FSBO Greater Portland Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

This FAQ is devoted to buyer issues. If you have any buyer related questions not addressed here, please let us know.
Q. What is the first step in buying a house?
A. You should get pre-qualified prior to looking at homes so you know how much you can afford. Offers from pre-qualified buyers are also taken more seriously.

Q. Why should buyers use FSBO?
A. FSBOGreaterPortland.com gives the buyer access to properties for sale where you can negotiate directly with the seller, so buyers and sellers can benefit from avoiding expensive realtor commissions.

Q. How do I schedule a viewing of one of the properties on FSBOGreaterPortland.com?
A. The seller’s contact information can be found on their property listing page and on their yard sign. Call them directly to schedule an appointment.

Q. Can I use a real estate agent when I buy from FSBOGreaterPortland.com?
A. Yes, a real estate agent can be used if the seller has agreed to accept “buyer’s agents.” This will need to be directly coordinated with the seller.

Q. Can I schedule a personal walk through prior to closing?
A. Yes. Doing a walk through will ensure your home is ready for move in condition. And, if any adjustments need to be made prior to close, arrangements can be made.

Q. Do I need an attorney to close on my new home?
A. This is personal preference. A list of real estate attorneys can be found on our buyer resources page.

Q. How can I tell what my monthly mortgage payments will be?
A. Mortgage payments are calculated based on number of variables such as price, interest rate and length of the loan. An estimate can be processed on our mortgage calculator. The pre-approval process with a lending institution also offers buyers useful information on what to expect for mortgage payments.

Q. Are the listings on your site also on the MLS?
A. No. Our property sellers agree to keep their properties off the MLS while listed here. This guarantees that you won't pay an inflated price to compensate for agent commissions.

Q. Do I need a house inspection?
A. Probably. A home inspection will give you a report of the true condition of the home prior to purchase. Once you get a house inspection, if there is anything that needs to be fixed, you can negotiate with the seller on what they will fix for you prior to closing or what if any credits they might offer for you to make the repairs yourself. Inspections are usually ordered and paid for by the buyer. See Buyer Resources for more information on home inspections.

Q. Who orders the appraisal?
A. Your mortgage lender will be the person that orders the appraisal.

Q. Since I am not working with a realtor, where can I get the proper forms to make an offer?
A. You can find printable forms by clicking on Maine Real Estate Forms. We have provided these forms as a convenience; we do not offer any legal, financial, or tax advice.

Home | Search | Sellers | Buyers | Resources | About Us | Contact Us