By Vince Chimoga · Apr 14, 2025 · 3 min read
Selling your home without a realtor—also known as "For Sale By Owner" (FSBO)—is a strategy that can save you thousands in commission fees. But it requires preparation, transparency, and smart marketing. Here's how to do it the right way. Step 1: Understand Your Local Market Before setting a price, research recent sales of similar homes in your neighborhood. Tools like Zillow, Redfin, or PropStream can help estimate value. Consider hiring a licensed appraiser to get a professional opinion. Step 2: Prep Your House for Sale Clean, declutter, and stage the home. First impressions matter. Curb appeal, fresh paint, and clean interiors go a long way in helping your home sell faster. Step 3: Set a Competitive Price Price it right from day one. Overpricing will scare off buyers, while underpricing leaves money on the table. Use market comparables and consider offering a buyer’s agent commission to widen exposure. Step 4: Market Aggressively Use the MLS (via a flat-fee listing service), Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and FSBO websites. Invest in professional photos, virtual tours, and yard signs. The more eyes on your property, the faster it will sell. Step 5: Qualify Potential Buyers Vet interested parties. Ask for mortgage pre-approvals or proof of funds if it's a cash sale. This avoids wasting time with unqualified buyers. Step 6: Hire a Real Estate Attorney or Title Company Selling without an agent doesn’t mean going it entirely alone. Use a real estate attorney or title company to handle contracts, escrow, and closing documents. Step 7: Be Ready to Negotiate Buyers will negotiate. Be prepared to counteroffer, provide concessions, or respond to inspection requests. Be firm but flexible. Final Tip: If you want to avoid the work of FSBO but still sell fast, consider a local cash home buyer who can close quickly, buy as-is, and eliminate commissions.
