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They say that 20% of the homes sold in the United States are "For Sale By Owner". Do you know what percentage of commercial real estate is "For Sale By Owner"? I would think it would be a lower percentage, but I just don't know what that percentage is.

The problem with getting statistics for commercial real estate transactions is that unlike residential real estate, there is no MLS (multiple listing service) that gathers data. Therefore, figuring out an accurate percentage would be difficult at best. If anyone does provide you with a figure, make sure they quote their source and then check it out thoroughly.

My husband and I are first time home buyers and are currently looking at buying a home. My husband is hesitant about buying one that is for sale by owner. Any comments?
We will be using our real estate agent to help us in the process. Wondering what the difference is between buying a home that is for sale by owner and a home that is for sale by a real estate company.

Homes offered without a real estate agent can be offered for less because the seller doesn't have to pay a commission. Also, many Sellers are not tuned into the current market prices and can easily under price the house.

I have been working with a realtor and seeing houses. With him I found a neighborhood that I really like. We decided to just wait until something in that neighborhood goes on the market. I have now found two in that neighborhood, but they both for sale by owner. How do I handle this? Should I do it on my own or stick with the realtor? I'm a first time homebuyer and would like to have someone like a realtor to walk me through the process. I'm not under a contract with the realtor, but feel guilty just doing something on my own. I don't want to miss out on the home just because of a realtor. Any ideas?

You can go through your realtor or on your own. Since you're first time the realtor might be a better idea to address the necessary issues. For sale by owner means the owner handles everything themselves, so they don't have to give a piece of their profit to anyone.

I need to sale my condo in Palm Springs ca but I can't afford to list it and need to advertise it for sale by owner. Is there a free website to list property for sale?

I am a big fan of craigslist
http://palmsprings.craigslist.org/
this one is for palm springs just follow the propmts

I'm selling a house For Sale by Owner and need a contract to use for offers. Anyone know where I can find one to use for free?

Home Depot has a kit for everything you need to sell your own house. Ask for the For Sale By Owner kit.

It would, yes, possibly be easier with an estate agent involved, but the place I like is just up for sale by the owner.

Any tips/things to watch out for/etc?

You definitely DO NOT need to hire an agent. A real estate attorney at your local Title Company can process all of the paperwork for a fraction of the cost. Your state requires certain documents to be filled out. Your title company has all of these forms for you.

Make sure you get pre-qualified at your bank.
Make sure you get a homeowner's inspection.
Make sure you conduct your own appraisal and/or hire an appraiser.
Make sure the contract/offer has "pending a satisfactory home inspection".
Do not sign anything without having your attorney look at it.
Make sure you get a Title Search.