Are you interested in Massachusetts FSBO real estate from a buyer's or a seller's perspective? The difference may or may not be important. First, however, know that the acronym is pronounced "fizbo." You already know that it's a truncated version of "for sale by owner." Know also that no law says you must use a realtor in a real estate transaction. The decision is a matter of your priorities and the dollar value you put on your time.

Yes, depending on the value of Massachusetts FSBO home, you can save perhaps $10,000 or more when you sell (or buy) a house. You can save it because you will not pay it to a real estate agent to handle the transaction. You do end up spending it, however, even if not necessarily in cash on the barrel head. The legwork, open houses, financing, listings, paperwork and negotiating don't disappear. You might, in fact, end up "spending" far more than you otherwise would.

First, a Few Realities: Massachusetts FSBO

I write in the context of Massachusetts FSBO transactions, but these thoughts apply nationwide. It could be that you're simply buying from an FSBO seller because that's the property you want. If so, your hands are tied. Let's assume that you want to either buy or sell FSBO, however.

To put the situation most simply ask yourself three basic questions. If you need medical attention, would you go to a doctor? If you need legal assistance, would you go to a legal services firm or an attorney? If you have tax problems, would you go to a CPA tax specialist?