{"id":14520,"date":"2023-02-03T19:07:17","date_gmt":"2023-02-04T00:07:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/how-to-sell-a-house-by-owner\/"},"modified":"2023-07-20T17:26:58","modified_gmt":"2023-07-20T22:26:58","slug":"how-to-sell-a-house-by-owner","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/real-estate-blog\/how-to-sell-a-house-by-owner\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Sell Your House For Sale by Owner"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><a href=\"#state\">How to sell FSBO by state<\/a> | <a href=\"#pros-cons\">Pros and cons<\/a> | <a href=\"#how-to-sell-your-home-by-owner\">How to sell a house by owner<\/a> | <a href=\"#paperwork-fsbo\">FSBO paperwork<\/a> | <a href=\"#consider-alternatives-to-fsbo\">Alternatives<\/a> | <a href=\"#fsbo-faqs\">FAQs<\/a><\/p>\n<p>If you're planning to sell your house, you might consider listing it for sale by owner, or \"FSBO.\" Selling FSBO means not using a real estate agent. Instead, you\u2019re doing everything yourself. While you can save some money this way, FSBO is a lot of work and comes with risks.<\/p>\n<p>When you sell your home by owner, you're in charge of everything from setting the price and marketing the property to filling out the paperwork and negotiating with the buyer. You'll have to do practically all of the heavy lifting of the sale yourself, but in return, you won\u2019t have to pay a listing agent.<\/p>\n<div class=\"clever-table border-top border-bot col-1-left\" collapse=\"10\"><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>\ud83d\udd11 Key takeaways<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Sellers typically choose FSBO to avoid paying a listing fee, which costs 2.83% of the final sale price on average<\/li>\n<li>FSBO homes often sell for less, potentially wiping out the savings you'll get from not having an agent<\/li>\n<li>The rules for selling FSBO vary by state, <a href=\"#state\">so learn the process in your state<\/a><\/li>\n<li>FSBO is best suited to experienced sellers who have a buyer lined up or live in a hot real estate market<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><div class=\"read-more-btn-wrapper\"><span class=\"read-more-btn\">Show more<\/span><\/div>\n<p><\/div><style>.col-1-left td:nth-child(1), .col-1-left th:nth-child(1){text-align:left;} <\/style>\n<h2>Bottom line: Should you sell FSBO?<\/h2>\n<p>Selling your house for sale by owner isn\u2019t worth the risk for most sellers. It\u2019s time-consuming, difficult, and, at the end of the day you may not even save money by doing it. FSBO homes tend to sell for less on average than agented homes do and you run the risk of creating legal and financial problems if you make a mistake with the paperwork.<\/p>\n<p>The only times when selling FSBO may make sense is if you already have a buyer lined up (such as a friend or family member) or you live in a hot real estate market where homes \"sell themselves.\"<\/p>\n<p>In both cases, you\u2019ll have less of a need for a realtor to help market and show your home. However, even in these situations you still need experience selling houses.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re looking to save money on your home sale, we recommend using a discount realtor instead. With a discount realtor you\u2019ll pay a reduced listing fee, so you can keep thousands of extra dollars in your pocket. But you\u2019ll still have a realtor on your side helping with things that often trip up FSBO sellers, like pricing, paperwork, and negotiations.<\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00bb MORE: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/discount-real-estate-brokers\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Compare the Best Discount Real Estate Brokers<\/a><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"state\">How to sell FSBO by state<\/h2>\n<p>The actual process for selling FSBO varies a lot by state due to differing laws and regulations. To help you figure out how to sell for sale by owner where you live, click on your state below.<\/p>\n<div class=\"clever-table border-top border-bot col-1-left col-2-left col-3-left\" collapse=\"10\"><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/real-estate-blog\/how-to-sell-a-house-by-owner-in-alabama\">Alabama<\/a><\/td>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/real-estate-blog\/how-to-sell-a-house-by-owner-in-alaska\">Alaska<\/a><\/td>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/real-estate-blog\/how-to-sell-a-house-by-owner-in-arizona\">Arizona<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/real-estate-blog\/how-to-sell-a-house-by-owner-in-arkansas\">Arkansas<\/a><\/td>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/real-estate-blog\/how-to-sell-a-house-by-owner-in-california\">California<\/a><\/td>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/real-estate-blog\/how-to-sell-a-house-by-owner-in-colorado\">Colorado<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/real-estate-blog\/how-to-sell-a-house-by-owner-in-connecticut\">Connecticut<\/a><\/td>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/real-estate-blog\/how-to-sell-a-house-by-owner-in-delaware\">Delaware<\/a><\/td>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/real-estate-blog\/how-to-sell-a-house-by-owner-in-washington-dc\">District of Columbia<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/real-estate-blog\/how-to-sell-a-house-by-owner-in-florida\">Florida<\/a><\/td>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/real-estate-blog\/how-to-sell-a-house-by-owner-in-georgia\">Georgia<\/a><\/td>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/real-estate-blog\/how-to-sell-a-house-by-owner-in-hawaii\">Hawaii<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/real-estate-blog\/how-to-sell-a-house-by-owner-in-idaho\">Idaho<\/a><\/td>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/real-estate-blog\/how-to-sell-a-house-by-owner-in-illinois\">Illinois<\/a><\/td>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/real-estate-blog\/how-to-sell-a-house-by-owner-in-indiana\">Indiana<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/real-estate-blog\/how-to-sell-a-house-by-owner-in-iowa\">Iowa<\/a><\/td>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/real-estate-blog\/how-to-sell-a-house-by-owner-in-kansas\">Kansas<\/a><\/td>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/real-estate-blog\/how-to-sell-a-house-by-owner-in-kentucky\">Kentucky<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/real-estate-blog\/how-to-sell-a-house-by-owner-in-louisiana\">Louisiana<\/a><\/td>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/real-estate-blog\/how-to-sell-a-house-by-owner-in-maine\">Maine<\/a><\/td>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/real-estate-blog\/how-to-sell-a-house-by-owner-in-maryland\">Maryland<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/real-estate-blog\/how-to-sell-a-house-by-owner-in-massachusetts\">Massachusetts<\/a><\/td>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/real-estate-blog\/how-to-sell-a-house-by-owner-in-michigan\">Michigan<\/a><\/td>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/real-estate-blog\/how-to-sell-a-house-by-owner-in-minnesota\">Minnesota<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/real-estate-blog\/how-to-sell-a-house-by-owner-in-mississippi\">Mississippi<\/a><\/td>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/real-estate-blog\/how-to-sell-a-house-by-owner-in-missouri\">Missouri<\/a><\/td>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/real-estate-blog\/how-to-sell-a-house-by-owner-in-montana\">Montana<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/real-estate-blog\/how-to-sell-a-house-by-owner-in-nebraska\">Nebraska<\/a><\/td>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/real-estate-blog\/how-to-sell-a-house-by-owner-in-nevada\">Nevada<\/a><\/td>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/real-estate-blog\/how-to-sell-a-house-by-owner-in-new-hampshire\">New Hampshire<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/real-estate-blog\/how-to-sell-a-house-by-owner-in-new-jersey\">New Jersey<\/a><\/td>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/real-estate-blog\/how-to-sell-a-house-by-owner-in-new-mexico\">New Mexico<\/a><\/td>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/real-estate-blog\/how-to-sell-a-house-by-owner-in-new-york\">New York<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/real-estate-blog\/how-to-sell-a-house-by-owner-in-north-carolina\">North Carolina<\/a><\/td>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/real-estate-blog\/how-to-sell-a-house-by-owner-in-north-dakota\">North Dakota<\/a><\/td>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/real-estate-blog\/how-to-sell-a-house-by-owner-in-ohio\">Ohio<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/real-estate-blog\/how-to-sell-a-house-by-owner-in-oklahoma\">Oklahoma<\/a><\/td>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/real-estate-blog\/how-to-sell-a-house-by-owner-in-oregon\">Oregon<\/a><\/td>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/real-estate-blog\/how-to-sell-a-house-by-owner-in-pennsylvania\">Pennsylvania<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/real-estate-blog\/how-to-sell-a-house-by-owner-in-rhode-island\">Rhode Island<\/a><\/td>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/real-estate-blog\/how-to-sell-a-house-by-owner-in-south-carolina\">South Carolina<\/a><\/td>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/real-estate-blog\/how-to-sell-a-house-by-owner-in-south-dakota\">South Dakota<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/real-estate-blog\/how-to-sell-a-house-by-owner-in-tennessee\">Tennessee<\/a><\/td>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/real-estate-blog\/how-to-sell-a-house-by-owner-in-texas\">Texas<\/a><\/td>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/real-estate-blog\/how-to-sell-a-house-by-owner-in-utah\">Utah<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/real-estate-blog\/how-to-sell-a-house-by-owner-in-vermont\">Vermont<\/a><\/td>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/real-estate-blog\/how-to-sell-a-house-by-owner-in-virginia\">Virginia<\/a><\/td>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/real-estate-blog\/how-to-sell-a-house-by-owner-in-washington-state\">Washington<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/real-estate-blog\/how-to-sell-a-house-by-owner-in-west-virginia\">West Virginia<\/a><\/td>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/real-estate-blog\/how-to-sell-a-house-by-owner-in-wisconsin\">Wisconsin<\/a><\/td>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/real-estate-blog\/how-to-sell-a-house-by-owner-in-wyoming\">Wyoming<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><div class=\"read-more-btn-wrapper\"><span class=\"read-more-btn\">Show more<\/span><\/div>\n<p><\/div><style>.col-1-left td:nth-child(1), .col-1-left th:nth-child(1){text-align:left;} .col-2-left td:nth-child(2), .col-2-left th:nth-child(2){text-align:left;} .col-3-left td:nth-child(3), .col-3-left th:nth-child(3){text-align:left;} <\/style>\n<h2 id=\"pros-cons\">FSBO Pros and Cons<\/h2>\n<p>There are a lot of factors to consider when deciding whether or not to sell your house for sale by owner. Costs, time, effort, and legal and financial risks should all factor into your decision.<\/p>\n<p>To help you decide, check out some of the pros and cons of FSBO below.<\/p>\n<div class=\"clever-table border-top border-bot col-1-left col-2-left\" collapse=\"10\"><\/p>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th><strong>\u2705 Pros<\/strong><\/th>\n<th><strong>\u274c Cons<\/strong><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 46.7116%;\">You won't have to pay commission to a listing agent.<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 53.1197%;\">FSBO homes often sell for less than agented ones.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>You'll have complete control over the entire sale process and timeline.<\/td>\n<td>You'll have to do all the work of a trained, licensed realtor.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>May be worthwhile if you have a buyer lined up or you live in a hot market.<\/td>\n<td>You\u2019ll probably still have to pay a buyer\u2019s agent commission (typically around 2.66%).<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><\/td>\n<td>Paperwork can be overwhelming and presents legal risks.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><div class=\"read-more-btn-wrapper\"><span class=\"read-more-btn\">Show more<\/span><\/div>\n<p><\/div><style>.col-1-left td:nth-child(1), .col-1-left th:nth-child(1){text-align:left;} .col-2-left td:nth-child(2), .col-2-left th:nth-child(2){text-align:left;} <\/style>\n<h3>\u274c Cons of selling FSBO<\/h3>\n<h4>FSBO homes often sell for less<\/h4>\n<p>On average, FSBO homes sell for anywhere <a href=\"https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/real-estate-blog\/fsbo-statistics\/#success\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">from 5.5-26% less<\/a> than homes that are sold with an agent. That\u2019s a lot more than the approximately 2.83% you\u2019ll save by not paying a listing fee.<\/p>\n<p>The lower sale price has a number of potential causes. In a recent Clever Data Center study, we discovered that pricing a home is one of the most challenging steps for sellers. Pricing mistakes can lead to your home selling for less than it\u2019s worth.<\/p>\n<p>A second challenge is with negotiations. Realtors are experienced negotiators and they know when to push hard for concessions and when an offer is a fair one. Most buyers have their own agents, so you\u2019ll be negotiating not with the buyer directly, but with the agent, who\u2019s likely to be a seasoned professional.<\/p>\n<p>While the final sale price is dependent on a lot of factors \u2014 especially the strength of your local real estate market \u2014 it is something to be aware of before you decide to sell without a realtor.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re looking for savings, there is an alternative. Our Clever Partner Agents charge a discounted listing fee that can save you thousands, while still offering full service. They come from trusted brokerages, like Keller Williams and RE\/MAX, and having them on your side offers the sort of peace of mind that you won\u2019t get selling FSBO.<\/p>\n<div class=\"brxe-block quick-tip\">  <span class=\"quick-tip-title\">\ud83d\udcb0 Compare low commission agents and save thousands<\/span>  <div class=\"quick-tip-content\"><p>Try our free, no-obligation agent-matching service! Clever will get proposals from the top agents in your area \u2014 and negotiate discounted 1.5% listing fees.<\/p><\/div><form name=\"Find A Top Rated Agent Near You!\" class=\"zipFormSmall zipForm\" onsubmit=\"startFunnel(event, zipClientNumber)\">\n    <div class=\"zipInputContainerSmall\">\n        <div class=\"zipInputWrapSmall\">\n            <div role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-label=\"Enter your zip code\" class=\"zipInputFieldSmall\">\n                <input inputmode=\"numeric\" class=\"zipInput\" id=\"zipCode-5z2ed31cj\" maxlength=\"5\" aria-label=\"Enter your zip code\" alt=\"Enter your zip code\" placeholder=\"Enter your zip code\" type=\"text\" value=\"\">\n                <svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\"  viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path class=\"zipInputIcon\" d=\"M18.364 17.3639L12 23.7279L5.636 17.3639C4.37734 16.1052 3.52019 14.5016 3.17293 12.7558C2.82567 11.0099 3.00391 9.20035 3.6851 7.55582C4.36629 5.91129 5.51984 4.50569 6.99988 3.51677C8.47992 2.52784 10.22 2 12 2C13.78 2 15.5201 2.52784 17.0001 3.51677C18.4802 4.50569 19.6337 5.91129 20.3149 7.55582C20.9961 9.20035 21.1743 11.0099 20.8271 12.7558C20.4798 14.5016 19.6227 16.1052 18.364 17.3639ZM12 12.9999C12.5304 12.9999 13.0391 12.7892 13.4142 12.4141C13.7893 12.0391 14 11.5304 14 10.9999C14 10.4695 13.7893 9.96078 13.4142 9.58571C13.0391 9.21064 12.5304 8.99992 12 8.99992C11.4696 8.99992 10.9609 9.21064 10.5858 9.58571C10.2107 9.96078 10 10.4695 10 10.9999C10 11.5304 10.2107 12.0391 10.5858 12.4141C10.9609 12.7892 11.4696 12.9999 12 12.9999Z\" fill=\"#A7C0DB\"><\/path><\/svg>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div><div><button type=\"submit\" class=\"zipInputButton\" msftrigger=\"quick_tip\" msftriggerid=\"discount-brokers-compare-agents-save\">Get Started<\/button><\/div><\/div>\n<\/form>  <div class=\"quick-tip-icon\"><svg width=\"56\" height=\"57\" viewBox=\"0 0 56 57\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M0 0.197693H48C52.4183 0.197693 56 3.77942 56 8.19769V56.1977L0 0.197693Z\" fill=\"#FACD61\"><\/path><path d=\"M40 14.1977H47L38 27.1977V18.1977H31L40 5.19769V14.1977Z\" fill=\"white\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div><\/div>\n<h4>Selling FSBO is a lot of work<\/h4>\n<p>Selling a house is a full-time job and will require a lot of your time. First, you\u2019ll have to prepare the house, which includes carrying out potential repair work and renovations. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to know which renovations are worth investing in and which are unlikely to attract much buyer interest. That\u2019s the sort of knowledge that a real estate agent would bring to the table.<\/p>\n<p>You\u2019ll also need to take care of:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Pricing<\/li>\n<li>Writing a listing description<\/li>\n<li>Photography<\/li>\n<li>Marketing<\/li>\n<li>Staging<\/li>\n<li>Showings<\/li>\n<li>Negotiations<\/li>\n<li>Paperwork<\/li>\n<li>Closing<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>All of this work can quickly become overwhelming, especially if you don\u2019t already have experience selling homes. And if you have other commitments \u2014 such as a day job or you\u2019re raising a family \u2014 then selling a home without a realtor is going to be especially difficult.<\/p>\n<h4 id=\"bac\">You\u2019ll likely still have to pay some commission<\/h4>\n<p>While you won\u2019t have to pay a listing fee if you sell FSBO, you\u2019ll likely still have to pay the buyer\u2019s agent commission, which is 2.66% on average. While the buyer\u2019s agent commission is technically negotiable, failing to offer a competitive one (or none at all) will make it <strong>a lot<\/strong> harder to sell your home.<\/p>\n<p>If you don\u2019t offer a buyer\u2019s agent commission, you may also see less foot traffic to your listing. According to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nar.realtor\/research-and-statistics\/quick-real-estate-statistics\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">National Association of Realtors<\/a>, 87% of buyers used an agent in 2020. That commission is an incentive for buyer\u2019s agents to bring their clients to see your home, and you don\u2019t want to be at the bottom of the list when they\u2019re filling up their schedule with showings.<\/p>\n<p>Buyer\u2019s agent commission isn\u2019t set in stone \u2014 it\u2019s completely negotiable. But when planning your sale by owner, it\u2019s a good idea to research the <a href=\"https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/average-real-estate-commission-rate\/#fees-by-state\">typical commission rates<\/a> in your area and consider advertising a competitive buyer\u2019s agent commission in your listing to get as much interest from buyers as possible.<\/p>\n<h4>You\u2019ll be dealing with a lot of paperwork<\/h4>\n<p>There\u2019s a lot of paperwork involved with selling a house. In some states, you\u2019ll be looking at more than 100 pages of paperwork at closing.<\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00bb LEARN: <\/strong><a href=\"#state\">Your state's FSBO requirements, including paperwork<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Not only is paperwork tedious and time consuming, but it also exposes you to risks if any errors are made. Especially if you live in a state where sellers are required to disclose any defects with the home, mistakenly failing to do so could expose you to legal action and financial penalties later on.<\/p>\n<p>Our own Clever Data Center research even found that fear of paperwork errors is one of the top reasons some buyers are hesitant about buying a FSBO home. In effect, that means all that extra paperwork could also result in your house attracting fewer potential buyers.<\/p>\n<h3>\u2705 Pros of selling FSBO<\/h3>\n<h4>You won\u2019t pay a listing fee<\/h4>\n<p>The main reason for selling FSBO for most people is saving money. When you sell without a realtor, you\u2019ll be able to avoid paying the listing fee. That\u2019s usually equivalent to around 2.83% of the final sale price on average, which in a home sale represents thousands of dollars worth of savings.<\/p>\n<p>While those savings are significant, they shouldn\u2019t be the only factor in determining whether or not FSBO is right for you. You\u2019ll also need to consider whether you have the time to manage all the extra work FSBO involves and your local market conditions.<\/p>\n<p>Also, don\u2019t forget that the listing fee is only one half of the total commission that home sellers typically pay. Even if you don\u2019t have an agent, you\u2019ll still likely be responsible for the other half \u2014 <a href=\"#bac\">the buyer\u2019s agent commission<\/a> \u2014 which is 2.66% of the final sale price on average.<\/p>\n<h4>You\u2019ll have complete control<\/h4>\n<p>Selling FSBO is appealing for many DIYers. You\u2019ll have control over just about every step of the home sale process, from setting a list price to negotiating with potential buyers.<\/p>\n<p>That control may be especially appealing if you\u2019re in no hurry to sell. When you work with a real estate agent and sign a listing agreement, that listing agreement may stipulate a timeline for when the house should be sold by. For most sellers, that\u2019s a good thing since it incentivizes the realtor to work harder to sell your home quickly.<\/p>\n<p>But if you\u2019d rather take your time \u2014 or even if you\u2019re not sure you actually want to sell and you\u2019re just \"testing the waters\" \u2014 then having more control over your sale could be a good option.<\/p>\n<h4>May work best for your specific situation<\/h4>\n<p>In certain situations you may have limited need for a realtor. For example, if you already know who your buyer is \u2014 such as if you\u2019re selling to a relative or close friend \u2014 then there\u2019s no need to have a realtor list and market your property.<\/p>\n<p>Also, if you already have lots of experience selling homes <strong>and <\/strong>you live in a hot real estate market, then your property may attract plenty of buyers regardless of whether or not you have a realtor.<\/p>\n<p>Keep in mind, however, that even in the above situations you may still want to bring in a realtor at some point, especially to help with closing and paperwork.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"how-to-sell-your-home-by-owner\">How to sell your home by owner<\/h2>\n<p>Selling your home by owner is more complicated than just sticking a \"For Sale\" sign in your front yard. Since you'll basically be competing with professional listing agents for prospective buyers' attention and money, you need to start thinking like a pro.<\/p>\n<p>Here's what you'll have to do to sell your house the right way. Remember, although FSBO means you'll save thousands of dollars on commission costs, errors can cost you time and money \u2014 and your savings can be completely erased if your home sells for less than its full fair market value.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"get-ready-for-sale\">1. Get your home ready for sale<\/h3>\n<p>A key to getting the best price for your home is making it look as perfect as possible. Here are some tips.<\/p>\n<div class=\"faq-wrapper\"><h3 class=\"faq-question\">Declutter<\/h3><div class=\"faq-answer\">\n<p>Start with a thorough decluttering.<\/p>\n<p>There are two goals for decluttering:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Help buyers imagine themselves at home. That means removing personal items like your own knickknacks, family photographs, and anything else that would remind them they're in someone else's house.<\/li>\n<li>Show off the home's storage potential. Get the attic, basement, closets, and cabinets as empty as possible. And don't forget the garage \u2014 according to <em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kiplinger.com\/slideshow\/real-estate\/T010-S001-home-features-that-buyers-want\/index.html\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Kiplinger<\/a><\/em>, 85% of homebuyers have a garage storage space on their wishlist.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"faq-wrapper\"><h3 class=\"faq-question\">Clean<\/h3><div class=\"faq-answer\">\n<p>Once you've decluttered, you must give the house a thorough cleaning. A little elbow grease can go a long way, and a spotless house can make up for the lack of brand-new appliances and fixtures. Shampoo the carpets, scrub the kitchen, and replace the grody bathtub caulk. It's also essential to make sure the windows are sparkling clean, so they let in lots of natural light.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"faq-wrapper\"><h3 class=\"faq-question\">Repair<\/h3><div class=\"faq-answer\">\n<p>Get started on that honey-do list as soon as possible. Cracked tile, peeling paint, a broken garbage disposal \u2014 these are all things that can diminish the appeal and value of your house. You want buyers to feel like your home is move-in ready.<\/p>\n<p>Also, keep in mind that a home inspection will reveal any flaws in the house. Take care of them now, before they hinder the sale.<\/p>\n<p>But before you roll up your sleeves, it\u2019s a good idea to find a few licensed contractors and get bids on the repairs. Then you can decide which repairs are most cost-effective to handle yourself.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"faq-wrapper\"><h3 class=\"faq-question\">Stage<\/h3><div class=\"faq-answer\">\n<p>You want buyers to see the potential of every room. Make your home feel spacious and comfortable, but try to subdue your specific decorating taste. The best way to do this is by hiring a professional home stager.<\/p>\n<p>A stager will design a look for your interiors and lend you the furniture and decorations to achieve it. However, they don't come cheap. According to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.homeadvisor.com\/cost\/home-design-and-decor\/hire-a-decorator-for-staging-a-home\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">HomeAdvisor<\/a>, the national average cost of staging in 2022 \u2014 including the design consultation and furniture rental \u2014 is $1,600.<\/p>\n<p>Instead of hiring a professional stager, you can try <a href=\"https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/real-estate-blog\/how-to-stage-a-house-to-sell\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">staging your house yourself<\/a>. Go online to find interior decorating ideas that are neutral and suit your home. A fresh coat of paint can go a long way here, too.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"faq-wrapper\"><h3 class=\"faq-question\">Landscape<\/h3><div class=\"faq-answer\">\n<p>Boost your home's curb appeal. Clean up the yard and consider planting some flowers. You want to impress buyers from the moment they pull up to your home.<\/p>\n<p>The trees in your yard need some love, too. Research by the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vibrantcitieslab.com\/research\/economic-development-property-values-impact\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Vibrant Cities Lab<\/a> found that well-maintained front-yard landscaping involving trees boosted a home's sale price by 3-5%, on average.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<h3 id=\"choose-listing-price\">2. Choose a listing price<\/h3>\n<p>Everyone wants to sell their home for the most money possible. However, when you sell a house for sale by owner, you run the risk of either over- or underpricing.<\/p>\n<p>A house that is priced too high will sit on the market for a long time. You'll lose money in carrying costs such as utility bills and property taxes while waiting for it to sell. Even worse, when buyers see a home sitting on the market too long, they assume something\u2019s wrong with it. You may have a hard time regaining foot traffic even if you cut the price.<\/p>\n<p>On the flip side, FSBOs can also be prone to underpricing. Recent studies show that homes sold by owner can sell for <a href=\"https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/real-estate-blog\/fsbo-statistics\/#success\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">up to 26% less<\/a> than those listed with licensed real estate agents \u2014 meaning that these sellers came out at a loss even after saving on agent fees. This price difference isn\u2019t because FSBO homes are inherently worth less. It\u2019s because many sellers just don\u2019t price their homes high enough.<\/p>\n<p>Licensed real estate agents have the training and experience to market your home at the right price to the right buyers.<\/p>\n<p>If you want to sell your home by owner, you need to know how to price it correctly and fairly. That means finding a listing price that is neither too high nor too low for your market.<\/p>\n<p>When sellers hire a real estate agent to sell your home, they\u2019ll complete what\u2019s known as a <a href=\"https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/real-estate-blog\/comparative-market-analysis-real-estate\/\">comparative market analysis<\/a>, or CMA. This analysis examines comparable sales \u2014 sales of houses similar to yours and in the same neighborhood.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re selling your home FSBO, you will probably be able to find an agent who will run a CMA for you without listing your house. In fact, it\u2019s a good idea to request CMAs from a couple of different agents and see where they differ. Agents will be happy to offer a CMA in the hopes of winning your business if you ultimately don\u2019t sell FSBO.<\/p>\n<p>Another simple way you can get an idea of a fair price yourself is by looking at comparable listings in your neighborhood. A good rule of thumb is to look on websites like Zillow for active listings priced within $50,000 of what you think your house is worth. Then compare how your home\u2019s features stack up.<\/p>\n<p>Consider:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Does your house have the same number of bedrooms and bathrooms?<\/li>\n<li>Do you have less or more square footage?<\/li>\n<li>Has your house had any major updates or renovations in recent years?<\/li>\n<li>Is your home in a better or worse school district?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Honestly answering these questions will give you an idea of what you should charge.<\/p>\n<p>Still, trouble with pricing is one of the biggest reasons why people switch from FSBO to an agent, according to Clever CEO Ben Mizes. \"FSBO sellers often overprice their home and need an agent to help price it correctly.\"<\/p>\n<p><strong>>> MORE:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/real-estate-blog\/7-secrets-to-get-the-highest-selling-price-for-your-home\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">7 Secrets to Get the Highest Selling Price for Your Home<\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"faq-wrapper\"><h3 class=\"faq-question\">CMA vs. Appraisal: What's the Difference?<\/h3><div class=\"faq-answer\">\n<p>CMAs and appraisals are both professional estimates of a home\u2019s value, but they fulfill very different functions in the home selling process.<\/p>\n<p>A licensed real estate agent performs a CMA to recommend the best price at which a homeowner should list their property. To prepare a CMA, the agent takes into account both active and closed sales (and sometimes even pending and expired listings, too) for a holistic picture of the local market.<\/p>\n<p>Usually, realtors perform CMAs free of charge.<\/p>\n<p>On the other hand, an appraisal is typically conducted by a licensed appraiser to help a bank determine how much to lend for a mortgage. It's concerned mostly with the condition of the property and the final prices for sold homes in the area.<\/p>\n<p>Banks won\u2019t lend a mortgage for more than the appraised amount. This can cause your sale to fall through unless you adjust your price accordingly or the buyer agrees to cover the difference out of pocket.<\/p>\n<p>Licensed and\/or certified appraisers carry out appraisals, and they\u2019re not free. <a href=\"https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/real-estate-blog\/a-complete-guide-to-home-appraisal-costs\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Expect to pay $200-$500<\/a> for this service.<\/p>\n<p>If you're selling FSBO, you can hire an appraiser, but keep in mind that it won't give you as complete a pricing picture as a CMA. It might also lead you to underprice your home.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<h3 id=\"market-your-home\">3. Market your home<\/h3>\n<p>Once you have your house ready to sell, you need to attract buyers.<\/p>\n<p>Remember, you\u2019re competing with professional real estate agents who have lots of experience and marketing resources. Don\u2019t expect a yard sign and a Craigslist ad to cut it!<\/p>\n<p>In fact, our <a href=\"https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/real-estate-blog\/fsbo-statistics\/#find-homes-online\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">own Data Center survey<\/a> found that the number one way buyers found homes was online through sites like Zillow and Realtor.com.<\/p>\n<p>To successfully reach prospective buyers, you'll need to work hard and spend some money to market your home on the internet. Here are some ideas to consider.<\/p>\n<div class=\"faq-wrapper\"><h3 class=\"faq-question\">Use a professional photographer<\/h3><div class=\"faq-answer\">\n<p>Attractive photos are key to selling your house. Most buyers begin their home search online. Our own Data Center research shows that photos are one of the top five most important factors when searching for a home.<\/p>\n<p>Your safest bet is to hire a professional photographer (typically $150-$500) to take photos of your house and yard. Look specifically for someone with experience taking photos for real estate \u2014 they\u2019ll know how to do proper lighting and avoid beginner mistakes like leaving a cabinet open in the background.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"faq-wrapper\"><h3 class=\"faq-question\">Write an effective listing description<\/h3><div class=\"faq-answer\">\n<p>After photographs, homebuyers rely on listing descriptions when shopping around. To write a compelling listing description, focus on information that the buyer could get only from the owner or a neighborhood local. Does your home have beautiful views? Are the neighbors friendly, and is the street safe for kids? Do you live in an area with great schools or great restaurants?<\/p>\n<p>Write with a buyer in mind \u2014 try to picture the buyers who would be interested in your home, and highlight features you think they will find exciting.<\/p>\n<p>Last, you need to decide whether or not to offer a buyer\u2019s agent commission. If you include a commission offering in your listing description, you\u2019ll likely see more foot traffic from interested buyers \u2014 but of course, that foot traffic may come at a price!<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"faq-wrapper\"><h3 class=\"faq-question\">List your home for sale<\/h3><div class=\"faq-answer\">\n<p>One of the most effective marketing strategies for selling a home is by listing it online. You can use a site such as Zillow or Trulia, both of which allow FSBO sellers to post listings free of charge. You can also advertise for free on some <a href=\"https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/real-estate-blog\/best-for-sale-by-owner-websites\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">FSBO listing websites<\/a>, although you will need to pay for MLS access, which will help your listing reach a lot more buyers.<\/p>\n<p>Before listing your home on any of these sites, make sure that you carefully read their rules. Each site has different regulations as to how many photos you can upload and how long a listing will remain live, for example.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<h4>Should you use a flat-fee MLS?<\/h4>\n<p>If you want agents to bring buyers in, you should strongly consider listing on the local MLS (multiple listing service). Real estate websites like Zillow and Realtor.com pull listings from the MLS, so it's the best way to get your listing in front of buyers.<\/p>\n<p>Technically, only licensed real estate agents can post on the MLS. You can get around this by paying a flat fee MLS company to post your house on the MLS on your behalf. They typically cost between $99 and $500. Plans are typically barebones and you\u2019ll usually need to write the listing description, price your property, and arrange for photography on your own.<\/p>\n<p><strong>>> MORE:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/flat-fee-mls-listing\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Find the Best Flat-Fee MLS Companies<\/a><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"field-offers-screen-calls\">4. Field offers from buyers and screen calls from agents<\/h3>\n<p>Many FSBO sellers will tell you that the worst part of the sale process is handling the massive amount of phone calls they inevitably receive. As soon as you list your home, your phone will start ringing \u2014 and not just from prospective buyers.<\/p>\n<p>Along with calls from realtors representing folks looking to buy property, you\u2019ll also get calls (potentially hundreds, in a larger market) from real estate agents trying to persuade you to hire them to list and sell your house.<\/p>\n<p>Filtering out these agents \u2014 and the tire-kickers who aren\u2019t serious about buying your home \u2014 can become a job in itself.<\/p>\n<p>Politely turn down prospecting agents (unless you decide going with a licensed realtor is a better idea for you), and make sure you qualify the buyers who call.<\/p>\n<p>Ask prospective buyers questions to determine:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Are they serious about buying your property?<\/li>\n<li>Have they been pre-approved for financing if they\u2019re planning to use a mortgage?<\/li>\n<li>Will the buyers be able to close the deal themselves? Or are they wholesalers who will transfer the sale contract to someone else for more money?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 id=\"negotiate-best-price\">5. Negotiate with buyers for the best price<\/h3>\n<p>Once you've found a serious buyer, now comes the fun part: negotiation. Because the vast majority of buyers use agents, you'll likely be negotiating with the agent.<\/p>\n<p>Remember that price isn\u2019t everything. When negotiating an offer, you\u2019ll also need to consider contingencies \u2014 conditions under which the buyer can renegotiate the sale or back out altogether. These conditions might include the buyer failing to qualify for a mortgage, the results of an appraisal or home inspection, or whether the buyer is able to sell their current home in time.<\/p>\n<p>As a seller, you can also request earnest money, also known as \"good faith money\" \u2014 a deposit the buyer pays upfront (usually to a third party, such as their title company) to show they\u2019re serious about the deal. If the buyer backs out of the sale under a condition <em>not<\/em> covered by a contingency, you\u2019re entitled to keep their earnest money.<\/p>\n<p>The closing date is also another matter up for negotiation. This is the date at which you\u2019ll legally transfer your property to the buyer. All parties must agree to the intended closing date, although it can change due to holdups with the buyer\u2019s mortgage lender, etc.<\/p>\n<p>When deciding on the terms of the sale, a good rule of thumb is to avoid more than three rounds of negotiations \u2014 you don\u2019t want your buyer to get burnt out.<\/p>\n<p>Another useful strategy: any time you concede to something the buyer wants, ask for something in exchange, even if it\u2019s something small. Your buyer will quickly learn not to make small asks!<\/p>\n<p>Above all, it's essential to keep your emotions out of it. This is where FSBO becomes particularly tricky; after all, it's your home, and you have strong feelings about its value! Realtors know the best strategies for making counteroffers and how to handle concession requests. Also, keep in mind that, if you hire a realtor, they want to get the highest possible price, too, since they're working on commission.<\/p>\n<p><strong>>> MORE:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/real-estate-blog\/8-real-estate-negotiation-tips-for-home-sellers\/\">8 real estate negotiation tips for home sellers<\/a><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"paperwork-fsbo\">What paperwork do you need to sell a house by owner?<\/h2>\n<p>A house sale requires a ton of paperwork. When you're selling your home FSBO, you're in charge of it all!<\/p>\n<p>The specific paperwork you need to fill out varies by state. You can find the paperwork requirements for your state in <a href=\"#state\">our state guides to selling FSBO<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>At the very least, you'll need a written purchase and sale agreement. This document contains every detail of the deal. You'll need to list not only the purchase price and the buyer's financing details but also exactly what fixtures and appliances you\u2019re including in the sale.<\/p>\n<p>You'll also have to fill out and sign a disclosure statement that contains all of the known flaws of the property.<\/p>\n<p>If you're not using a realtor, we strongly recommend consulting a real estate attorney to help you make sure your paperwork is error-free. Inaccuracies can result in potential legal and financial repercussions.<\/p>\n<p>However, keep in mind that attorney fees can add up to $500-$1,500. For potentially just $3,000, you can use a <a href=\"https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/discount-real-estate-agents\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">discount real estate agent<\/a> who will handle not only all of the complicated paperwork but also all the marketing and negotiations on your behalf as well.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"consider-alternatives-to-fsbo\">Consider alternatives to FSBO<\/h2>\n<p>As you can probably tell, selling your home FSBO is no easy task. In fact, it's probably more expensive than you think when you consider all of the marketing costs, attorney fees, and agent commissions you'll have to pay anyway. That's not to mention all of the hours you'll have to put in preparing your house for the market and negotiating a sale.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re having second thoughts, check out these alternatives to FSBO.<\/p>\n<h3>Discount real estate broker<\/h3>\n<p>If the main reason you're considering FSBO is to save money, but you\u2019re worried about the risks and work involved, then a discount broker is a better option. Discount realtors offer a reduced listing fee while still providing you with a full-service real estate agent. You can compare some of the top discount real estate agents in the table below.<\/p>\n<div class=\"clever-table border-top border-bot col-1-left col-2-left col-3-left\" collapse=\"10\"><\/p>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th><strong>Brand<\/strong><\/th>\n<th><strong>Listing fee<\/strong><\/th>\n<th><strong>Location<\/strong><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 35.8974%;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/real-estate-blog\/clever-real-estate-reviews\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Clever<\/a><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 34.4681%;\">1.5% (min. $3,000)<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 29.3617%;\">Nationwide<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/reviews\/redfin\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Redfin<\/a><\/td>\n<td>1.5% (min. fees vary)<\/td>\n<td>Nationwide (select markets)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/reviews\/ideal-agent\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Ideal Agent<\/a><\/td>\n<td>2% or $3,000<\/td>\n<td>Nationwide<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/real-estate-blog\/houwzer\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Houwzer<\/a><\/td>\n<td>1% (min. $2,500)<\/td>\n<td>FL, MD, NJ, PA, VA, DC<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><div class=\"read-more-btn-wrapper\"><span class=\"read-more-btn\">Show more<\/span><\/div>\n<p><\/div><style>.col-1-left td:nth-child(1), .col-1-left th:nth-child(1){text-align:left;} .col-2-left td:nth-child(2), .col-2-left th:nth-child(2){text-align:left;} .col-3-left td:nth-child(3), .col-3-left th:nth-child(3){text-align:left;} <\/style>\n<p>When comparing different discount realtors, it\u2019s important to research their service quality. Some companies offer a team-based approach, which means that you\u2019ll be dealing with multiple people from the company instead of just your agent.<\/p>\n<p>Others, such as Clever, offer a more traditional realtor experience. You\u2019ll get a dedicated full-service realtor, except you\u2019ll pay a lot less.<\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00bb MORE: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/discount-real-estate-brokers\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Our ranking of the best discount brokers<\/a><\/p>\n<h3>iBuyers<\/h3>\n<p>If you\u2019re looking to sell fast, an iBuyer may be a good option. iBuyers are large companies that buy houses for cash. They offer speed and convenience, but they do come with some significant drawbacks.<\/p>\n<div class=\"clever-table border-top border-bot col-1-left col-2-left col-3-left\" collapse=\"10\"><\/p>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"width: 34.3621%;\"><strong>Brand<\/strong><\/th>\n<th style=\"width: 33.8708%;\">Average rating<\/th>\n<th style=\"width: 31.4518%;\"><strong>Locations<\/strong><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 34.2742%;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/reviews\/offerpad\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Offerpad<\/a><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 33.8708%;\">4<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 31.4518%;\">AL, AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, IN, KS, MO, NV, NC, OH, SC, TN, TX<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 34.3621%;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/real-estate-blog\/opendoor-review\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Opendoor<\/a><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 33.8708%;\">4.2<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 31.4518%;\">AL, AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, ID, IN, MN, MO, NV, NJ, NY, NC, OH, OK, OR, SC, TN, TX, UT, VA, DC<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 34.3621%;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/redfinnow-review\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">RedfinNow<\/a><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 33.8708%;\">2.5<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 31.4518%;\">AZ, CA, CO, GA, IL, MD, MA, MN, NV, NC, OR, TN, TX, VA, WA<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><div class=\"read-more-btn-wrapper\"><span class=\"read-more-btn\">Show more<\/span><\/div>\n<p><\/div><style>.col-1-left td:nth-child(1), .col-1-left th:nth-child(1){text-align:left;} .col-2-left td:nth-child(2), .col-2-left th:nth-child(2){text-align:left;} .col-3-left td:nth-child(3), .col-3-left th:nth-child(3){text-align:left;} <\/style>\n<p>If you\u2019re looking to save money, iBuyers are a bad choice. They tend offer less than what you can get on the open market. On top of that, they charge high fees \u2014 often well above what a traditional real estate agent would charge.<\/p>\n<p>They are also not yet available nationwide. Even in states where iBuyers do operate, they tend to focus on major metropolitan areas. Plus, they have stringent criteria for what kind of homes qualify.<\/p>\n<p>While those are significant drawbacks, if speed and convenience are your top priorities then an iBuyer may be worth considering.<\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00bb MORE: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/ibuyer-companies\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">The best iBuyer companies ranked<\/a><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"final-thoughts\">Should I sell my house FSBO<\/h2>\n<p>Selling a home by owner requires a lot of time, skill, and patience. It also requires a great deal of attention to detail because a small mistake could end up costing you big time. And don\u2019t be surprised if, at the end of the day, your house still sells for significantly less than what you were expecting.<\/p>\n<p>Unless you have a buyer lined up already or you live in an area where demand for homes is very high \u2014 <strong>and<\/strong> you have experience selling homes already! \u2014 we suggest staying clear of the FSBO route. The risks are just too high compared to the benefits.<\/p>\n<p>Instead, try an alternative option like a discount realtor instead. Clever, for example, can match you with a top local real estate agent who charges a listing fee of just 1.5% ($3,000 minimum). You\u2019ll still save thousands of dollars on your sale, but you\u2019ll get the reassurance that comes with having your own realtor looking out for you.<\/p>\n<div class=\"brxe-block quick-tip\">  <span class=\"quick-tip-title\">Thinking of selling FSBO? It pays to compare your options.<\/span>  <div class=\"quick-tip-content\"><p>Clever can connect you with top local listing agents who work for pre-negotiated 1.5% listing fees (half the typical rate!).<\/p><p>You can interview your agent matches, get professional home valuations, and compare marketing plans \u2014 all with no strings attached.<\/p><p>Ready to learn more? Submit the form below for a free phone consultation with one of our Licensed Concierges.<\/p><\/div><form name=\"Find A Top Rated Agent Near You!\" class=\"zipFormSmall zipForm\" onsubmit=\"startFunnel(event, zipClientNumber)\">\n    <div class=\"zipInputContainerSmall\">\n        <div class=\"zipInputWrapSmall\">\n            <div role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-label=\"Enter your zip code\" class=\"zipInputFieldSmall\">\n                <input inputmode=\"numeric\" class=\"zipInput\" id=\"zipCode-5z2ed31cj\" maxlength=\"5\" aria-label=\"Enter your zip code\" alt=\"Enter your zip code\" placeholder=\"Enter your zip code\" type=\"text\" value=\"\">\n                <svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\"  viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path class=\"zipInputIcon\" d=\"M18.364 17.3639L12 23.7279L5.636 17.3639C4.37734 16.1052 3.52019 14.5016 3.17293 12.7558C2.82567 11.0099 3.00391 9.20035 3.6851 7.55582C4.36629 5.91129 5.51984 4.50569 6.99988 3.51677C8.47992 2.52784 10.22 2 12 2C13.78 2 15.5201 2.52784 17.0001 3.51677C18.4802 4.50569 19.6337 5.91129 20.3149 7.55582C20.9961 9.20035 21.1743 11.0099 20.8271 12.7558C20.4798 14.5016 19.6227 16.1052 18.364 17.3639ZM12 12.9999C12.5304 12.9999 13.0391 12.7892 13.4142 12.4141C13.7893 12.0391 14 11.5304 14 10.9999C14 10.4695 13.7893 9.96078 13.4142 9.58571C13.0391 9.21064 12.5304 8.99992 12 8.99992C11.4696 8.99992 10.9609 9.21064 10.5858 9.58571C10.2107 9.96078 10 10.4695 10 10.9999C10 11.5304 10.2107 12.0391 10.5858 12.4141C10.9609 12.7892 11.4696 12.9999 12 12.9999Z\" fill=\"#A7C0DB\"><\/path><\/svg>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div><div><button type=\"submit\" class=\"zipInputButton\" msftrigger=\"quick_tip\" msftriggerid=\"quick-tip-thinking-of-selling-fsbo-it-pays-to-compare-your-options\">Get Started!<\/button><\/div><\/div>\n<\/form>  <div class=\"quick-tip-icon\"><svg width=\"56\" height=\"57\" viewBox=\"0 0 56 57\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M0 0.197693H48C52.4183 0.197693 56 3.77942 56 8.19769V56.1977L0 0.197693Z\" fill=\"#FACD61\"><\/path><path d=\"M40 14.1977H47L38 27.1977V18.1977H31L40 5.19769V14.1977Z\" fill=\"white\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div><\/div>\n<h2 id=\"fsbo-faqs\">Frequently Asked FSBO Questions<\/h2>\n<div class=\"faq-wrapper\"><h3 class=\"faq-question\">Is for sale by owner worth it?<\/h3><div class=\"faq-answer\">\n<p>FSBO can be time-consuming and challenging. While you will save on the listing fee, FSBO homes tend to sell for less than agented homes \u2014 a fact that could negate your initial savings. A good alternative is to use a discount broker, so you\u2019ll still save money, but you\u2019ll have the reassurance that comes with having your own agent. <a href=\"https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/discount-real-estate-brokers\/\">Learn more about the top discount brokers<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"faq-wrapper\"><h3 class=\"faq-question\">What paperwork do you need to sell a house?<\/h3><div class=\"faq-answer\">\n<p>Every state has different paperwork requirements for home sellers. At the very least, you'll need to complete a written purchase and sale agreement. <a href=\"https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/real-estate-blog\/how-to-sell-a-house-by-owner\/#state\">Learn more about your state\u2019s FSBO paperwork requirements<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"faq-wrapper\"><h3 class=\"faq-question\">How much does it cost to sell your house for sale by owner?<\/h3><div class=\"faq-answer\">\n<p>Although you'll save on a listing agent's commission when you sell FSBO, you still need to pay other costs, such as the buyer's agent's commission, attorney and escrow fees, and taxes. Typically, these costs will come out of the sale price.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<h2>Related links<\/h2>\n    <div class=\"related-posts\">\n                    <a class=\"related-post\" href=\"https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/real-estate-blog\/which-real-estate-company-has-the-lowest-commission\/\">\n                                    <div class=\"related-image\">\n                        <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"448\" src=\"https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/759fa1f0-22d0-11eb-ba14-552468e9115a-real-estate-agent-broker-realtor-shutterstock-768x448.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium_large size-medium_large wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/759fa1f0-22d0-11eb-ba14-552468e9115a-real-estate-agent-broker-realtor-shutterstock-768x448.jpg 768w, https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/759fa1f0-22d0-11eb-ba14-552468e9115a-real-estate-agent-broker-realtor-shutterstock-360x210.jpg 360w, https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/759fa1f0-22d0-11eb-ba14-552468e9115a-real-estate-agent-broker-realtor-shutterstock.jpg 810w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/>                    <\/div>\n                                <div class=\"related-info\">\n                    <h4 class=\"related-title\">\n                        The Best Low Commission Realtors (2023 Broker Rankings)                    <\/h4>\n                    <div class=\"related-excerpt\">\n                        Find the best low commission real estate agents and brokers, so you can sell with a full-service realtor and save thousands on commission fees!                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/a>\n                    <a class=\"related-post\" href=\"https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/how-to-find-a-real-estate-agent\/\">\n                                    <div class=\"related-image\">\n                        <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"552\" src=\"https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/645a85b0-efe7-11eb-abe0-dbcb5d133915-realtor-showing-house-768x552.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium_large size-medium_large wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/645a85b0-efe7-11eb-abe0-dbcb5d133915-realtor-showing-house-768x552.jpg 768w, https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/645a85b0-efe7-11eb-abe0-dbcb5d133915-realtor-showing-house-360x259.jpg 360w, https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/645a85b0-efe7-11eb-abe0-dbcb5d133915-realtor-showing-house.jpg 810w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/>                    <\/div>\n                                <div class=\"related-info\">\n                    <h4 class=\"related-title\">\n                        How to Find a Real Estate Agent That's Right for You                    <\/h4>\n                    <div class=\"related-excerpt\">\n                        This guide on how to find the best real estate agent is packed with useful tips and information, based on hundreds of hours of research and expert interviews.                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/a>\n                    <a class=\"related-post\" href=\"https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/real-estate-blog\/2-percent-real-estate-commission-explained\/\">\n                                    <div class=\"related-image\">\n                        <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"432\" src=\"https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/8cd52420-624b-11eb-99a3-376f095ca0cf-1-percent-commission-3-768x432.png\" class=\"attachment-medium_large size-medium_large wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/8cd52420-624b-11eb-99a3-376f095ca0cf-1-percent-commission-3-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/8cd52420-624b-11eb-99a3-376f095ca0cf-1-percent-commission-3-360x203.png 360w, https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/8cd52420-624b-11eb-99a3-376f095ca0cf-1-percent-commission-3.png 810w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/>                    <\/div>\n                                <div class=\"related-info\">\n                    <h4 class=\"related-title\">\n                        The Best 2% Commission Realtors of 2024                    <\/h4>\n                    <div class=\"related-excerpt\">\n                        Listing with a 2% commission realtor can save you thousands, but what's the catch? Read on to learn where to find a 2% listing fee and what you'll get in return.                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/a>\n                    <a class=\"related-post\" href=\"https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/real-estate-blog\/how-to-negotiate-realtor-commission\/\">\n                                    <div class=\"related-image\">\n                        <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"638\" src=\"https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/c27b6b30-9bbb-11eb-964d-7591857ad470-Negotiate-realtor-commission-768x638.png\" class=\"attachment-medium_large size-medium_large wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/c27b6b30-9bbb-11eb-964d-7591857ad470-Negotiate-realtor-commission-768x638.png 768w, https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/c27b6b30-9bbb-11eb-964d-7591857ad470-Negotiate-realtor-commission-360x300.png 360w, https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/c27b6b30-9bbb-11eb-964d-7591857ad470-Negotiate-realtor-commission.png 810w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/>                    <\/div>\n                                <div class=\"related-info\">\n                    <h4 class=\"related-title\">\n                        Negotiating Realtor Fees: 11 Expert Tips to Reduce Commission                    <\/h4>\n                    <div class=\"related-excerpt\">\n                        Like most things in real estate, your listing agent's commission is negotiable. This is our expert guide to negotiating realtor fees.                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/a>\n                    <a class=\"related-post\" href=\"https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/average-real-estate-commission-rate\/\">\n                                    <div class=\"related-image\">\n                        <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/36cf0140-c4b6-11eb-9242-8105a76f57b3-city-average-commission-1-768x384.png\" class=\"attachment-medium_large size-medium_large wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/36cf0140-c4b6-11eb-9242-8105a76f57b3-city-average-commission-1-768x384.png 768w, https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/36cf0140-c4b6-11eb-9242-8105a76f57b3-city-average-commission-1-360x180.png 360w, https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/36cf0140-c4b6-11eb-9242-8105a76f57b3-city-average-commission-1.png 810w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/>                    <\/div>\n                                <div class=\"related-info\">\n                    <h4 class=\"related-title\">\n                        Current Average Realtor Commission Rates                    <\/h4>\n                    <div class=\"related-excerpt\">\n                        Looking for average real estate commission rates by state? We surveyed U.S. realtors and crunched the numbers to find accurate data for all 50 states.                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/a>\n            <\/div>\n    \n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Everything you need to know to sell your house by owner, including marketing, pricing, and state specific paperwork.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10,"featured_media":3229,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[142],"tags":[143],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14520"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/10"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=14520"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14520\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3229"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=14520"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=14520"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=14520"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}