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 31-day average in California. And that’s not all! You could also save over $46,500 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 – California’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 California?
California’s real estate market stays hot year-round—whether it’s tech professionals relocating to the Bay Area or vacationers investing in second homes, all are chasing the California lifestyle. You can maximize your savings when selling a home by owner in California 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 California home prices increased by 6.3% at the start of 2025, the number of homes for sale has also surged by 22.8%. You need to stand out to attract more buyers.
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’ 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: California’s diverse climate makes curb appeal even more important. Trim overgrown plants, add native California flora, and refresh exterior paint. First impressions matter tremendously in competitive California markets.
- Highlight Outdoor Living Spaces: California’s temperate climate is a major selling point. Stage outdoor areas to showcase the indoor-outdoor lifestyle that California buyers crave. Set up comfortable seating and attractive decor in patios, decks, or garden areas.
- Opt for a Professional Home Stager: Bring in professional home staging companies in California 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 California without proper marketing is like trying to sell a hillside home without mentioning the panoramic 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 California to attract more local agents and buyers searching for that perfect home.
- Hire a Pro Photographer: Whether you have a stunning vineyard view in Napa or modern architecture in Palm 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 deck with redwood views or proximity to Silicon Valley tech hubs. Focus on what makes the California lifestyle appealing and how buyers will enjoy living in your home.
- Put a “For Sale” Yard Sign: Whether you’re in a trendy San Francisco neighborhood or a quiet community in Santa Barbara, 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 the Golden State without seeing the outdoor patio or feeling the coastal fog roll in. 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 sunny weekends to highlight outdoor spaces, mountain views, or vineyard vistas. Create a relaxed atmosphere for buyers to explore, ask questions, and envision living there.
- Schedule Showings Online: Many buyers browsing through California property listings prefer to schedule private showings online. 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
California’s competitive real estate market means buyers may come with different types of offers, and since you are wondering how to sell your house without a Realtor, you must keep these key questions in mind during negotiations:
- 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 California, hillside properties might include additional contingencies, like earthquake retrofitting or wildfire hazard 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 California, 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
A real estate attorney can help you with the paperwork for selling a house by owner in California and protect you legally. They handle things like title and closing documents. Typically, they charge $150 and $400 an hour.
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Download Your FSBO ChecklistHow Much Do You Save by Selling Your Home By Owner?
Almost $46,500!
When you sell your house with a Realtor, you may have to pay as much as $51,366 on a median home of $856,100 in agent commissions.
However, with Houzeo, you can list your home for just $249— that’s less than a sushi dinner for two in San Francisco. You can save around $46,837 on the listing agent fee and spend it on a getaway to Big Sur, lease a Tesla, or create the ultimate outdoor kitchen in your Malibu backyard.
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 understanding how to 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 California 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 California
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 hiking the Pacific Crest Trail 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 California with Houzeo.
- Misprice Your Home: If you need to sell a house by yourself, 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 Silicon Valley without tech startups – pointless! In California’s 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 and California seller disclosures, and you’ll be in a pickle soon. Ensure you complete all required disclosures and hire a California 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 a Golden State Warriors player in the final quarter.
Alternatives to Selling Your Home By Owner in California
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 California 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 California without spending on repairs or staging.
Should I Sell My House By Owner in California?
Yes, selling your house by owner in California is a smart move if you want to save on commissions. The key is to choose the best FSBO website in California 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 – California’s best home-selling website.
