More Homeowners Choose FSBO Route Source: RealtorMag.com ©2001 (August 7) -- Despite the slowing economy, sales of existing homes have been booming; and because housing inventories are quickly declining, many homeowners are choosing to sell themselves and avoid sales commissions. Brokers historically have an inventory of 20 to 40 listings in a good month, adding that a "good month" now means a supply of five to 10 homes, says Mary McCall, president of the Greater Tampa Association of REALTORS. n Florida in the first quarter of the year, existing-home sales increased 8 percent over the same period last year, according to the Florida Association of REALTORS. Such demand has increased the median price of homes in the Tampa Bay area by 11 percent to $109,500 in the first quarter, while the median price for the state increased 7 percent to $119,500. Fueling the increase of FSBO listings are Internet-based services and sellers' desires to hold onto commissions, especially in the face of the slowing economy. Traditional full-service brokers have begun offering fee-based services and charging for individual services, allowing sellers to choose and pay for only services they want. To maintain business, companies are stressing the various types of services each provides and what might benefit each FSBO. As Mark Swartsel, broker-owner of RE/MAX Advantage Realty in Port Richey, Fla., explained, "people realize that it's the largest investment they're making and they still want a professional person to come in there." Source: St. Petersburg Times (FL) (08/04/01); Goldblatt, Jennifer