Selling your Arkansas house For Sale By Owner (FSBO) can save you thousands in real estate agent commissions. Not only that, 77% of FSBO homes sold in just two weeks, faster than the 61-day average in the Natural State.
Choosing FSBO is now easier than ever! High-tech For Sale By Owner websites in Arkansas will help you list on MLS seamlessly and within 24 hours. Also, after the NAR settlement, you can pocket over $14,000 on an average Arkansas home!
How to Sell a House By Owner in Arkansas in 6 Steps?
Arkansas’ market stays active throughout the year, with buyers ranging from remote workers in Fayetteville to retirees settling near the lakes. All chasing their dream home. You can maximize your savings when selling a home by owner in Arkansas with these 6 simple steps:
Step 1: Price Your Home Competitively
In the current real estate market, the right asking price can make or break your sale. While Arkansas home prices increased by 7.5% at the start of 2025, the number of homes for sale has also surged by 15.3%. You need to stand out to attract more buyers.
Step 2: Make Your Home Market-Ready
While selling a house in Arkansas, 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’ decision, 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: Arkansas’ four distinct seasons make curb appeal crucial year-round. Power wash your driveway, plant some native blue star flowers, and refresh exterior paint. Fresh paint in warm, welcoming colors will make buyers want to step right in!
- Highlight Outdoor Living Spaces: Arkansas’ natural beauty shines in every season. Set up comfortable seating on your deck, create an inviting fire pit area, and highlight fishing access if your house is near the Arkansas River to turn interest into offers.
- Opt for a Professional Home Stager: Bring in professional home staging companies in Arkansas 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 Arkansas without proper marketing is like trying to sell a mountain cabin without mentioning the Ozark 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 Arkansas to attract more local agents and buyers searching for that perfect home.
- Hire a Pro Photographer: Whether you have a charming farmhouse in Bentonville or rolling acreage in Hot Springs, 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 wraparound porch, original hardwood floors, or proximity to the Crystal Bridges Museum. Showcase the Arkansas lifestyle and how buyers will enjoy your home.
- Put a “For Sale” Yard Sign: Whether in Little Rock’s River Market or a peaceful Buffalo River hollow, well-placed FSBO yard signs can easily attract 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 won’t fully appreciate the charm until they experience the screened porch or feel the morning breeze from the Ozark hills. 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 and highlight outdoor spaces, gardens, or mountain views. Create a relaxed atmosphere for buyers to explore, ask questions, and envision living there.
- Schedule Showings Online: Many buyers prefer to schedule private showings online, so simplify it 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
Arkansas’ 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 Arkansas, properties might include additional contingencies, like well water testing or septic system inspections. 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 Arkansas, 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:
You now need professional legal help for the final step. A real estate attorney can help you with the paperwork for selling a house by owner in Arkansas and protect you legally. They handle things like title and closing documents. Typically, they charge $150 to $400 an hour.
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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 $15,354 in agent commissions on a median-priced $255,900, home.
However, with a FSBO website like Houzeo, you can list your home for just $199— that’s less than a sunset dinner cruise on Lake Hamilton. You can save a huge $13,875 and go for a luxury fishing trip to Bull Shoals Lake, or build a beautiful deck overlooking the Arkansas River.
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: You typically have to pay 2.5% to 3% to a listing agent as Arkansas 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 your home, 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.
5 Mistakes to Avoid While Selling a House By Owner in Arkansas
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 opening a boutique on a deserted road instead of the bustling Hillcrest. To get more visibility on 100+ major platforms like Zillow, Trulia, and Realtor.com, you must opt for a Flat Fee MLS listing in Arkansas 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 a Walmart without any merchandise! In Arkansas’ fiercely 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 or Arkansas seller disclosures, and you’ll be in a pickle soon. Ensure you complete all required disclosures and hire a Arkansas real estate attorney to help with the process.
- Fail to Negotiate Smartly: When a buyer extends a lowball offer, don’t fold. Stand firm on your asking price and terms. Buyers will test you—respond like the unwavering focus of a climber.
Alternatives to Selling Your Home By Owner in Arkansas
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 wide 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 Arkansas 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: Almost all cash buyers scour the MLS for homes for sale. This includes iBuyers, investors, and home flippers. They allow you to sell your house fast for cash in Arkansas without spending on repairs or staging.
Should I Sell My House By Owner in Arkansas?
Yes, selling your house by owner in Arkansas is a smart move if you want to save on commissions. The key is to choose the best FSBO website in Arkansas that lists your home on the MLS and gets you in front of serious buyers.
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