Selling your 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 56-day average in the US.
Choosing FSBO is now easier than ever! High-tech For Sale By Owner websites will help you list on MLS seamlessly and within 24 hours. Also, after the NAR settlement, you can pocket over $23,000 on an average American home!
How to Sell a House By Owner in 6 Steps?
America’s real estate market stays active year-round, whether it’s families relocating for top school districts or retirees chasing better weather. You can maximize your savings when selling a home by owner with these 6 simple steps:
Step 1: Price Your Home Competitively
The right asking price can make or break your sale in the current real estate market. While US home prices increased by 4.1% at the start of 2025, the number of sold homes has shown a slow growth of 2.5%. So, you need to stand out to attract more buyers.
Step 2: Make Your Home Market-Ready
While selling a house in the US, 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: First impressions count nationwide. Trim the lawn, freshen up landscaping, and touch up paint to boost your curb appeal. Whether you’re in the suburbs or the city, an inviting exterior makes a big difference.
- Highlight Unique Features: Whether it’s a cozy fireplace, a finished basement, or a modern home office, play up the features that make your home special and reflect current buyer preferences.
- Opt for a Professional Home Stager: Bring in professional home staging companies in the US 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 without proper marketing is like trying to sell a mountain cabin without mentioning the view. In a competitive market, when you’re wondering how to sell a house fast by owner, 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 to attract more local agents and buyers searching for that perfect home.
- Hire a Pro Photographer: Whether your home features sweeping mountain views or a charming curb appeal, 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, a home office with city views, or a backyard perfect for barbecues. Describe the lifestyle your home offers, and help buyers picture themselves living there.
- Put a “For Sale” Yard Sign: Whether you’re on a tree-lined street in Portland or a quiet cul-de-sac in suburban Atlanta, 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 that home without seeing a cozy fireplace in the Rockies or a skyline view from a city condo. 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 to highlight that spacious backyard or a stunning wraparound porch. Create a welcoming 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
In America’s competitive real estate market, sellers can expect to receive multiple offers on their home. Since you are selling a house without a Realtor, you must keep these 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 the US, some properties might include additional contingencies, like a lead paint disclosure or septic 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, 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 and protect you legally. They handle things like title and closing documents. Typically, they charge between $150 and $400 an hour.
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Download Your FSBO ChecklistHow to Sell My House By Owner Near Me
| Region | States/Cities | How to Sell a House by Owner Near Me |
|---|---|---|
| Northeast | States | Connecticut | Maine | Massachusetts | New Hampshire | New Jersey | New York | Pennsylvania | Rhode Island | Vermont |
| Midwest | States | Illinois | Indiana | Iowa | Kansas | Michigan | Minnesota | Missouri | Nebraska | North Dakota | Ohio | South Dakota | Wisconsin |
| Midwest | Key Cities | Des Moines, IA |
| South | States | Alabama | Arkansas | Delaware | Florida | Georgia | Kentucky | Louisiana | Maryland | Mississippi | North Carolina | Oklahoma | South Carolina | Tennessee | Texas | Virginia | D.C. | West Virginia |
| South | Key Cities | Atlanta, GA | Oklahoma City, OK |
| West | States | Alaska | Arizona | California | Colorado | Hawaii | Idaho | Montana | Nevada | New Mexico | Oregon | Utah | Washington | Wyoming |
| West | Key Cities | Colorado Springs, CO |
How Much Do You Save By Selling Your Home By Owner?
Almost $23,000!
When you sell your house with a Realtor, you may have to pay as much as $25,109 in agent commissions on a median-priced $418,489 home.
However, with a FSBO website like Houzeo, you can list your home for just $199— that’s less than what you’d pay for a day at a theme park. You can save a huge $22,818 and take a luxury cruise through Alaska, buy a new car, or revamp your backyard with a hot tub.
Pros and Cons of Selling a House Without a Realtor
Steep agent commissions are prompting more sellers 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 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 over pricing, marketing, and negotiation of 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
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 hosting a concert without sending invitations. To get more visibility on 100+ major platforms like Zillow, Trulia, and Realtor.com, you must opt for a Flat Fee MLS listing 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 launching a new restaurant without telling anyone. In America’s 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 seller disclosures, and you’ll be in a pickle soon. Ensure you complete all required disclosures and hire a 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, but confident negotiating can mean thousands more in your pocket.
Alternatives to Selling Your Home By Owner
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 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 without spending on repairs or staging.
Should I Sell My House By Owner?
Yes, selling your house by owner is a smart move if you want to save on commissions. The key is to choose the best FSBO website that lists your home on the MLS and gets you in front of serious buyers.
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