Sometimes we have to be people and not the job!   I've given a hand up to many with zero expectations.  Always on my mind is the saying "There but for the Grace of God go I"

Widow woman frail..no family or friends...I would lend a hand plus

yes because he probably won't sell it on his own and I want to stand out as the agent who puts clients' interests first and is willing to be generous even to non-clients like the FSBO. 

I've done that in the past, and I've benefited from it 10 fold....

If the client was a  veteran or widow in serious financial trouble, I would help.

In response to the E&O concern, it would be easy to do a simple contract for real estate consulting services and charge $1 if you were truly concerned.

Answer questions? Yes, but no in an actionable way.

Expose those whom I depend on to one who devalues my service....NO.

It's a TWO WAY STREET. If the FSBO is receptive to collaboration, things can work well. BUT, there needs to be a benefit, I value, for my effort.

If they were going to buy their next home with me, I'd provide help. Otherwise, if there was no chance they would ever list, I'd be spending my time where I'd be making money, as that's what I'm in business to do. That being said, in very special circumstances--an elderly person, a vet, etc.--I would certainly help out as I could without generating a ton of liability. But a basic FSBO where all they want is to avoid a commission, no.

I think a limited amount of help isn't going to hurt and may get you a client in the future.

I am going to help a client of mine do a Deed in Lieu of foreclosure without compensation so I guess the answer is yes

Debbie,

On occasion we have, and we have been rewarded by their referrals.  A

Not as of yet, but I could see it happening with the right people and the right reasons.

Depends on the level of help.  If they want something major and they need to buy a house, I get a signed contract from them to buy their next house with me.

Now if I went on a listing appointment and they still went FSBO, that's a different ball game.  They just says "I like you, but don't want to pay you."

A run of the mill I can sell it myself FSBO but I need some free advise/help no. A distressed person (widow, veteran etc.) of course I would help them.

And be liable for the services I provide for free? No. Because I have no control yet can be blamed if things go wrong. Even providing your vendor list could backfire. Somewhere in the real estate laws it talks about "implied agency" and this could be the case.

Debbie Reynolds I did - once for a very close friend of mine. Eventually, after 3 months he listed with me.

Good news is - there was a buyer who was looking at the home daily - and approached me once I listed.

He specifically mentioned to me (and my friend at a later date), he did not want to deal with FSBO!

Debbie Reynolds If someone cannot pay for your services, they also more than likely cannot pay for their closing costs and any other costs that may come up along the way. It's a nice altruistic gesture, but I believe there can be more to it unless you are willing to go all the way.

Debbie,
I help widows and others who are in a real financial bind without charging them. I would prefer to list it and not charge that help them as a FSBO.

I have not run into this situation, and depending on the circumstances, maybe.

No; this practice merely solidifies the belief by those people that they don't need our services.

I have provided sellers disclosures; however I would use caution on answering questions.

No, this would take away time from taking care of clients I have fiduciary relationships with. It could also be an E&O issue potentially. I would consider a fixed fee basis like creating a CMA, but at a price.

On a limited basis. I have done this a couple of times and one time they were on the phone with me everytime they had a showing, communication, etc... I guess it depends on the person. I was originally asked to recommend a landscaper, 

If I'm not their agent, no. In CA, I've just opened myself up to all the risk & no reward...(and no E&O coverage without a signed contract/agency disclosure).

It depends on the situation

I help all I can everyday ....I have had these call me for advice and it pays off in the long run!

I've done it and often gotten paid for my efforts in the end when they gave up doing it themselves.  Still prospecting FSBO's is not something that I do.

Good morning Debbie. I answer many mortgage questions for them, most of the time nothing comes of it.

 Good morning Debbie. I do know some agents this area that will sell a house for free as long as they get the other side of the transaction.

Debbie, once I assisted a FSBO hoping I would get the listing if it did not sale.

If I had a Buyer that wanted to see a FSBO home,  I would ask the seller if I coud show the home.  Then I would offer no commission from the seller, as long as the buyer paid the commission for the Buyers agent (Myself).

There probably is...I can be very generous. :)

Debbie - I have provided information to certain people, but not sure if they were FSBO, or just curious.

I would probably not provide all my services to a FSBO for free.

I'm pretty soft hearted and I know there might be a reason or two, I would help someone sell their home as a for sale by owner. 

Sure, why not?

Always good to build good will, and they will probably hire you eventually.

If they were neighbors I would help out with the hope that they will get too frustrated and give me the listing!

Sure.  If it's someone that I like and they are honest with me, I'd be glad to help them - up to a point.

I like what Susan Emo shared. 

If I were an agent there are probably a few circumstances where I'd consider it.  

Funny how many people hide behind the "E&O" curtain, but yet none have ever heard of anyone filing a claim. Just sayin'

Any circumstances?  Sure.   Not likely to give as much information as I would to a client though.   Timing comes into play as well as commitment.

Only if the goal is get their listing..... 

Haven't - but wouldn't rule it out. 

I have answered their questions and have provided advice many times.