How to Sell a House on Facebook Marketplace in 2023

Facebook Marketplace currently has more than 100 million active listings. This can make it seem like this platform is a popular option. 

However, 17% of people have been scammed using Facebook Marketplace. 9% have been approached by a fake profile. These statistics highlight that Facebook marketplace isn’t the best place to sell your home.

Instead of taking chances with your privacy, opt for a 100% secure Flat Fee MLS listing service like Houzeo.

8 Easy Steps to Sell Your House on Facebook

It is easy and free to sell your home on Facebook marketplace. Here’s a step-by-step guide to list your home:

1. Go to “Facebook.com.”
2. Click “Marketplace.” 
3. Select “Create New Listing.”
4. Choose the “Homes For Sale or Rent” option.
5. Complete your listing and upload professional photographs. 
6. Preview the listing on the right side and click “Next” once done.
7. Join different groups to promote your listing on Facebook.
8. Once done, click “Publish.”

Is It Safe to Sell Your House on Facebook?

No, it is not safe to sell your house on Facebook. 1 in 6 people are scammed on Facebook Marketplace.

If you must list on Facebook Marketplace, follow these precautions:

1. Protect Your Contact Information

Create a separate email address for buyers to contact you directly. Do not share any personal information that compromises your financial security.

2. Update Privacy Settings

Any listing on Facebook Marketplace is public by default. You can change your privacy settings to allow only friends to view the listing. However, this will limit your reach.

3. Do Not Open False Links

Do not open any unknown link as a response to your listing. You might fall victim to phishing.

4. Shortlist the Potential Buyers

You’ll likely receive offers from buyers who aren’t serious or qualified. Here’s how you can vet them:

• Do ask for a mortgage pre-approval letter from buyers.
• Interview the buyers to get to know them.
• Consider the buyer’s timeline and whether they are ready to buy now or need more time.
• Request a bank letter from cash home buyers to confirm the availability of funds.

Pros and Cons of Using Facebook to Sell Your House

Selling on Facebook saves realtor commissions, but you must weigh the pros and cons.

✅ Pros of Listing on Facebook Marketplace

• You save on the listing agent’s commission.
• It is easy and free to list on Facebook.
• You can update or remove your listing anytime.
• It is possible to upload up to 50 professional photos.
• You can negotiate with the buyers directly via Messenger.

❌ Cons of Listing on Facebook Marketplace

• You may have to pay the buyer agent’s commission.
• You’ll be spammed with unnecessary calls, messages, and emails.
• You may have to spend some money on boosting your listing.
• There are a lot of privacy concerns.
• You may attract buyers who aren’t serious or qualified.

5 Tips to Sell Your Home Fast on Facebook

You can target buyers in specific neighborhoods and groups on Facebook Marketplace. Make sure your posts focus on the features that are important to your ideal buyer.

Here are some tips to sell your home fast via Facebook:

1. Write an Engaging Title and Description

Your title is important. By default, titles include the number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and “House.” You can also add amenities like “basement” and “balcony.” To attract investors, use words like “fixer-upper,” “buy and hold,” and “fix and flip.”

An ideal Facebook description should typically be concise and to the point, around 50 to 125 words. Highlight the neighborhood, proximity to schools, architecture, parking, and lot size.

2. Add Professional Photographs

Invest in professional photography to get better offers. Homes photographed professionally sell 32% faster.

3. Target Ideal Buyers

Buyers want homes with specific features in specific locations. Share your listing on Facebook pages associated with your neighborhood. It’s better to reach a broader audience of potential buyers or people already interested in your home.

💡 Use hashtags to reach your buyers: Here’s an instance – “🔍 New listing – charming #MalibuBeach single-family residence, your dream coastal retreat! 🌊 #MalibuLiving”

4. Get Your Friends to Re-Share Your Listing

You don’t need a large Facebook following to sell your home on Facebook Marketplace. Ask your friends and family to share your listing to get more people to see it. You can also share your listing with the following:

• Local neighborhood groups or pages
• Friends’ news feed
• A link to different social media handles
• Individuals via the Messenger App

5. Engage With Potential Buyers Promptly

Respond to potential buyers promptly and professionally. Address their questions and concerns thoroughly.

How to Promote Your Listing on Facebook Marketplace

Increase your listing’s visibility on Facebook Marketplace to attract more buyers. Run ads and boost your listing to maximize your chances of a successful sale.

How to Boost a Facebook Listing

To boost your Facebook Marketplace real estate listing, follow these steps:

1. Visit the Facebook marketplace selling page.
2. Select “Boost Listing.”
3. Click on “I accept” to confirm your acceptance of Facebook’s non-discrimination policy.
4. Facebook will propose various campaigns with budgets ranging from $2 to $10. Click on “Select custom budget and duration” to customize your plan.
5. Adjust the daily spending amount using the slider.
6. Specify the days you want your ad to run by adding or subtracting days.
7. If desired, set an end date using the calendar option.
8. Select “Add payment method” and enter your payment details.
9. Click on “Next” to proceed.
10. Click on “Promote now” to boost your listing.

How to Run a Facebook Ad for a Real Estate Listing

Here are the steps to run a Facebook ad for your real estate listing:

1. Access your Facebook account.
2. Navigate to Facebook Ads Manager. 
3. Click the “Create” button to start a new ad campaign.
4. Choose your campaign objective. For real estate listings, “Traffic” or “Conversions” are often suitable options to drive potential buyers to your listing.
5. Define your target audience. Select specific demographics, interests, and location settings to reach potential buyers interested in your property.
6. Set your ad budget and schedule. Decide how much you want to spend and how long the ad will run.
7. Design your ad creative. Use high-quality images or videos of your property, write compelling ad copy, and include relevant details to attract potential buyers.
8. Review your ad settings and confirm that everything is accurate.
9. Click “Submit” to launch your Facebook ad campaign.
10. Monitor the performance of your ad in the Ads Manager dashboard and make adjustments as needed to optimize its effectiveness.

Boosting a Listing vs. Running an Ad: What’s Better?

Boosting a post is better than running Facebook ads.

It’s not a good idea to use Facebook ads to sell real estate. You can’t target specific buyers because of housing discrimination laws. Moreover, it’s not effective to advertise to a large group.

Should I Use Facebook to Sell a House?

It depends. You should consider several factors before selling your house on Facebook, such as your local market, your home’s condition, and your comfort level.

It may be beneficial for homeowners who:

• Want to save money on real estate commissions or other listing fees
• Are a part of a large Facebook social network
• Own a distressed property
• Are willing to vet buyers, field offers, and respond to Facebook messages

It may not be beneficial for homeowners who:

• Are not familiar with Facebook
• Are not interested in spam messages or vetting buyers
• Struggle to sell their FSBO property
• Do not have the time or energy to sell FSBO

Alternatives to Selling a House on Facebook

If you think selling your house yourself is too complicated for you, here are some other options you can consider:

• Flat Fee MLS Listing Services: With a Flat Fee MLS service, you can get up to 100% of the fair market value on the open market. High-tech For Sale By Owner websites like Houzeo will list your home on the local MLS within 24-48 hours and help you sell fast! 22% of homes listed on the MLS sold above their final list price in February 2023.
• Discount Broker or Low Commission Agent: Low commission agents offer the same services at a lower commission rate. Similarly, a flat rate or discount real estate broker provides all the services at a discounted rate.
• Cash Home Buyer: House-buying companies or “Companies That Buy Houses For Cash” make all-cash offers, usually within 24 to 48 hours. 
• iBuyer: iBuyers or Instant Buyers are real estate investors who use algorithms to determine property prices. Cash buyers make all-cash offers within 24–48 hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Selling a House