Customer Reviews

For Sale by Owner in California

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

.... Then id definately suggest getting this guide- especially in CA's "unique" environment. I helps you write up your paperwork to have everything all ready to go when you get ready to sell your house. its nice that it also comes with handy software which has 95% of all the forms you'll need for selling your own house. This book will help you to screen your buyers (for $$ stability), how to inexpensively advertise your house, and helps you to know what you are required by law to disclose about your property.

When i get ready to sell a house.... this is definately to be my "go-to". This is written in a down to earth, straight foreward style that is easy to read with a nice peppering of humor to go along with it.

This a good reference book to help me understand the complicated process of selling house. I am not sure yet if I will plunge myself into the do-it-myself process to sell my house. Even I end up working with a real estate agent, this book still helps me to know what the agent is doing along the way.

I strongly recommend this book for anyone who plan to sell real estate properties, whether DIY or not.

This book is pretty good, although I think it probably makes things more complicated than they have to be. I guess it lets you know how complicated it can get. It is a good book.

Not all the answers are there but this book offers an excellent start on the road to selling one's house.

Any California collection strong in real estate or business will find the ninth edition of For Sale By Owner in California an invaluable guide to selling a house without broker assistance - saving an average of $36,000 in the process. The entire selling process is covered for homeowners who would work with an agent or on their own, with chapters covering everything from advertising and disclosures to negotiation and finalizing sales. An invaluable do-it-yourself guide.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch