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7 min read Jan 30, 2024

7 Best For Sale By Owner Websites in Illinois

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Jason Joshi

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Edited By

Jason Joshi

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Jason is a passionate content editor working at Houzeo. He has an eye for detail and keeps himself updated with the recent trends in the real estate market. He also likes to travel and explore places.

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$15,960 – that’s how much an Illinoisian home seller paid in agent commissions on an average home last year. It’s daylight robbery! Home prices in Illinois will continue to rise, and so will commissions.

Selling For Sale By Owner, without a realtor, can save you $10,000 or more on an average home. It does not matter if you’re selling a condo in Chicago or a single-family home in Springfield, FSBO is powerful.

High-tech FSBO websites like Houzeo don’t just help you save on commissions. They automatically assign the right MLS paperwork and get your house listed within 24-48 hours. You get 5-star customer service and advanced tech to manage your listing, showings, and closing.

FSBOs on the Rise 🚀

FSBOs are trending! 55% of millennials are comfortable selling their homes themselves. According to Zillow, 26% of Gen X’ers listed FSBO and saved thousands. And why not? 77% of FSBO homes were sold in less than two weeks.

There are two types of For Sale By Owner websites in Illinois you can choose from:

  • Paid FSBO Websites: These websites will get your property listed on the MLS – the most powerful marketing tool for home sellers. MLS syndicates your listings to Zillow, Redfin, Trulia, Realtor.com, and numerous other websites.
  • Free FSBO Websites: When you list for free, your listing remains on the company website and does not feature on the MLS. No MLS exposure means fewer potential buyers and a lower sale price for your property.

We have spent thousands of hours researching and reviewing For Sale By Owner websites in the Prairie State. Here are our rankings:

Rankings: 7 Best For Sale By Owner Websites in Illinois

FSBO WebsiteListing Fee100% Online*MLS AccessOnline Showings & Offers5 Star Customer Service**
1. Houzeo.com$399
2. FSBO.com$399
3. Flat Fee Realty$199 +0.1%-0.25%
4. Circle One Realty$495
5. ForSaleByOwner.com$0
6. Zillow For Sale By Owner$0
7. Facebook Marketplace$0

*For 100% Online, only FSBO sites with online showings, inspection scheduling, offer management, and mobile app have been considered.

**For 5-Star Reviews, customer ratings above 4.8 out of 5 have been considered.

4 Best Paid For Sale By Owner Websites in Illinois

Paid FSBO websites list on MLS without Realtor in Illinois for a flat fee. Our rankings are as follows:

1. Houzeo.com

BEST FSBO WEBSITE

Houzeo

Houzeo Logo
  • Listing Fee: $399
  • Available nationwide
  • 4.75 Stars 4.9/5 (8,000+ reviews)

Houzeo offers 4 FSBO MLS listing packages:

  • Bronze – $399: This package offers MLS listing for 6 months along with maximum photo uploads.
  • Silver – $399+: Along with an MLS listing for 6 months and maximum photo uploads, this package provides unlimited listing changes and open house option.
  • Gold – $429+: It comprises 6 months of listing with maximum photo uploads and includes advanced tech support for a successful house sale.
  • Platinum – $499+: This package offers virtual full-service support with a licensed broker assisting in negotiations, disclosures, and closing.

👉 Our Take: We recommend Houzeo for most home sellers. The company has an excellent customer rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars. It has extensive coverage across 47 states + DC, a feat achieved by only a handful of other services.

These are the key features that make Houzeo one of the top FSBO website to list with:

  • Significant Commission Savings: In most states, you will pay just a small flat fee to list on MLS. On average, home sellers who used Houzeo saved $11,490.
  • No Hidden Fees: All costs are disclosed upfront so you don’t have to worry about hidden charges.
  • Near Nationwide Coverage: Houzeo operates in 47 states and DC, with ongoing plans for expansion.
  • Max Exposure: Houzeo packages give you access to the MLS such as  Zillow, Trulia, Redfin, and several other FSBO sites.
  • Advanced Technology: With Houzeo listings, you don’t have to go through the hassle of extensive paperwork. E-sign and online forms make listing quick and easy.
  • 5-star Customer Service: Dedicated customer support to address your every concern and make the overall process easy.
  • Mobile App: Houzeo’s mobile app lets you manage showing requests from verified buyers and buyer agents. You can either accept, reject, or reschedule showings at your convenience.

Houzeo’s services are limited in Wyoming, South Dakota, and West Virginia. This means your listings may take more than 12 hours to get updated.

Houzeo is rated 4.9 out of 5 stars by thousands of home sellers on Google & Trustpilot.

» Houzeo Reviews: With over 8,000+ happy customers, Houzeo is the most trusted FSBO website.

Houzeo.com is one of the top FSBO websites in Illinois. Its advanced tech solutions provide a seamless user experience, listing exposure, and faster sales while having complete control of the process.

Houzeo’s flat fee listing feature helps you save thousands on realtor commissions. You also get dedicated customer support that makes the home-selling process much easier and effortless.

📞 Need Help? Schedule a FREE Consultation


A Houzeo expert can answer all your questions regarding our packages.


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2. FSBO.com

NATIONAL REFERRAL COMPANY

FSBO.com

Logo - FSBO.com
  • Listing Fee: $99.95 - $399
  • Limited a la carte items
  • No credible reviews were found.

FSBO.com has 2 packages for FSBO home sellers:

  • $99.95 – FSBO Package: This package lists your property on FSBO.com and Redfin for 6 months. You can upload unlimited photos and a video. It allows you to make changes and cancel your listing anytime.
  • $399.95 – MLS Package: With this package, your property is listed on the MLS for 6 months with 20 photos. Your listing is syndicated to Zillow, Realtor, and Trulia.

Listing Upgrades

  • Classic FSBO.com Yard Sign w/ Stand: $75
  • Open House Posting: $50
  • Directional Arrow – For Sale By Owner: $12
  • Sign Riders: $12

👉 Our Take: FSBO.com has been in business since 1997. They allow you to customize the plans by offering some services separately. You can add or skip these services based on your needs.

» Pros and Cons of FSBO.com: Read to know what sellers have to say about FSBO.com

Here are some key highlights of listing with FSBO.com:

  • Multiple Categories of Listings: You can feature your listing in a special section dedicated to foreclosure, pre-foreclosure, tax lien, or bankruptcy.
  • User-Friendly Interface: The website is easy to navigate. This helps you to easily create your listing and add property information.
  • Nationwide Coverage: With FSBO.com your property gets a nationwide exposure.

During our research, we identified several disadvantages of listing with FSBO.com:

  • Limited Automation: FSBO.com shares your information with a local broker who does the listing for you. You have to do all the paperwork manually.
  • Unpredictable Broker Quality: Sellers are connected with local brokers for listing. Moreover, online FSBO.com reviews are mixed.
  • Extra Charges for Listing Photos: You need to pay $50 extra for uploading more than 20 photos to your listing.
  • Expensive à la carte Services: You need to pay $50 – $150 for services like e-lockbox rental, showings, yard signs, and open house postings.

FSBO.com has no credible customer reviews on popular review sites like Google or Trustpilot.

» FSBO.com Reviews: Read why the oldest FSBO website isn’t the best anymore.

FSBO.com is accessible nationwide. It provides coverage in over 50+ markets.

However, its à la carte items are expensive, and you’re charged extra for uploading more than 20 photos.

3. Flat Fee Realty

0.25% LISTING AGENT COMMISSION

Flat Fee Realty

Flat-Fee-Realty-logo.
  • Listing Fee: Varies
  • 0.1% to 0.25% additional fees
  • No credible reviews were found.

Flat Fee Realty offers a single Flat Fee MLS package, the price of which varies by state.

  • MLS Listing Package: This package offers a 6-month listing with 6 photos, syndication to Zillow, Trulia, and Realtor.com, along with local MLS listing and state disclosures.

Listing Photos Upgrades: You can add up to 25 photos for $50.

👉 Our Take: If an affordable plan is your priority, then you can consider Flat Fee Realty. However, they do charge additional fees for optional upgrades like additional photos.

These are some pros of Flat Fee Realty in the areas it operates:

  • Cost-Effective: Flat Fee Realty offers an affordable flat fee listing package.
  • Free Changes: You can make changes to your listing without paying any additional fees.
  • Easy Cancellation: You can cancel anytime and get a refund within 30 days of purchase. If you decide not to sell your home, some of your listing fees will be refunded.
  • Market Exposure: Your listing gets syndicated to Realtor.com, Trulia, and Zillow, significantly expanding your chances of attracting potential buyers.

Here are some major dealbreakers we came across in our review of Flat Fee Realty:

  • Non-customizable Packages: You cannot customize the packages. This may restrict your ability to select specific options tailored to your preferences.
  • 0.25% Commission at Closing: Flat Fee Realty charges a 0.25% commission at closing. Even though they claim the buyer agent pays this, the entire commission comes from the seller’s proceeds.
  • Limited Coverage: The company’s service availability may vary and is subject to change without notice.

Flat Fee Realty has no credible reviews yet.

» Flat Fee Realty Reviews: Read our in-depth review of Flat Fee Realty.

Flat Fee Realty offers a single MLS package that varies from state to state. With this package, you get free listing changes and related seller disclosures.

Moreover, Flat Fee Realty requires you to pay a minimum 2% buyer agent commission, 0.25% of which goes as a kickback to your listing agent. This means you end up paying a small commission to the listing agent at closing.

4. Circle One Realty

LOCAL REALTOR SUPPORT

Circle One Realty

Flat-Fee-MLS-Illinois-Circle-One-Realty.
  • Listing Fee: $145 - $645
  • List within 48 hours
  • 5 Stars 5/5 (190+ reviews)

Circle One Realty offers 4 Flat Fee MLS packages.

  • MLS Entry Package – $145: This package lists only vacant land on the local MLS and is syndicated to Realtor.com, Zillow, Trulia, and more. You can upload 1 photo for a listing term of 3 months.
  • MLS Basic Package – $295: With this package, you can list your home for 6 months with 25 photos. You also get full-service realtor support and a yard sign.
  • MLS Classic Package – $495: This includes all the services from the MLS Basic Package with a listing term of 12 months. You get the additional benefits of a lockbox combo and professional photography.
  • MLS Elite Package – $495 (Originally $645): This top-tie package includes all the features of the MLS Classic Package. Additionally, you get an option to list your home until it sells or until you decide to cancel the listing.

Listing Upgrades:

  • Combination Lockbox: $45
  • Electronic Lockbox: $200
  • Appointment Scheduling and Feedback: $85
  • Additional signs: $25
  • Professionally Installed Yard Sign: $150
  • Professional Photography (25 Photos): $175

👉 Our Take: Circle One Realty has a team of experienced agents. However, to change the broker’s commission, you have to cancel the current listing agreement and submit a new one for an additional $145.

Here are some advantages of listing with Circle One Realty.

  • Full-Service Realtor Support: All the packages come with comprehensive realtor services to help you throughout the sale process.
  • Photography Services: The Classic and Elite packages offer professional photography services to enhance your listing’s overall presentation and appeal.

In our research, we came across some deal breakers with Circle One Realty.

  • Entry Package is ONLY for Listing Vacant Land: No package is available for listing your home on the MLS.
  • Not 100% Online: The tech stack of Circle One Realty is modest. Many procedures are manual. No paperwork assistance might delay your listing process.
  • Limited Coverage: They cover only 44 counties in Illinois.

Circle One Realty is rated 5 out of 5 stars from 190+ reviews on Google.

» Circle One Realty: Read our reviews to know more about them.

Circle One Realty is a good-rated FSBO Company based in Yorkville, Illinois. It offers 4 different listing packages.

Circle One Realty lists your property on MRED along with the MLS listing. However, the MLS entry package is only for listing vacant land.

3 Best Free For Sale By Owner Sites in Illinois

Free For Sale By Owner websites in Illinois offer online exposure, but don’t guarantee a successful FSBO sale.

5. ForSaleByOwner.com

OPTIONAL FREE LISTING

ForSaleByOwner.com

For Sale By Owner
  • Listing Fee: $0 - $495
  • Available in 80+ U.S. Markets
  • 4.5stars 4.5/5 (60+ reviews)

ForSaleByOwner.com includes 2 FSBO packages:

  • ‘Do It Yourself’ FSBO Package – $0: In this package, your home only gets listed on the ForSaleByOwner.com website.
  • ‘Closing Assistance’ Package – $495: You get the assistance of a licenced real estate broker. However, for this, you need to have a potential buyer.

👉 Our Take: ForSaleByOwner.com does not list on MLS. This can be a strong drawback in your selling processes.

These are some pros to consider:

  • Nationwide Coverage: ForSaleByOwner.com caters to customers throughout the United States.
  • Control and Flexibility: You can set your schedule, host showings, and manage the sale process at your convenience.
  • Direct Buyer Interaction: You can directly communicate with potential buyers through their messaging system.

We have found certain cons about ForSaleByOwner.com in our research:

  • No MLS Listing: This site does not list your property on MLS. You can only list on the ForSaleByOwner.com website.
  • Lack of Technology: It can be time-consuming and demanding to manage the listings, showings, negotiations, and paperwork.
  • Privacy Violation: Even though listing on ForSaleByOwner.com is free, payment details are still necessary.
  • Lead for Rocket Homes: Your listing information is shared with Rocket Homes agents. They may frequently contact you to solicit MLS listings.

ForSaleByOwner.com has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars on BestCompany.com.

» ForSaleByOwner.com Reviews: Read this blog to learn more.

Founded in 1999 by Damon Giglio, ForSaleByOwner.com is considered one of the biggest FSBO websites. They claim to have 7 times more traffic than other For Sale By Owner sites.

Although ForSaleByOwner.com offers various paid services, none of them include a For Sale By Owner MLS listing. Further, your information is provided to a Rocket Homes affiliated agent. These agents contact you frequently to solicit MLS listings.

6. Zillow For Sale By Owner

REAL ESTATE MARKETPLACE

Zillow

Zillow
  • Listing Fee: $0
  • Available in 80+ U.S. Markets
  • 1.5 Star 1.4/5 (350+ reviews)

Zillow offers the following listing plans for home sellers:

  • FSBO Listing on Zillow – $0: You can list your home for free on Zillow’s FSBO platform.
  • Zillow Premier Agent – 3% commission: This is the traditional way to sell your home. You get access to a real estate agent who guides you through the entire sale process.

👉 Our Take: Zillow is a comprehensive real estate website that offers a variety of tools and resources for home sellers.

» Does Zillow Charge For Sale By Owner? Click to know if it’s free or not.

You should consider these points while choosing Zillow:

  • No Fees: You can list your home on Zillow’s FSBO website free of charge.
  • Free Cancellation: Zillow listings can be cancelled without any additional charges or hidden costs.
  • Maximum Market Exposure: It is one of the most popular real estate websites, with millions of monthly visitors. This means that a large number of potential buyers will see your listing.
  • Nationwide Coverage: Zillow FSBO services are accessible in all 50 states across America.
  • User-Friendly Interface: Its website and mobile app are easy to use and navigate. Users can search for properties based on location, price, features, and other criteria.
  • Offers Rental Services: Zillow is one of the best rental websites in America. It offers a built-in tenant screening tool, rent collection feature, owner portal, pricing suggestions, etc.

We identified several disadvantages of listing with Zillow:

  • Slow Listings: Your listing can take up to 72 hours to update from the time you submit your property details.
  • Inaccurate Zestimate: Zestimate, Zillow’s property valuation tool is often inaccurate. This misleads both buyers and sellers.
  • Limited Support: Zillow’s customer support may not match the level of personalized guidance other FSBO companies offer.
  • Lead for Real Estate Agent: Your listing information is shared with Zillow’s agents. You’ll get calls from agents rather than potential buyers.
  • Hide FSBO Listings:  Zillow hides FSBO listings behind agent listings. They are often two clicks away and get almost no traffic.

Zillow has a rating of 1.4 out of 5 stars from 350+ reviews on Trustpilot.

» Zillow For Sale By Owner Reviews: Read our in-depth review on Zillow.

Zillow is the most popular Illinois real estate website. It attracts more than 200 million visitors every month. To list your home on Zillow For Sale By Owner, simply sign up and create your free account.

Zillow FSBO listings do not appear on the MLS. Thus, they have limited exposure. Additionally, all FSBO listings on Zillow are hidden in the ‘Other Listings’ tab. This significantly reduces the success rate of free Zillow FSBO listings.

7. Facebook Marketplace

Social Media Behemoth

Facebook Marketplace

facebookmarketplace
  • Listing Fee: $0
  • Available in 80+ U.S. Markets
  • No credible reviews were found.

Facebook Marketplace offers free FSBO real estate listing in its ‘Property for Sale’ section.

  • FSBO Listing on Facebook – $0: You can list your property with some photos and basic details.

👉 Our Take: Facebook Marketplace is good for added exposure outside MLS or real estate websites. However, do not rely on it completely to get buyer leads. List on the MLS for credible buyer leads.

  • Facebook has Millions of Users: Your property is advertised to millions of Facebook users. This certainly gives you exposure outside of MLS-syndicated websites.
  • Facebook Marketplace is Not a Real Estate Website: Although it gives your listing some exposure, you don’t get assistance or FSBO tools. Its only purpose is marketing your property.

  • Potential Privacy Attacks: Hackers can steal your personal data online. Make sure you have limited information open to the public while using Facebook Marketplace.
  • No FSBO Support: Although Facebook Marketplace gives your listing some exposure, you don’t get assistance or FSBO tools. Its only purpose is marketing your property.
  • You Can Get Scammed: Be vigilant of fraudulent offers. Scammers may attempt to make phony offers. If you get an offer that is too good to be true, high chances are it is a scam.

Facebook Marketplace has no customer reviews on popular review sites like Google or Trustpilot.

Facebook Marketplace is a popular classifieds site where you can list your property. It is not a For Sale By Owner website. We recommend Facebook Marketplace to maximize your exposure if you have already listed on the MLS.

Remember to protect your data and profile since Facebook Marketplace attracts unsolicited buyers.

Here’s a Quick Recap of The Best FSBO Websites:

Reviews: America’s Best FSBO Websites

We’ve reviewed the best paid and free For Sale By Owner Websites in 2024

Tips for Listing Your House as For Sale By Owner in Illinois

You may feel overwhelmed by the difficulties involved in selling a house yourself in Illinois. To effectively navigate the FSBO process, consider the following tips:

  1. Market Research: Evaluate the local IL real estate market. Learn about recent house sales prices, market trends, and the typical time it takes to sell a home.
  2. Prepare Your Home: Make necessary repairs and renovations. Clean, declutter, and stage your house to make it appealing to potential buyers.
  3. Price it Right: Set a competitive price for your house. To get a fair market value, consider getting a professional appraisal or using online tools.
  4. Market Your Home: Create a detailed marketing plan. Use high-quality images and create a virtual tour or video walkthrough.

Alternatives to For Sale By Owner Websites in Illinois

If you think selling your house yourself in Illinois is too complicated for you, here are some other options you can consider:

  • Low Commission Agent: A low-commission real estate agent offers you the same services for a reduced commission rate.
  • Cash Home Buyer: Illinois cash home buyers make all-cash offers, usually within 24 to 48 hours. These companies reduce the hassle involved in real estate transactions.
  • iBuyer: iBuyers like Opendoor and Offerpad typically offer a property’s Fair Market Value (FMV). They purchase hundreds of homes throughout Illinois.

Which is the Best For Sale By Owner Website in Illinois?

The Best FSBO sites excel in affordability, coverage, and technology. However, it depends entirely on your needs.

Several free FSBO listing sites offer basic exposure. However, their reach may be limited compared to MLS-integrated FSBO sites. Consider For Sale By Owner websites that list your property on the MLS and save thousands in commissions.

High-tech FSBO sites in Illinois like Houzeo help you get maximum exposure, 5-star customer service, and advanced tech.

    ✍️ Is Houzeo Legit? Yes, Houzeo is a tech-centric For Sale By Owner website and real estate platform that gives you access to tools only real estate agents have.

Eager to Know How Houzeo Works?

We have got you covered. Check out if Houzeo is legit and why its packages are the best way to sell a house by owner.

What is Houzeo?

An overview of what the platform is all about

Start Your MLS Listing NOW!

» Houzeo Reviews: Find out what customers have to say about Houzeo.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I list my home For Sale By Owner in Illinois?

You can list your house For Sale By Owner with IL Flat Fee MLS services like Houzeo, FSBO.com, Flat Fee Realty, and more. Your home will be listed on the MLS, the most powerful tool to market your home for sale.

What is the best For Sale By Owner MLS listing service in Illinois?

Houzeo.com is the best MLS listing site, as it provides an unbeatable combination of max savings, 5-star customer support, and cutting-edge technology. Houzeo has a rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars on popular review websites like Google and Trustpilot.

Where can I list my house For Sale By Owner for free in Illinois?

You can list your home for free on ForSalebyOwner.com and classifieds websites like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace.

What to look for in an FSBO website?

When looking for a For Sale By Owner website to list your home on the IL MLS, look for user-friendly interfaces, online visibility, and features such as listing customization and marketing tools.

For Sale By Owner Websites Illinois

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