Say what you have to say & then just cut them loose. I mention to them that due to current licensure/agency rules, I won't be able to help them with any situations that come up. I have to be hired to do that.

"LOL, okay. Good luck."

And if they have the guts to contact me when they've hit a snag...

"Bummer. Here's a list of local attorneys to contact. Maybe one will do a free consultation. But I'm not sure. Good luck."

If you've discussed the issues in involved in selling as a FSBO and they still insiste, all you can do is wish them luck. They'll learn soon enough.

I love Dave Halpern's answer!  Some people can't be convinced that they are wrong until they fall on their face!

Good. Luck. With. That. 

I say nothing until they make the second call.

Friends and relatives often devalue our service and overvalue the relationship. ...... because the believe we can't say 'NO."

I do not have a response any longer except that I know they'll be leaving money on the table after all is said and done. That's virtually guaranteed, however, I always wish them the best of luck!

I wish them good luck.

As Lyn Sims wrote.

Best of luck to you!

Bob,

Let them go, they will learn the hard way.

I'll buy them condoms, they're likely to get screwed.

"Call me if it doesn't sell so I can get it sold for you"

Bob Crane - happened with me, too.

I helped as much as I could - and within 3 months he realized he cannot do it. I listed and sold it myself.

I give them the same spiel I would give any FSBO seller. I will not argue or put their decision down.

   Best wishes to you.   No, I can't give you copies of the contract.  No, I can't answer your legal questions.  Here are the names of some good real estate attorneys...

Good luck! And typically the end up coming back and say - I didn't know it was so much work or so hard......can you help me?

Bob Crane Wish them luck! Later, they will realize FSBO route was a mistake.

I had this discussion with one of my agents this week.  She is frustrated that a close friend is asking for her guidance on how she should price her home, but wants to go the FSBO route.  She let her friend know that selling homes is her profession and she would be happy to help her provided she hire her.  However, just as she wouldn't ask her attorney friend for legal advice gratis, she is disappointed that her friend thinks she should "help" her sell her home without payment.

Bob Crane Don't call me when you need comps or forms. Call me when it doesn't sell. In all honesty, I would wish them good luck.

I remind them of the legal ramifications and the need for a professional to help guide them through the process.

I don't think I would think of them as a friend. Sounds harsh but I guess I am a little self serving.

I never dealt with relatives.... always referred them.... friends would listen to me...

Bob, I would still give them my listing presentation so they could see my list of services that they would be missing out on. Other than that, wish them well.

I wish them luck and if it doesn't work out, I'm here to assist them.  

Good luck! Some are successful in getting a sale, but the time lapse and lost opportunities are never considered!

Sellers go FSBO because they do not perceive the value of the commission being charged.  It is about the money. The industry needs to be open to providing alternative solutions to meet their needs.  Flat Fee Listings, Hourly Fee For Services, and Real Estate Consulting offer the seller additional choices to meet their needs while saving their equity.  

I just ignore them. They obviously know better than me... It's like sending them to the school of hard knocks. I've had it happen to me, and when they call in the middle of the night totally frustrated I tell them I'd love to help but I'm busy writing a contract for a client of mine.

Tell them - you get what you pay for, and leave it at that.

Ask them what title company they are using and their eyes get big, what!

Lyn Sims nailed this one!

Wish them good luck.

It has happened to me and there is just nothing you can do except let them know you are there to help if they decide they need a Realtor Bob Crane .

Let them know you'll be there to help pick up the pieces when it doesn't work.

OK, good luck.  Put your atty on speed dial.

With the facts - homes sell for more money, even after commission, when they are sold by Realtors. I also remind them that they are not trained negotiators and that they will need to allow strangers into their homes without validating their licenses.

That most buyers have already engaged a Buyer Agent to Represent them !

If they're in a market where properties are easily sold without agents help & that's what they want to do then I'd give them the thumbs up & say you know where to find me if you have any questions or you need a hand. 

All the best!

"Let me know if you have any questions, I'll be happy to help you" and "good luck".

They did FSBO and mls with a lockbox for $350.00

Good for them.

If asked, I have relative sharing. If not asked, I am available if they snag

Just offer to help handle it for them if things don't work out like they hope, and ask them if they are paying a commission to any agent that brings them a buyer. Many owners are very capable of selling their property without an agent and without encountering any legal problems.