From Winchester to Norfolk, more Virginians are selling their homes FSBO than ever before. Millennials lead the way, with over 55% comfortable selling their homes themselves. FSBO home sellers want to maximize their savings while retaining full control of their sale.
With the right FSBO site, you can save over $25,500 on a median $473,700 home. But beware of cheap services with hidden fees and low buyer exposure. That’s why we’ve spent thousands of hours researching and ranking the best For Sale By Owner websites for you!
Key Takeaways:
- Save thousands in agent commissions by using one of Virginia’s best For Sale By Owner websites to sell your home.
- The top FSBO websites in Virginia are Houzeo, Cottage Street Realty, Net Realty Now, ForSaleByOwner.com, and Zillow.
- Houzeo is the best paid FSBO website in Virginia because of its MLS exposure, smart tech, and 5-star customer support.
- Cottage Street Realty follows with maximum photo uploads along with a 6-month listing period.
- ForSaleByOwner.com and Zillow are the best free FSBO websites. But we don’t recommend them because they lack MLS exposure.
- Remember, MLS is the most powerful tool to reach serious buyers and agents across Virginia.
Rankings: 5 Best For Sale By Owner Websites in Virginia
| FSBO Websites | Listing Fee | Mobile App | MLS Access | 100% Online | 5 Star Customer Service* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Houzeo.com | $249 | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| 2. Cottage Street Realty | $299 - $999 | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| 3. NetRealtyNow | $299-$1899 | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| 4. ForSaleByOwner.com | $0 | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| 5. Zillow | $0 | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
* Companies rated 4.75 stars and above are considered 5-star
What Are the Types of FSBO Websites?
There are two types of FSBO websites to sell your home by owner in Virginia:
- Paid FSBO Websites: The paid websites let you list your home FSBO on Virginia MLS for a fixed fee. The MLS syndicates your listing to 100+ real estate websites like Zillow, Redfin, and Trulia.
- Free FSBO Websites: They provide a free listing on their own website, but not on the MLS. The lack of MLS exposure limits the number of buyers and can reduce the selling price.
Reviews: Best Paid FSBO Websites
1. Houzeo: Virginia’s #1 FSBO Website
BEST FSBO WEBSITE
Listing Fee: $249Of all the FSBO websites, Houzeo has the most number of homes for sale. Houzeo offers 3 FSBO listing packages with MLS access:
- Silver Package – $249: Your property gets an MLS listing with 24 photos, and for 6 months. It is also visible on Zillow, Trulia, Realtor.com, etc. With this package, you can make unlimited changes to your listing.
- Gold Package – $299: You can post the maximum number of photos, avail licensed broker assistance, get access to seller disclosures, and a premium yard sign.
- Platinum Package – $349: You get virtual full assistance from a licensed broker and a 12-month listing term.
Based on the plan you choose, there’s an additional 0.5% to 1.25% due at closing.
Here are the key features that make Houzeo one of the top FSBO websites:
- Max Exposure: Along with the MLS, your property gets visibility on Zillow, Trulia, Realtor.com, Redfin, and 100s of other websites.
- 5-Star Customer Service: Houzeo has a fully staffed customer service desk with 5-star rating for prompt assistance.
- No Hidden Fees: You bypass the listing agent commissions and pay a small flat fee to list your home on the MLS. Remember, all fees are disclosed upfront, so there are no Houzeo hidden fees.
- Free Home Value Estimator: With Houzeo, you can also get a free home value estimation within 30 seconds. It helps you set a listing price.
There are no red flags with Houzeo.
Houzeo is rated 4.9 out of 5 stars on Google & Trustpilot.
» Houzeo Reviews: With 11,000+ reviews and a 4.7 star-rated mobile app, Houzeo is the most trusted website to sell FSBO.
👉 Our Take: We recommend Houzeo’s Gold plan for most home sellers. It offers the best combination of 5-star customer service, Houzeo’s unique technology, max exposure, and broker assistance. And with the Gold plan, you’ll save between 2% and 5% of your sale price in commission.
2. Cottage Street Realty
GREAT LOCAL EXPOSURE
Listing Fee: $299 - $999Cottage Street Realty is a licensed brokerage. They offer FSBO listing services with MLS access in DC, Maryland, and Virginia:
- Basic – $299: You can add up to 50 photos and list your house for 6 months. You will also be provided with important contracts and disclosures.
- Showcase – $399: You can add the maximum number of photos along with a 6-month listing period. You can also access combo key box and FSBO yard sign upon request.
- Premium – $799: You can list your house for 12 months. You can also access services like market analysis and contract review.
- Full Service – $999: Your property is listed until it’s sold. This package includes everything from the other packages, and additionally you get negotiation assistance, a professionally installed signpost, and docu-sign contracts.
Additional Services:
- Open House Advertisement – $15
- Combo Lockbox – $50
- Market Analysis – $59
- Showing Time – $65
Based on our research, the benefits of Cottage Street Realty are:
- Wide Market Exposure: Your home gets listed on the local MLS and displayed on major real estate websites like Realtor.com, Zillow, Trulia, etc.
- Legal Document Availability: All packages include state-wise contracts, forms, addendums, and disclosures you need to sell your house.
- Buyer Lead Forwarding: Buyer leads are directly forwarded to you with no agent involvement. This makes negotiations easy.
Here are some limitations of Cottage Street Realty:
- Limited Coverage: Cottage State Realty offers real estate services only in the states of DC, Maryland, and Virginia.
- Extra Charges for Additional Services: Besides the premium packages, you have to pay extra for services like negotiation support, combo lockbox, showing time management, yard sign, etc.
- Limited Reviews: Despite being in the business for over 18 years, the company does not have enough credible reviews on online platforms.
Cottage Street Realty has 5 out of 5 star rating from 15+ reviews on Google.
👉 Our Take: Despite offering 4 flat fee packages, Cottage Street Realty charges extra for essential services like market analysis, yard signs, and lockboxes on their basic plans, making the true cost higher than advertised.
3. Net Realty Now
LIMITED COVERAGE
Listing Fee: $299-$1899Net Realty Now offers 2 FSBO packages that help you list on the MLS:
- Flat Fee MLS Listing Package – $299: You can upload 50 photos, and your listing term will be of 6 months that will appear on 85+ websites. You can also make unlimited text edits to your listing.
- Full Support Flat Fee MLS Property Listing Package – $1,899: This package includes everything in the $299 plan plus unlimited consulting, contract negotiation, and full support from a licensed broker.
Some of the advantages of Net Realty Now are:
- Buyer Lead Forwarding: You will receive buyer inquiries directly and can negotiate without broker interference.
- Comparable Sales Report: You will also receive a detailed CMA report which will help you price the property properly.
- Unlimited Listing Changes: You can update your MLS listing as many times as needed to keep it current.
- Access to Legal Documents: You will receive all the necessary paperwork to sell a house, which will help ensure a smooth transaction.
In our research, we have found certain drawbacks of Net Realty Now:
- Limited Coverage: The company offers its services in New York, Maryland, Virginia and Washington DC.
- Limited Agent Support: The Flat Fee MLS listing package does not include professional assistance, so sellers must handle negotiations and paperwork themselves.
- Lack of Marketing Services: They don’t provide services like open houses or in-person showings that could help you market your FSBO home.
Net Realty Now has an impressive 5 out of 5 stars from 2+ customer reviews on Google.
👉 Our Take: Net Realty Now is a solid option for sellers who prefer handling showings and negotiations on their own. However, we don’t recommend Net Realty Now for those who need agent support, better marketing tools, or a wider service area.
Reviews: Best Free FSBO Websites
You can check the reviews of the top free FSBO sites in Virginia here.
1. ForSaleByOwner.com
FREE FSBO LISTING
Listing Fee: $0ForSaleByOwner.com offers only 1 FSBO package:
- ‘Do It Yourself’ FSBO Package – $0: In this package, your home only gets listed on the ForSaleByOwner.com website. You don’t get an MLS listing. Your property is not visible on Zillow, Trulia, Redfin, etc. This limits your exposure and offers.
These are some pros to consider:
- Nationwide Coverage: ForSaleByOwner.com provides coverage throughout the United States.
- Control and Flexibility: You get a customizable listing and a personalized dashboard to manage your home sale.
- 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 Exposure: You can only list on the ForSaleByOwner.com website. It does not get syndicated to other real estate websites like Trulia, Zillow, Realtor.com.
- Lack of Technology: It can be difficult to manage showings, negotiations, and the paperwork for selling a house without a Realtor manually.
- 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 4.2 out of 5 stars on Best Company.
» ForSaleByOwner.com Reviews: Read our in-depth review to learn if you should opt for ForSaleByOwner.com
👉 Our Take: ForSaleByOwner.com offers a free listing, but without MLS exposure, your property won’t reach local buyers or agents in your area. We recommend them if you're a marketing pro, but if not, you likely won’t get any offers.
2. Zillow
REAL ESTATE MARKETPLACE
Listing Fee: $0Zillow offers only 1 FSBO listing plan to home sellers:
- FSBO Listing on Zillow – $0: You can list your home for free on Zillow’s FSBO platform and on Trulia. However, your home won’t be on the MLS. This limits your home’s exposure.
You should consider these points while choosing Zillow:
- No Listing Fee: You can list your home on Zillow’s FSBO website for free with a video and unlimited photos.
- Free Cancellation: Zillow listings can be cancelled without any additional charges or hidden fees.
- Nationwide Coverage: Zillow’s For Sale By Owner services are accessible in all 50 states.
- User-Friendly Interface: Their website and mobile app are easy to use and navigate. Users can search for properties based on filters like location, price, features, and other criteria.
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 not always accurate. This misleads buyers and sellers.
- Limited Support: Zillow’s customer support may not match the level of personalized guidance other FSBO websites offer.
Zillow has a rating of 1.6 out of 5 stars from 400+ reviews on Trustpilot.
» Zillow’s For Sale By Owner Reviews: Read our in-depth review on Zillow and see what other sellers have to say.
👉 Our Take: We don't recommend selling FSBO on Zillow. It's like throwing a party and forgetting to send the invites. Your listing is buried in the ‘Other Listings’ tab, like being stuck in the VIP line with no bottle service. You avoid commissions, but you miss the exposure.
🚩 Beware of FSBO Companies With Hidden Fees
Some FSBO companies come with hidden fees that they don’t mention in their pricing section. They provide free or affordable listings, but charge extra for yard signs, lockbox, etc. This increases your overall cost of selling a house in Virginia and reduces your savings.
For Sale By Owner Websites Virginia: How Much Can You Save?
Thousands! Maybe even almost $25,500 on a $473,700 home in the Old Dominion State, after the NAR settlement. The best For Sale By Owner sites in Virginia help you save equity.
With best FSBO sites like Houzeo, you can list your home on the MLS for just $249—that’s less than a traditional Virginia oyster roast! You can save a whopping $25,805 and use it for a luxury retreat in Virginia’s wine country, a new jet ski, or family adventures in Shenandoah National Park.
| Service Provider | Fee in Virginia | Savings |
| Traditional Agent | 3% Listing Fee + 3% Buyer’s Agent Commission – $28,422 | $0 |
| Houzeo | Fixed Fee – $249 + $2,369 | $25,805 |
How to Choose the Best FSBO Website in Virginia?
To choose one from the top For Sale By Owner websites in Virginia, you need to consider these 4 factors.
- Do they list on MLS? You should opt for a platform that offers Flat Fee MLS service in Virginia for better exposure. It will lead to more buyers and a higher selling price while maximizing on savings.
- How is their user experience? Look for easy to navigate FSBO websites. They should have features like mobile app, virtual tours and offer-management.
- What are their prices? Evaluate the packages with the services they offer. Some provide free listing-only services. Whereas, others charge a flat fee or a percentage of the sale price for comprehensive assistance.
- Is their customer support good? Look for platforms that offer cutting edge customer service and provide guidance to the sellers. Choose a service with 5-star customer support like Houzeo.
👉 Ready to Sell FSBO? List your home here for max exposure!
How to Sell Your Home With Virginia‘s #1 FSBO Website?
Here’s how to list your home on For Sale By Owner listing sites in Virginia:
- Find the Best FSBO Website With MLS Access: Choose a FSBO platform that offers MLS listing when selling a house by owner in Virginia. Your property will be visible on every real estate website from Winchester to Norfolk.
- Create Your Account: Most FSBO sites with MLS access require an account, and Houzeo makes it easier. Manage your MLS listing, showings, and offers from your phone—whether you’re in the Shenandoah Valley, in Old Town Alexandria, or stuck on the I-95 corridor.
- Choose a Listing Plan: Select a package that fits your needs to make your home-selling smooth and effortless. But don’t break your bank—choose the plan that’ll get your home sold even during those chilly Virginia winters.
- Enter Property Details & Add Photos: Time to show off your property. Add details like the number of beds, baths, etc. Hire a real estate photographer in Virginia to showcase that beautiful brick colonial in your Virginia home. Good photos = Faster sale!
- Sign the Agreement: Review and sign the listing agreement. Complete seller disclosure forms carefully. If it’s not a minor fix, disclose it—Virginia’s got rules, and you want to stay on the right side of them.
6 Mistakes to Avoid With a Virginia FSBO Website
Here are some rookie mistakes home you must avoid when they list a home FSBO:
- Ignore the MLS: If you don’t list on the MLS, it is like trying to sell wool sweaters in Richmond during a July heatwave. Use Houzeo if you’re wondering how to list your home on Virginia MLS and gain visibility on 100+ sites like Zillow, Trulia, and Realtor.com.
- Price Your Home Inaccurately: To sell your home quickly in the current Virginia housing market, you need an estimate of your property’s value. Without it, you may price your house inaccurately. An asking price that’s too high will scare buyers away. Too low, and you’re leaving money on the table. Use a home worth calculator to get the right price.
- Market Ineffectively: To add poor quality photos is as disappointing as finding the Luray Caverns closed after a three-hour drive. Add professional photos, write a compelling description, and install a yard sign – then watch the offers roll in faster than visitors to Monticello on a perfect spring day.
- Overlook Seller Disclosures: Legal forms and Virginia seller disclosures are mandatory. Miss something, and you’ll face consequences quicker than a sudden Blue Ridge Mountain thunderstorm. Hire a Virginia real estate attorney to handle the legalities.
- Fail to Negotiate Smartly: If a buyer lowballs you like they’re haggling at the Arlington Farmers Market at closing time, don’t roll over. Stay firm on your price, closing dates, and repairs. Buyers will test you—hold your ground like the centuries-old oak trees.
- Choose the Wrong FSBO Service: Choosing a FSBO service that provides limited exposure will mean more days on the market. Get your house on the MLS and watch thousands of buyers looking for Virginia homes for sale check out your listing on Houzeo.
» Houzeo Reviews: Find out what customers have to say about Houzeo – Virginia’s best home selling website.
