Yes, you can sell your house without a realtor. This is called a For Sale By Owner (FSBO) sale. Some homeowners choose this option to save money on commission fees. Others like having full control over the process.
But selling a house takes work. You need to price it correctly, market it well, and handle all the paperwork. If you’re thinking about selling your house without a realtor, here’s what you should know.
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Why Some Homeowners Sell Without a Realtor
One of the biggest reasons homeowners go FSBO is to avoid realtor commissions.
A real estate agent usually takes 5% to 6% of the sale price. If you sell a home for $300,000, you could pay up to $18,000 in fees. That’s a big chunk of your profit.
Selling your house without a realtor means you keep more money from the sale. But there’s a trade-off. Without an agent, you have to do everything yourself.
Some homeowners are okay with that. They like having control over pricing, showings, and negotiations. Others prefer working with a professional to handle the details.
If you’re considering FSBO, it helps to know both the benefits and challenges.
The Pros of Selling Your House Without a Realtor
You Save on Commission Fees
Without an agent, you don’t have to pay the standard 5% to 6% commission.
However, if the buyer has a real estate agent, you may still need to pay their fee (usually 2% to 3%). Some buyers work with agents, and their agents expect a commission.
Even with that, you could still save thousands of dollars by handling the sale yourself.
You Control the Sale
When you sell your house without a realtor, you make all the decisions.
You set the price. You decide how to market it. You negotiate with buyers.
This gives you more flexibility. You don’t have to wait for an agent to schedule showings or approve offers. You can move at your own pace.
You Know Your Home Best
No one knows your home better than you do. You can highlight its best features and answer buyers’ questions directly.
You also know your neighborhood. You can talk about schools, parks, and local amenities in a way that feels personal.
The Cons of Selling Your House Without a Realtor
Pricing Can Be Difficult
Realtors use market data to set home prices. Without that data, it’s easy to overprice or underprice your home.
If you price too high, buyers may not be interested. If you price too low, you could lose money.
To find a fair price, check recent sales of similar homes in your area. Online tools like Zillow and Redfin can help. You can also hire an appraiser for a professional opinion.
Marketing Takes Effort
Realtors have access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), where most homebuyers start their search.
Without an agent, your home won’t automatically be listed there. You’ll need to market it yourself.
Ways to attract buyers include:
- Listing on FSBO websites like Zillow, Redfin, and ForSaleByOwner.com
- Using social media to promote the home
- Posting on local community boards and Facebook groups
- Placing a “For Sale” sign in the yard
- Taking high-quality photos and writing a clear, detailed listing
The more people who see your home, the better your chances of selling quickly.
Negotiating Can Be Tricky
When an offer comes in, you have to decide whether to accept, reject, or negotiate.
A realtor would normally handle this. Without one, you’ll need to review the offer yourself and understand the terms.
Some things to consider:
- The buyer’s offer price
- Any conditions (like home inspections or financing approvals)
- The proposed closing date
If you’re not familiar with real estate contracts, you may want to hire a real estate attorney to review the details.
More Work, More Time
Selling a house takes time.
You have to handle showings, answer buyer questions, and negotiate offers.
If you have a full-time job or a busy schedule, this can be overwhelming.
With an agent, they do the heavy lifting. Without one, it’s all on you.
7 Steps to Sell Your House Without a Realtor
If you decide to go FSBO, here’s how to do it:
1. Research Your Home’s Value
Check recent home sales in your area. Look at listings similar to yours in size, condition, and location.
Online tools can give you an estimate, but a professional appraiser can provide a more accurate number.
2. Prepare Your Home for Sale
Before listing, make sure your home looks its best.
- Declutter and clean every room.
- Fix small repairs like leaky faucets or chipped paint.
- Consider staging your home to make it more inviting.
A well-presented home attracts more buyers.
3. Gather Important Documents
Selling a house requires paperwork. Some common documents include:
- Residential Property Disclosure Form (required in most states)
- Sales Contract (outlines terms of the sale)
- Title and Deed (needed to transfer ownership)
- Closing Documents
A real estate attorney can help you with this step.
4. List and Market Your Home
Take high-quality photos and write a detailed listing. Highlight key features and updates.
Then, list your home on FSBO websites, social media, and local real estate groups.
5. Schedule Showings
Be ready for potential buyers to tour your home.
Try to accommodate their schedules as much as possible. If you make showings difficult, buyers may move on to another home.
6. Review and Negotiate Offers
Once you get an offer, read it carefully. Look at the price, conditions, and closing timeline.
You can accept, reject, or counteroffer. A real estate attorney can help you understand the contract.
7. Close the Sale
Once you agree on an offer, work with a title company or attorney to finalize the sale.
They’ll handle the paperwork and ensure everything is legally sound.
Selling Your House Without a Realtor: Is It Worth It?
Selling your house without a realtor can save you money, but it takes time and effort.
You’ll need to handle pricing, marketing, showings, negotiations, and paperwork.
If you’re comfortable with that, FSBO can be a great option. But if you’re unsure about any part of the process, consulting with a real estate attorney can help.
Need Help Selling Your Home Without a Realtor?
Selling a home on your own can feel overwhelming. You don’t have to do it alone.
At Zion City Homes, we help homeowners sell quickly and easily. Whether you’re looking for guidance or a direct cash offer, we’re here to assist.
Reach out today to see how we can help you sell your house without a realtor.