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 28-day average in Missouri. And that’s not all! You could also save over $14,000 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 – Missouri’s #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 Missouri?
Missouri’s market remains stable overall, from Branson entertainment seekers looking for lakefront retreats to families drawn towards top-rated schools, all chasing a perfect home. You can maximize your savings when selling a home by owner in Missouri 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: Missouri’s unpredictable weather makes curb appeal even more crucial. Trim any storm-damaged branches, reseal your driveway, and consider adding native plants like serviceberry that show you understand local growing conditions.
- Highlight Outdoor Living Spaces: Missouri buyers love outdoor spaces for BBQs, summer evenings, and fall bonfires. If you have a deck, stage it with patio furniture and string lights. In Kansas City, a fire pit or smoker setup can make the backyard appealing.
- Opt for a Professional Home Stager: Bring in professional home staging companies in Missouri 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 Missouri without proper marketing is like trying to sell a lakefront cabin without mentioning the pristine waters of Table Rock Lake. 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 Missouri to attract more local agents and buyers searching for that perfect home.
- Hire a Pro Photographer: Whether you have a wraparound porch or mature oak trees shading your backyard, 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 finished basement, hardwood floors, or walking distance to the University City. 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 historic Arts District in Kansas City or a quiet cul-de-sac near the Katy Trail in St. Charles, 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.
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 the Show-Me State without seeing the screened-in porch or hearing the rustle of prairie grass. 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 your fire pit area, front porch, or panoramic views of the Hills. Create a relaxed atmosphere for buyers to explore, ask questions, and envision living there.
- Schedule Showings Online: Buyers browsing Missouri 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
Missouri’s 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 Missouri, properties near the river may include additional contingencies, like levee system inspections or flood plain certifications. 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 Missouri, 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 Missouri and protect you legally. They handle things like title and closing documents. Typically, they charge $280 to $400 an hour.
📌 Free FSBO Checklist for Selling Your Missouri Home
Keep the Commission, Take the Checklist
Smart sellers use checklists. Savvy sellers use ours.
Download Your FSBO ChecklistHow Much Do You Save By Selling Your House By Owner?
Almost $14,000!
When you sell your house with a Realtor, you may have to pay as much as $16,266 on a median home of $271,100 in agent commissions.
However, with Houzeo, you can list your home for just $479—that’s less than a ribs dinner for two in Kansas City. You can save around $14,432 on the listing agent fee and go for a weekend in the Ozarks, buy a smoker, or build a backyard deck for summer barbecue nights.
Pros and Cons of Selling a House Without a Realtor
Steep agent commissions are prompting more owners to sell their homes by owner. However, before you sell your home without a Realtor, consider these pros and cons:
✅ Pros
- Save Thousands in Agent Fees: You typically have to pay 2.5% to 3% to a listing agent as Missouri 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 Missouri
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 hunting in the forest without a compass. To get more visibility on 100+ major platforms like Zillow, Trulia, and Realtor.com, you must opt for a Flat Fee MLS listing in Missouri 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 marketing is like Silver Dollar City without roller coasters – pointless! In Missouri’s competitive 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 Missouri seller disclosures, and you’ll be in a pickle soon. Ensure you complete all required disclosures and hire a Missouri 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 resolve of a Chiefs quarterback in overtime.
Alternatives to Selling Your Home By Owner in Missouri
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 Missouri 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 Missouri to cash buyers and iBuyers looking for homes to flip and sell for a profit.
Should I Sell My House By Owner in Missouri?
Yes, selling your house by owner in Missouri is a smart move if you want to save on commissions. The key is to choose the best FSBO website in Missouri 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 – Missouri’s best home-selling website.
