Selling a House Without a Realtor (FSBO): Steps, Costs and Risks

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Quick answer: Selling "for sale by owner" (FSBO) can save a listing commission, but you take on the agent's work: pricing, marketing, showings, negotiation and paperwork.

Selling "for sale by owner" (FSBO) can save a listing commission, but you take on the agent's work: pricing, marketing, showings, negotiation and paperwork.

Steps

  1. Price it using recent nearby sales; consider a paid appraisal.
  2. Prepare the home: repairs, cleaning, good photos.
  3. List it: yard sign, online listing sites, or a flat-fee MLS listing service.
  4. Handle showings and screen buyers for mortgage pre-approval.
  5. Negotiate offers, including whether you will pay any buyer's agent fee.
  6. Paperwork and disclosures: states require specific seller disclosures; federal law requires a lead-based paint disclosure for most homes built before 1978 (EPA).
  7. Close through a title company or real estate attorney, depending on your state.

Costs that remain

When an agent may be worth it

If you need to sell fast, the market is slow, or the deal is complex (estate, divorce, relocation), a listing agent can help. Compare a few: see how to sell my house fast and best time to sell.

Keep reading: Seller Closing Costs; Best Time to Buy a House; Home Buying Checklist.

Frequently asked questions

What are the steps to sell a house without a realtor?

Price it using recent nearby sales; consider a paid appraisal; Prepare the home: repairs, cleaning, good photos; List it: yard sign, online listing sites, or a flat-fee MLS listing service; Handle showings and screen buyers for mortgage pre-approval.

What costs remain when selling FSBO?

Title, escrow or attorney fees, transfer taxes and recording fees (vary by state); Any buyer's agent compensation you agree to; Marketing and photos.

When is a listing agent worth it?

If you need to sell fast, the market is slow, or the deal is complex (estate, divorce, relocation), a listing agent can help. Compare a few: see how to sell my house fast and best time to sell.

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