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 Maryland. And that’s not all! You could also save over $24,000 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 – Maryland’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 Maryland?
Maryland experiences a dynamic market overall, driven by federal employees who seek proximity to DC and Bay sailors who chase retreats in Annapolis. You can maximize your savings when selling a home by owner in Maryland with these 6 steps:
Step 1: Price Your Home Competitively
In the current real estate market, the right asking price can make or break your sale. While Maryland home prices increased by 4.9% at the start of 2025, the number of homes for sale has also surged by 5.9%. 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’ 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: Maryland’s variable weather makes curb appeal crucial year-round. Plant native Eastern redbud trees, repair any damage on the walkways, and ensure that the gutters can handle the heavy spring rain.
- Highlight Weather Resilience Features: With Maryland’s unpredictable climate in mind, buyers often look for storm preparedness. Showcase backup sump pumps and house surge protectors, and ensure your roof shows no storm damage from sudden weather changes.
- Opt for a Professional Home Stager: Bring in professional home staging companies in Maryland 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 Maryland without proper marketing is like trying to sell a waterfront home without mentioning the Chesapeake Bay view. 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 Maryland to attract more local agents and buyers searching for that perfect home.
- Hire a Pro Photographer: Whether you have a stunning brick colonial in Homeland or mature dogwood landscaping in Chevy Chase, professional photography can elevate your home’s appeal. High-quality photos entice potential buyers as they browse online.
- Craft a Compelling Description: Highlight what makes your home unique, whether it’s a perfect basement, hardwood floors, or proximity to Metro stations. Focus on what makes the Maryland lifestyle appealing and paint a picture of how buyers will enjoy living in it.
- Put a “For Sale” Yard Sign: Whether you’re in a bustling Federal Hill neighborhood or near a waterfront community on the Eastern Shore, 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 Free State without experiencing the morning mist or feeling the autumn breeze. Here’s how to highlight your home’s best features:
- Host Open Houses: Show off your property’s charm in person. Plan open houses during weekends to highlight covered patios, fireplaces, or Blue Ridge Mountain views. Create a relaxed atmosphere for buyers to explore, ask questions, and envision living there.
- Schedule Showings Online: Many buyers browsing through Maryland 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
Maryland’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 Maryland, historic properties might include additional contingencies, like lead paint inspections or well water testing for rural properties. 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 Maryland, 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 Maryland and protect you legally. They handle things like title and closing documents. Typically, they charge $200 to $600 an hour.
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Download Your FSBO ChecklistHow Much Do You Save By Selling Your Home By Owner?
Almost $24,000!
When you sell your house with a Realtor, you may have to pay as much as $26,910 on a median home of $448,500, in agent commissions.
However, with Houzeo, you can list your home for just $249—that’s less than a crab feast in Baltimore. You can save around $24,419 on the listing agent fee and go for a luxury Chesapeake Bay sailing charter, buy a pontoon boat, or renovate your basement.
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 Maryland 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 Maryland
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 crabbing in the Chesapeake without a net. To get more visibility on 100+ major platforms like Zillow, Trulia, and Realtor.com, you must opt for a Flat Fee MLS listing in Maryland 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 the Inner Harbor without boats. In Maryland’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 Maryland seller disclosures, and you’ll be in a pickle soon. Ensure you complete all required disclosures and hire a Maryland 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 Ravens linebacker defender.
Alternatives to Selling Your Home By Owner in Maryland
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 Maryland 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 Maryland without spending on repairs or staging.
Should I Sell My House By Owner in Maryland?
Yes, selling your house by owner in Maryland is a smart move if you want to save on commissions. The key is to choose the best FSBO website in Maryland 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 – Maryland’s best home-selling website.
