Want to sell your home fast and save thousands? FSBO is the way to go! 77% of FSBO homes sell in just two weeks, faster than the 23-day average in Iowa. And that’s not all! You could also save over $12,500 by skipping that 3% Realtor fee!
Of course, selling on your own can be tricky. 17% of sellers struggle with pricing, and 10% get stuck on the paperwork. But not with Houzeo – Des Moines’ #1 FSBO website. You get pricing assistance and contract reviews, making your home sale a breeze.
Key Takeaways
- The MLS is the most powerful tool to reach buyers and attract top-dollar offers.
- Houzeo is the best way to give your home MLS exposure without agent fees. Your home will also be on top websites like Zillow and Trulia.
- Professional photos, decluttering, and minor repairs create an excellent first impression for serious buyers.
- An engaging property description that highlights your home’s unique features will help increase your listing’s visibility.
- Stay clear of common FSBO mistakes like overpricing, skipping MLS listings, weak marketing, and poor negotiation.
How to Sell Your House Without a Realtor in Des Moines?
Des Moines’ market stays active over all, whether it’s insurance executives relocating for job opportunities to young professionals chasing affordable living, all after a perfect home. You can maximize your savings when selling a home by owner in Des Moines with 6 steps:
Step 1: Price Your Home Competitively
In the current real estate market, the right asking price can make or break your sale. If you overprice your home, you won’t attract buyers. If you underprice, you’re leaving money on the table. So, gauge the market and set a price accordingly.
Step 2: Make Your Home Market-Ready
When you list a home for sale by owner, a little prep goes a long way. A well-staged home can help buyers see its full potential. In fact, 83% of buyers’ agents say home staging influences buyers’ decisions, so make your home pop before you list it.
Here’s what you can do to make your home market-ready:
- Declutter and Depersonalize: Clear out personal items and unnecessary furniture. A clean and neutral space helps buyers picture themselves living there without distractions.
- Improve Curb Appeal: Des Moines’ four seasons mean curb appeal becomes even more important. Mow your lawn, plant some hardy perennials that can survive winters, and repaint the walls where needed. A fresh, welcoming exterior will attract buyers!
- Highlight Winter Resilience Features: Iowa’s brutal winters are a major concern for buyers. Make sure your furnace, insulation, and storm windows are in top condition and featured in your listing. Highlight any energy-efficient updates or heated garage spaces, too.
- Opt for a Professional Home Stager: Bring in professional home staging companies in Des Moines to give your place a fresh and polished look. They place your furniture and decor strategically to create a more spacious appeal.
Step 3: Increase Your Property’s Visibility
Selling a house in Iowa without proper marketing is like trying to sell a Victorian mansion without mentioning the wraparound porch with skyline views. In a competitive market, you’ve got to showcase what makes your property stand out, or it’ll just get lost in the crowd:
- List on MLS: Get your property on the MLS for extra exposure. It will also be syndicated to major sites like Zillow, Trulia, Realtor.com, etc. You can list your home on the MLS in Iowa to attract more local agents and buyers searching for that perfect home.
- Hire a Pro Photographer: Whether you have a beautifully restored Victorian in Sherman Hill or modern finishes in Ingersoll Park, professional photography can elevate your home’s appeal. High-quality photos entice potential buyers as they browse online or in brochures.
- Craft a Compelling Description: Highlight what makes your home unique, whether it’s a historic home, an open floor plan, or proximity to Gray’s Lake walking trails. Focus on what makes the lifestyle appealing and paint a picture of how buyers will enjoy living there.
- Put a “For Sale” Yard Sign: Whether you’re in the vibrant East Village district or a quiet tree-lined street in Salisbury Oaks, don’t underestimate the power of well-placed FSBO yard signs. It’s an easy way to catch the eye of potential buyers driving by your home.
Step 4: Organize Home Showings
Listing your home on the MLS gets attention, but showings and open houses seal the deal. Buyers can’t picture life in Des Moines without seeing the screened-in porch or feeling the cool breeze from your backyard deck. Here’s how to highlight your home’s best features:
- Host Open Houses: Show off your property’s charm in person. Plan open houses on weekends to highlight outdoor spaces, mature oak trees, or downtown skyline views. Create a relaxed atmosphere for buyers to explore, ask questions, and envision living there.
- Schedule Showings Online: Buyers browsing Des Moines property listings prefer online scheduling. Simplify this process with an online booking system like Houzeo Showings. Offer flexible times and virtual tours or live video showings for out-of-state buyers.
Step 5: Review, Compare, and Negotiate Offers
Des Moines’ competitive real estate market means buyers may come with different types of offers. If you want full control over your home sale process, here are some questions to ask when figuring out how to sell your house without a Realtor:
- Are cash offers worth it? Ensure the buyer is legitimate and verify their proof of funds. It’s also important to assess whether the offer reflects the fair market value of the property to avoid underselling.
- Can the buyer finance the purchase? Verify the buyer’s pre-approval status with their lender to confirm they are fully qualified for financing. Also, ensure their loan type, whether it’s a VA or FHA loan, aligns with the conditions of the sale.
- How will contingencies impact the sale? In Des Moines, properties may include additional contingencies, like a foundation inspection due to clay soil or lead paint disclosure. Assess how they affect your sale timeline and negotiate to streamline the process.
- Who will cover closing costs? Sellers usually cover their own closing costs in Des Moines, like escrow fees, HOA, etc. However, buyers may negotiate for them to contribute more. You must calculate your final proceeds and negotiate accordingly.
Step 6: Finalize the Sale
You now need professional legal help for this crucial step:
A real estate attorney can help you with the paperwork for selling a house by owner in Des Moines and protect you legally. They handle things like title and closing documents. Typically, they charge $150 to $350 an hour.
How Much Do You Save By Selling Your House By Owner?
Almost $12,500!
When you sell your house with a Realtor, you may have to pay as much as $14,358 on a median home of $239,300, in agent commissions.
However, with Houzeo, you can list your home for just $399—that’s less than a pork tenderloin dinner in Des Moines. You can save around $12,763 on the listing agent fee and go for a weekend at the Iowa State Fair or build a patio for summer sweet corn cookouts.
Pros and Cons of Selling a House Without a Realtor
FSBO is gaining popularity across generations. 26% of millennials, 17% of Gen Xers, 23% of Boomers, and 6% of Silent Gen choosing this route. Many buyer agents do work with FSBO sellers, but it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before deciding.
✅ Pros
- Save Thousands in Agent Fees: You typically have to pay 2.5% to 3% to a listing agent as Iowa real estate commissions. If you sell your home yourself, you get to keep a larger portion of the sale price.
- Sell Faster: You can list your house yourself whenever you are ready, no need to search for a Realtor or wait for their availability. You market and sell on your own schedule.
- Retain Control: You have complete control to price, market, and negotiate the sale. You can work at your own pace and decide what offers to accept based on your needs.
❌ Cons
- Limited Assistance: To sell a home by owner, you need to conduct showings, negotiate with buyers, and handle the legalities yourself. The time and effort required can often overwhelm first-time sellers.
- Potential Hidden Costs: If you list with a low-cost FSBO service, you may incur high hidden fees at closing. Additionally, platforms like Craigslist attract fraudsters and scammers, which may bring unnecessary risks.
👉 Ready to Sell Your Home By Owner? List on the MLS Now!
5 Mistakes to Avoid While Selling a House By Owner in Des Moines
When you sell your home by owner, you must avoid these common mistakes:
- Forget the MLS: If you try selling your home without the MLS, it’s like trying to navigate the skywalk system without a map. To get more visibility on 100+ major platforms like Zillow, Trulia, and Realtor.com, you must opt for a Flat Fee MLS listing in Iowa with Houzeo.
- Misprice Your Home: You need to know your property’s true value. Price it too high and buyers won’t bite. Price it low and you leave money on the table. Use a home worth calculator and a CMA report to find the right price.
- Neglect Marketing: A home on sale without strong marketing is like the Iowa State Fair without the butter cow – forgettable! In Des Moines market, high-quality photos and a well-written description are essential. You can add a free yard sign to reach the widest audience.
- Ignore Seller Disclosures: Skip any of the legal forms and Iowa seller disclosures, and you’ll be in a pickle soon. Ensure you complete all required disclosures and hire a Des Moines real estate attorney to help with the process.
- Fail to Negotiate Smartly: When a buyer extends a low offer, don’t fold. Stand firm on your asking price and terms. Buyers will test you—respond with the determination of an Iowa Hawkeyes defense in the fourth quarter.
Alternatives to Selling Your Home By Owner in Des Moines
If selling your home on your own is too daunting, here are some alternatives you can consider:
- Flat Fee MLS Services: You pay a fixed fee to list your home on the MLS and gain increased exposure. You stay in control of the sale and avoid high commissions.
- Discount Real Estate Agents: They offer services such as contract review at a lower fee than traditional agents. Discount brokers in Iowa charge between 0.5% and 2.5% as commission.
- Full Service Agents: They provide various services from listing to closing but charge a hefty 5% to 6% commission.
- Cash Buyers: You can sell your house fast for cash in Des Moines to cash buyers and iBuyers looking for homes to flip and sell for a profit.
Should I Sell My House By Owner in Des Moines?
Yes, selling your house by owner in Iowa is a smart move if you want to save on commissions. The key is to choose the best FSBO website in Iowa that lists your home on the MLS and gets you in front of serious buyers.
» Houzeo Reviews: Find out what customers have to say about Houzeo – Des Moines’ best home-selling website.
