If an agent doesnt bring value, I see the FSBO point of view no problem

We already knew the number one reason, sometimes it is because they are under water, still.

Some cities also have very active, efficient FSBO markets. Madison, WI comes to mind. Obviously a city the size of Madison cannot skew the data, but the ease of selling a property on your own does influence sellers a great deal. Any time an agent wasn't used someone figured out how to do it on their own. 

Real estate pros provide convenience, security, and oftentimes can secure a better price. But If 48% of FSBO don't want to pay a commission they do not see the value in these services. Something to keep in mind for self-marketing.

I agree there can be many reasons for FSBOs.  My thought is not just the fact that the seller doesn't want to pay a commission, but the fact that the seller has had a previous bad experience or two in their past.  And they are not about to let 'history repeat itself', so that is why they are a FSBO.  And if there is no 'history lesson' involved, then the seller feels 'they know it all', and 'do not see any value' to having a realtor.  I don't think it's always about the commission.  Thanks for posting the percentages Sam Shueh!  

Ditto under Sandy Padula and Norm Padula, JD, GRI and Michael Setunsky 

The commission is the big reason, of course.  Most FSBOs don't understand the complexity of a transaction and that's why, after their own efforts, most end up listing with an agent.

I recently sold to the daughter of a neighbor. Her brother was a parapalegic living with his aging parents and needed help! I sold at a discount to make it work.

Sam Shueh It should not be all about the fee. Representation will lead to a successful transaction process and closing.

No not surprised overall. A little, though, given the % who sold to a relative, etc. or who were contacted directly by a buyer

No surprise here, Sam, but this flies in the face of the fact that when a home is listed by an agent, the transaction goes smoother, and the home sells for a higher price. Certainly, there is value directly and indirectly with both of these arguments.

Thanks Sam, unfortunately as I'm sure you know most FSBO's get less for their house than they would if they had used an agent.

Interesting.  Almost 40% were contacted directly, or sold to a relative/friend/neighbor.

I don't know if I'd consider a realtor with a license selling their own place to be a FSBO.  Technically I guess, but FSBO has always been an unlicensed person out here.  Typically realtors selling their own places actually use the MLS and their company signs.  FSBOs don't use the MLS and have generic signs or "Hope-U-Sell" signs.

trying to avoid paying a commission and/or thinking they are capable of accomplishing that task with the assistance of an attorney..... wrong!!

As many FSBO's have learned (or those with discount brokers), you get what you paid for.

I think many fsbos' just don't have the time to devote to everything involved in marketing and getting a contratc to settlement, especially if sellers work full time jobs. I have no problem with fsbo trying to do it themselves though. Those %s seem fairly accurate. With TRID and more restrictions on lenders and underwriters, I think more sellers will choose using an agent these days.

No surprises

Not surprised at all

I am not but most sellers are surprised when i tell them we can sell their home for more easily covering the fees and taking away the stress of a fsbo. 

Interesting statistics.

Sam Shueh - no surprises there for sure.

In fact some people want to do for fun as well...

I suspect that many just want a higher price than the one the agents suggest and need to let it sit on the market a while until they are ready to accept reality.

Sellers don't want to pay the commission and feel they can do it because all the information available online.   No, I'm not surprised.

If you looked all sellers, FSBO and represented, I'm wondering what the total percentage would be.  Thank you for the stats.

Many don't have the equity ot pay a commission and selling expenses. I do not apologize for my fee.

No, not at all, but the smart people will know the dangers

I agree.  Most dont want to pay the commission.

Good list of reasons