"Let's try it on our own, and if it doesn't work, we'll list with a realtor"- It was this well-shared sentiment among "by owner" sellers along with the high percentage of them listing with a real estate agent which prompted the founders of our company to research why so many By Owners were giving up on selling their home themselves.

Although selling a house is neither brain surgery nor rocket science, it does require By Owners to know and understand the process that is involved. Yes, homeowners can successfully sell without any assistance, but these individuals are not as common as one would think. If they were, then we would not see such a great volumn of "by owner" signs being replaced with real estate signs.

Before a By Owner puts his house on the market, all hopes of success are strong. Unfortunately, after the "by owner" sign goes up, realtors swarm in and bombard the seller with strong discouragement. It is often at this point that many By Owners become skeptical to speak with anyone who tells them they might need a little help, and they begin or continue to make critical mistakes that ultimately will result in their listing with a realtor, the one thing that they were trying to avoid!

It was our belief that if we were able to pinpoint exactly what By Owners were doing that prevented them from a sale, we could then structure our company in such a way that future By Owners wouldn't repeat the same mistakes.

Research Findings: Mistakes that Lead to Listing with a Realtor

(Great Lakes Listings is not a broker or realtor, but rather a means for Michigan homeowners to increase their home's exposure online and offline. We are not just an Internet company, but a comprehensive marketing company, geographic specific to Michigan that utilizes the power of the Internet combined with complete offline support and services that are necessary for By Owners to be successful. We offer the same services that a real estate company offers, but without ANY commissions! It is our belief that Michigan homeowners can successfully sell "by owner" and save thousands of dollars of equity, if they have the proper knowledge and tools, which we provide. Homeowners selling their home need to patient. Many get discouraged too quickly; all good things take time, especially when the timing of the market may not be perfect. )