Ask Sam

FSBO Home FACTS

Homes sold with the help of a licensed real estate agent in 2006 sold at a 32% higher average than FSBO sales.

The median sales price for a FSBO sale in 2006 was 147,200.00. The median sales prices for agent assisted sales reached 247,000.00.

*NAR 2006 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers

Dear Sam,

   My fiancé and I are getting married in less than 3 months. This is a second marriage for both of us. We have a home, children and successful careers. We are fortunate enough to also have a large circle of family and friends. We plan to have about 250 guests at our wedding. Instead of gifts we would like to ask our guests to donate to a few select charities that we feel are worthy if they chose to do so. What would be an appropriate way to let our guests know of our preference without offending anyone ?

-Can’t Wait to be Mr. & Mrs. In Stallings, NC!

 

Dear Can’t Wait,

   I think your idea is very thoughtful ! My first suggestion would be to avoid choosing any charities which are affiliated with religious or political organizations. These topics are the fastest way to offend people ! Since you will be mailing invitations soon, your family and friends will most likely be bombarded with questions regarding gift ideas. These people are your best messengers ! You should give them a list of charities you have chosen and ask them to pass on the word on your requests in anyone who inquires. I would also give your guests the option of donating to a cause of their choice. Creating a wedding website is a very popular idea these day so what better way to pass the word than posting on your own site ! Weddings.com or theknot.com are sites where you can create wedding websites for little to no cost. You will most likely receive a few gifts from guests who prefer the more traditional route. Please remember when writing Thank You notes, it is your responsibility to thank your guests for any gift whether it’s monetary or material !

Good luck in your new life together !    -Sam