FSBO script for a helpful first contact

Owners selling on their own usually chose that path on purpose, often to save on fees or keep control. They expect agents to argue with them, so a call that respects their choice stands out.

The goalBe useful first, with something they can use whether or not they ever hire you, and earn the right to stay in touch.

Today

Hi [First name], [Your name] here. How did the first week of showings at your place go? If buyers raised the same question twice, tell me what it was; I may have a quick answer. [Your name], [Brokerage]

When to send what

  1. Call

    Introduce yourself and offer one useful thing.

  2. Email

    Send what you promised, with no strings attached.

  3. Text

    Ask how the first week of showings went.

  4. Call

    Check in and offer an honest read on price and presentation.

  5. Email

    Share one or two nearby sales that matter to their price.

01The scripts

Pick the moment. Copy the words.

Call script
  1. YouHi, I'm calling about the home on [Street]. Is this [First name]?
  2. Owner: Yes. Are you an agent?
  3. YouI am, [Your name] with [Brokerage]. I'm not calling to talk you out of selling it yourself.
  4. Owner: Okay…
  5. YouI work a lot in [Neighbourhood], and I keep a short list of recent sales near you. Would it help if I emailed it over?
  6. Owner: I guess that couldn't hurt.
  7. YouGreat. Also, if I have a buyer who fits, would you be open to showing to them?
  8. Owner: Depends on the terms.
  9. YouFair enough. I'll send the sales today, and we'll only talk terms if a buyer comes up.

02Variations

When the moment is a little different.

  • Owner says no agents, period

    You: Understood, and I'll respect that. Can I still send you the nearby sales? Good luck either way.

  • You have a real buyer

    Hi [First name], [Your name] with [Brokerage]. I'm working with buyers looking for a [Beds]-bedroom home in [Neighbourhood] around [Budget]. Your place might suit them. Would you be open to a showing? [Your name], [Brokerage]

  • After their open house

    Hi [First name], thanks for letting me walk through on Sunday. The kitchen light is lovely. If you'd like my notes from a buyer's point of view, I'm happy to send them. [Your name], [Brokerage]

Do

  • Say early that you respect their decision to sell privately.
  • Give something useful on the first call, such as recent nearby sales.
  • Ask what feedback they are hearing from buyers.
  • Space check-ins about two to three weeks apart.

Avoid

  • Opening with fees, risks or horror stories about private sales.
  • Hinting their price is wrong before you've seen the home.
  • Asking for the listing on the first call.
  • Turning a buyer showing into a listing pitch.

With Tanero

Or say it once. ORBIT sends it.

Add the owner to your CRM after your first chat and ORBIT handles the patient part. It emails the nearby-sales list from your own Gmail or Outlook, texts the week-one check-in from your Tanero number, and sets tasks for day 21 and day 45. Want the three-week call made for you? ORBIT places it in 100+ languages and tells you what the owner said. If the owner rings your number on a Sunday night, ORBIT answers and takes a message. Approval mode is the starting setting, so you approve every outgoing word first.

Add Graham Pike, private sale on Arkell Street in Westdale, Hamilton. Email him the three sales I just sent you and set check-ins for week 1, week 3 and week 6.

ORBIT is working on it

Questions

Before you send it.

What is a good FSBO script for the first call?

One that opens with respect for their choice, offers something useful such as recent nearby sales, and asks permission to stay in touch. Skip the pitch. A private seller who feels heard is far more likely to call you if things get hard.

How often should I follow up with a FSBO seller?

Every two to three weeks is plenty, and each touch should bring something: a recent sale, buyer feedback, a quick answer. Weekly calls with nothing new feel like pressure.

Can I bring a buyer to a FSBO home?

Yes, if the owner agrees to work with you for that buyer. Ask on the first call so it's clear early, and keep that showing about the buyer, not about winning the listing.

What if they sell without me?

Congratulate them and keep them in your CRM. Owners who sold privately still buy their next home, and many have friends who will sell soon.

Related

Words are the easy part. Sending them on time is the job.

ORBIT sends the right message at the right moment, from your number and your inbox.

Watch the demo [email protected]