Best FSBO Scripts for Real Estate Agents in 2025

If you’re a real estate agent who’s hungry for listings, you’ve probably found yourself eyeing For-Sale-By-Owner (FSBO) signs from time to time.

Maybe you’ve even given one a call, only to be met with the dreaded “We don’t need an agent!” click-hang-up.

Yeah, it’s not always the warmest reception.

But more homeowners are testing the FSBO waters to avoid commissions and take advantage of digital marketing tools that seem—on the surface—pretty accessible. It’s 2025, and technology is only getting easier to use. Sellers can post professional-looking property tours on YouTube or Instagram Reels in a snap.

DIY marketing can only go so far before they realize they’re in over their heads.

That’s where you come in, my friend.

Are FSBOs Part of Your 2025 Strategy?

They should be. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), FSBO transactions have consistently hovered around 7–8% of the market in the past few years. Could that fluctuate in 2025? Possibly—but I wouldn’t bet on that percentage disappearing. If anything, the appeal of “doing it yourself” might keep rising with all the user-friendly listing tools out there.

Why FSBO Sellers Dodge Most Agents

Picture the FSBO seller’s perspective: They’ve decided to “save”  perhaps 6% by selling alone, and they’re convinced it’ll be a piece of cake with all the DIY resources online.

They get bombarded by a swarm of real estate agents calling day and night, often spouting generic lines like, “Hi, I saw your property, would you be interested in listing if I could get you top dollar?” or “I can help you sell faster—let’s meet!”

No nuance. No empathy. No genuine offer of help.

Result? They’re turned off.

They see you (and every agent) as the same pushy, money-hungry salesperson. That’s exactly why your script and approach must be different.

You have to lead with value, not a sales pitch.

The FSBO Phone Script That Disarms Sellers

Script Snapshot

1. Greeting & Acknowledgment
   “Hey [Name], this is [Your Name], a local real estate agent here in [Town]. How are you doing? I promise to keep this super short—I know you’re probably sick of agent calls!”
   
   
2. Compliment & Curiosity
   “I saw your FSBO listing on [Zillow/Facebook/Wherever]. Your photos look fantastic—especially the kitchen. Are you still taking calls, or have you already found your lucky buyer?”
   
   
3. Align & Empathize
   “Totally get why you’re selling yourself. Who wouldn’t want to avoid paying commission, right? It’s a smart move to at least try. How’s the interest been so far?”
   
   
4. Offer & Ask
   “I’d love to swing by for 10–15 minutes—no obligation—to see the place in person. I actually have a few buyers who might be a match, and I’d hate to miss the chance if it fits one of them. Worst case: you get some free feedback from a pro. Fair enough?”
   
   
5. Scheduling
   “I’m around [day/time range]. What works best for you?”
   
   

That’s it.

Short, sweet, and puts them at ease by acknowledging their frustration with constant calls. You’re not overpromising or faking you have a guaranteed buyer—just stating you’ve got some people in mind.

You’re also offering something for free (feedback, maybe a micro-staging consultation on the spot) while respecting they want to stay FSBO for now.

Text Message FSBO Scripts: Meeting People Where They Are

If you’re like most people, your phone call pick-up rate is dropping year by year. Not everyone wants to chat with a stranger.

That’s where texting can shine.

Especially for FSBO leads who might block unknown numbers.

Text #1: Friendly Local Agent

“Hey [Name], it’s [Your Name], a local Realtor here in [Town]. Saw your FSBO on Zillow—love the backyard! Hope you don’t mind me texting. Are you getting a lot of interest so far? Anything I can help with—tips, market info, etc.? No pressure. Cheers!”

• Why it Works: It’s casual, short, and non-threatening. You flatter them a bit (the backyard). You ask a low-stakes question about how it’s going.
• Stat: Over 90% of texts are read within three minutes. If your call gets ignored, a friendly text can break the ice.

Text #2: Possible Buyer Angle

“Hi [Name], this is [Your Name] from [Brokerage]. I work with a few buyers who might love your FSBO at [Street Address]. Mind if I stop by for a quick look? No listing pitch—just want to see if it’s a fit. Let me know!”

• Caution: If you say you have one, make sure you have a legit possibility. Or phrase it as “I’m actively working with several buyers looking in your area—might be a match.” Honesty is key here.

Real Story: Texting Success

One of my coaching clients sent a casual text to a FSBO after trying (and failing) to get them on the phone.

Within 24 hours, the FSBO replied, “Yes, you can come by Thursday.” That led to a friendly walkthrough, which then led to a signed listing—after the FSBO got zero offers in two weeks. Her text was all about being friendly, acknowledging their efforts, and offering a genuine buyer possibility.

That’s all it took.

Leveraging Email For FSBO Sellers

Most FSBO sellers think the hardest part is getting an offer. But in reality? The toughest part is knowing what to do next.

Example Email

Subject: Selling FSBO? This is where most sellers get stuck

Hey [Name],

Selling a home is a big decision—whether you go the For Sale By Owner (FSBO) route or work with an agent. Either way, there’s one moment that can catch sellers off guard: when the offers start coming in.

There’s a lot more to an offer than just the price. Things like:

✔ Commissions, closing costs, and contingencies—how much are you actually walking away with?

✔ Negotiation pressure—when to counter, when to stand firm, and when to say no.

The best way to prepare? Knowing your home’s true market value.

If you’re thinking about selling, I’d be happy to put together a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) that shows what homes like yours are actually selling for—not just what online estimates say. It’s a simple way to make sure you’re pricing strategically and ready when buyers start making offers.

Would you like me to prepare one for your home?

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Video Marketing For FSBO Leads

Welcome to 2025, where video rules. Imagine you send a short, 60-second personal video—taken on your phone or using a tool like BombBomb—directly to a FSBO’s email or text.

You greet them by name, mention their property, and flash that friendly face so they know you’re a real human, not just a random telemarketer.

Quick Video Outline

1. Greet by Name: “Hey, Sarah! Didn’t expect a video from a Realtor, did you?”
2. Compliment: “I love that front porch swing in your pics—makes me want to grab lemonade right now.”
3. Empathy: “I know you’re selling by owner to save some bucks. I respect that.”
4. Offer: “If you don’t mind, I’d love to pop by, take a quick 10-minute look for my buyers, and share a couple of tips I’ve learned from helping other FSBOs. No strings attached!”
5. Close: “I’ll shoot you a quick text too. Feel free to reply wherever’s easiest. Cheers!”

People are more likely to trust someone they can see and hear. And a personalized video message is still pretty novel in our industry. If you do it right, you’ll stand out from 99% of agents making cold calls.

Common FSBO Objections

“I don’t want to pay commission.”

Your Response: “I totally get it. If I were selling my house, I’d try to save money too. Here’s the thing: I’m happy to give you some free insights—help you price it better, maybe hook you up with a few buyers—and if you do sell it on your own, hats off! If not, I’d love to at least prove that I can net you more even after my commission. No pressure. Sound fair?”

• Stat: According to NAR, FSBO properties typically sell for less than agent-represented ones—sometimes a difference of 5–10%. That’s the talking point you can use once you build rapport.

“If you have a buyer, just bring them. I’m not listing.”

Your Response: “Awesome. I’d love to come see your property so I can tell my buyers firsthand how great it is. Zero obligation on your part. If it’s not a match, I’ll let you know. Simple, right?”

“We already have interest from several people.”

Your Response: “That’s fantastic! Hopefully, one of them comes through with a solid offer. But if things stall—or if those offers don’t look as good as you hoped—let’s stay in touch. I can quickly tap my network of buyers, so you’re not starting from scratch. Fair enough?”

Pointers for In-Person Previews

Alright, so you’ve snagged an appointment to “preview” the FSBO. This is your chance to shine in person—just be careful not to unleash a full listing presentation they never asked for. Here’s how to handle it:

1. Show Genuine Curiosity: Ask about the home’s history, the improvements they’ve made, and what drew them to the neighborhood initially.
2. Offer Subtle Advice: See a glaring clutter issue? Politely suggest a simple fix. Notice a weird odor? (Hey, it happens!) Give them a friendly heads-up.
3. Gauge Their Motivation: Are they moving for a job? Family? Need money quickly? The more you learn, the better you can tailor your eventual pitch.
4. Be Helpful, Not Pushy: I like to say, “I’m here to help you sell your way—if at some point you need more help, I’m happy to chat about what I can do.”

Text & Email Follow-Ups For FSBO Sellers

Sometimes you call, text, or email—and crickets. Don’t assume they hate you or that you should give up.

Maybe they’re busy.

Maybe they’re still trying FSBO. A gentle follow-up can make all the difference.

Follow-Up Text Example

“Hey [Name], [Your Name] here again. Just checking in—any luck with your FSBO? If you need a fresh set of eyes or a quick free market update, I’m around. Shoot me a message!”

• Keep it easygoing and supportive.

Follow-Up Email Example

Subject: Making Progress?

Hey [Name],

Just wanted to circle back. How are things going with your FSBO listing? If you’re happy with your progress, awesome—just let me know if you need anything. If you’re feeling stuck or need more exposure, I can always share how I market homes like yours.

Either way, wishing you the best!

Cheers,
[Signature]

It can take 5–7 touches before a FSBO warms up. If they don’t respond at all, let them breathe for a week or two, then ping them again. Persistence without pestering is key.

The Magic of “No-Strings-Attached” Help

If you’ve noticed a theme, it’s this: Help them first. Resist the urge to instantly pitch your “Commission includes X, Y, Z!” FSBOs have heard it. Instead, consistently offer small bites of value—market stats, staging tips, a quick CMA—so they see you as a friendly advisor, not a pushy salesperson.

A Quick FSBO Stat

NAR reports that around 58% of FSBO sellers say the most challenging part of the process is attracting the right buyers and handling the paperwork. You can help with both—often from Day 1. Showing them you’re willing to share resources (a blank contract form, for instance) or provide feedback (like “Your listing photos might need better lighting”) is how you position yourself as invaluable.

Handling Hardline Sellers

Yes, some FSBOs will be downright hostile. They’ll practically drop the phone when you mention “agent.”

That’s okay. Not everyone’s a match. But sometimes the hardest nuts to crack are the ones who become your biggest success stories once they realize not all agents are created equal.

Quick Tip

If someone’s extremely short with you, try a last-ditch empathy statement: “Sounds like you’ve had a rough time with agents calling nonstop.

Let me be direct: I’m not calling to pressure you—just letting you know I’m here if you need an extra hand or a buyer lead. If you’d rather I not follow up, just say the word and I’ll respect that.” Sometimes that disarms them enough to continue the convo.

Cross-Pollinate: FSBO Meets Expired Listing Strategies

You might be wondering, “Hey, Jimmy, can I use these scripts with expired listings too?” Absolutely—some of the empathy and value-forward approach is universal. Expired listings also face a barrage of agent calls. If you get comfortable with FSBOs, you’ll find expired listings are a cousin in terms of approach: lead with help, highlight what went wrong (or could be improved), and gently position yourself as a resource.

In fact, one of my colleagues merged his FSBO and expired marketing into a single campaign. He’d say, “If you’re selling on your own or if your listing expired, I’m the agent who helps folks who just need a break from the typical agent routine.”

The synergy was surprisingly effective.

Setting Yourself Apart: Small Gestures, Big Impact

• Send a Handwritten Note: After your first call or preview visit, mail a short thank-you card. Mention one feature you loved about their home. So rare these days—and extremely memorable.
• Bring a Small Gift to the Preview: Maybe a $5 Starbucks card with a note, “Your next coffee’s on me—house-selling is hard work!” That small kindness stands out.
• Follow Them on Social Media: If they’re marketing on Instagram, comment positively on their listing photos (without being salesy). It humanizes you.

Tracking and Follow-Up Schedules

Not everyone you call or text today will be ready tomorrow. Some might wait 30, 60, even 90 days before they give up on FSBO. Create a simple tracking system:

1. Database/CRM: Tag them as “FSBO” with a date and note of your last contact.
2. Set Reminders: Follow up every 10–14 days if they’re somewhat open; every 21–30 days if they’re cold.
3. Vary Your Touches: Alternate between text, email, phone, and maybe a postcard or letter.

I can’t stress how important it is to stay organized. I’ve seen agents lose out on easy conversions because they forgot to follow up after the initial call.

Ready to Win FSBO Listings in 2025?

If you’ve been ignoring FSBOs or treating them like “that annoying bunch that doesn’t want me,” it’s time to shift your mindset. They’re real people with real homes to sell—and many eventually realize they need professional help. The trick is to be the agent they remember, the one who actually tried to help.