22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
All the Info You Need!, 24 Jan 2001
By A Customer - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: For Sale by Owner in California (Paperback)
I had a bought and borrowed a few for-sale-by owner books in order to help me sell my spec houses, but was always very disappointed with how and general and vague they were. This book, however, told me all the info I needed in a very easy-to- follow, step-by-step format. I really feel like I totally understand the process now, thanks to this book. If you follow all the advice and suggestions, you will definitely save thousands on realtor fees.
11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Did what it was supposed to do, 6 Feb 2005
By Guy in California - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: For Sale by Owner in California (Paperback)
I sold my house in San Francisco without a broker (my first house sale). The buyer actually drew up the sales contract but this book helped me understand who should pay for what fees.
The only thing that this book lacked that could have gotten me in trouble was that it failed to mention a San Francisco-specific report called the 3R report (the City issues it to list all permits that it has issued for the property). Fortunately I had a friend who was a realtor who checked to make sure I had all the forms.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Save Thousands of Dollars, 21 Jun 2011
By James Mcritchie "Publisher" - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: For Sale by Owner in California [With CDROM] (Paperback)
Customer review from the Amazon Vine™ Programme
I used earlier versions of this book to save thousands of dollars by avoiding the need to hire a real estate agent. If you have ever held a garage sale or sold a car without hiring someone else to do it for you, why would you turn over 3% or 6% to a realtor to sell your house? It isn't rocket science!
This simple guide steps you through the whole process from the basic legal requirements to timing, pricing, negotiations and escrow. Plus, unlike earlier versions I used, this has a CD with the all forms you are likely to need (unless your city requires something in addition... be sure to check).
When I sold my last house ten years ago, I entered into a flat fee agreement with a realtor to get it listed on the MLS. I see from the book there are is now a site that will do this for $50 a month. Looking on the Internet, you'll find several such sites.
As the book points out, if you follow its advice and still feel uncomfortable, you can hire an agent or an attorney to look over the paperwork before closure. That is still going to be a lot less expensive than listing with an agent.
I'm in my sixties and have bought and sold several houses, mostly using predecessors of this book. Why flush money down the drain? Do it yourself and get it down right using For Sale by Owner in California by George Devine for Nolo Press.