-real estate agent or Realtor but your comments are sarcastic, angry, and unfairly given.

[Bonanza]

Originally Posted by AZ SLIM

Does Florida require a seller's disclosure statement?

By law, a seller must divulge all defects regarding their property. Defects are not limited to only the house or property. For instance, if there are sinkholes in the area or flooding, that kind of thing must also be mentioned.

[Bonanza]

Originally Posted by ldovermiller

Stay away from the Village's realtors, they stuck it to me. License to steal!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Villages does not employ Realtors. The Villages only have sales agents. They are not a member of the local Assn. of Realtors and do not abide to the Code of Ethics as set by the National Association of Realtors.

[Bonanza]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

Most experienced buyers would want the earnest money held in an escrow account by a third party, like a title company. As a buyer, I would not allow the earnest money to be held by the seller. Even when a broker sells a property, they use a third party escrow account for the earnest money.

Also, I think it is best to decide on a title company before showing the house, and use their contract documents. If you try to select or switch title companies after you already have a signed sales contract, they may not be comfortable with the contract documents that you used.

Many brokers have a separate account for earnest money deposits which is strictly governed by law. The broker must follow exact guidelines for that account or be faced with penalties as drastic as possibly losing their license to do business.