Working with FSBOs can be like walking a tightrope. You have to be very clear about your Agency and the fact that they are unrepresented.  Be careful not to advise them or you will become their agent inadvertantly.

I just recently closed one while represeting a buyer. I had the escrow agent handle all paperwork and most communications. Even though we had no issues, it was important to avoid any implied agency.

Depends on what you consider going out of your way Peter Mohylsky, SoWal Is HOME. . If I saw a FSBO sign in a yard I would immeadiately drop them a letter in the mail that day. That's taking action but I would not call it going out of the way.

Explain the importance of Agency, then sign a listing with him.

I stay away from FSBO's as much as possible.

Will the seller pay you a commission if you bring in a buyer? Get it in writing. If so, why not? Sure, you will most likely do extra work to get the transaction closed. If it is worth your time and effort, go for it.

I do not Peter.

No. If they want to be a FSBO that is their right. If they wanted my help they needed to sign a listing agreement. 

I work with them all the time.  My wife owns an FSBO marketing company so they often contact me if they are having issues or need some guidance.  I offer them choices. The last choice I offer them is to pay me a commission after closing.  I want to be paid for my time, knowledge and expertise, period. I will do a short no-cost consultation, then they need to start paying me for my services.  I offer them an hourly fee for services option, flat fee engagements, or real estate consulting. Listening to their needs then customizing a solution is my differentiating niche. During the consultation, I provide them a Needs Analysis tool to help them determine what they really need or want. I typically never shut down their questions as I want to build a relationship with them.  If they do not have the cash to pay for my services, I will refer them to a traditional real estate compensation broker/agent.

Not unless I have an agreement with him for a 3% commission for bringing the buyer

 We have an addendum that covers that and also justifies consulting fees if necessary. ..

I treat all people ... buyers, sellers, FSBO as I would want to be treated. I also explain how I get paid.

It may be a sign that he is FAILING

List his home then sell it and he will be much happier.

Why would you want to work with anyone who " slightly frustrates" you?

Peter I recently had a client ask me to check into a FISBO. The only way to contact hin was via a hotmail email address.  I'm still waiting 3 weeks later. And of course, the guy is way overpriced anyway. My client moved on.....

My only response to a FSBO who CALLS me is "I need you to sign my compensation agreement FIRST. Yes, the compensation reflects my need to manage both sides.

"Do you have a buyer?" they respond.

"Of course I do. However there are ISSUES."

"Well what are they?"

"Knowing and fixing those things is why an agent is paid."

Yep, I do go out of my way.

I'm confused, wasn't that the reason you contacted him in the 1st place?

I don't work with them.

I won't help with his listing unless he hires me but, I sure have found a gold mine in scoping out FSBOs for my buyers! They pay me 100% of the time and 9 times out of 10, I am able to negotiate a fantastic price for the buyers.

Those who won't budge on price, well, we'll just find one who will! 

No I don't. If I show a FSBO I tell them up front I will be writing my commission into the offer if there is one. 

I have not seen a FSBO in over 11 years here. I don't seek them out and I have not happened by one. But, I spoke to FSBO's very, very farnkly when I did market to them.

If he is calling you, then he should consider listing with you.

I've sold FSBO a few times as I had the buyers.  Some can be unreasonable so it just depends.

Nope, unless he wants to list with me!

I don't go out of my way to deal with them, but I'll work with some of them now and then. Just depends how realistic they sound.

I do not work with FSBOs.

Something always for nothing. The guy sounds deperate. Lowball him, buy it yourself, then flip it.

Nope.

We would not.  Good luck.  A

I sooner work expires then FSBO