Question: How can you get around the fact that in some areas the FSBOs are actually able to sell on their own without my help?

Answer: Of course FSBOs are able to sell on their own! I never said they couldn’t or haven’t and neither should you. But the real question isn’t whether or not the FSBOs are able to sell on their own; the real question is ‘Will they come out AHEAD by doing so?’ The mere fact that you’ve heard about FSBOs selling on their own doesn’t mean they came out better off financially. In fact, earlier this year NAR published the results of their survey comparing homes sold by owners to homes sold with the assistance of a Realtor and found that agents sell homes for 32% more than owners. So unless you’re charging sellers more than 32% commission to sell their home for them they’ll most certainly come out better off hiring a pro than to take the task on themselves. Check out NAR’s Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers here.