In Wisconsin, the average realtor commission rate is 4.83% to 6.51%. If you sell a house worth $286,800 — the median home value in Wisconsin — that’s over $10,200, which is a huge chunk of your potential profits.

Selling without a real estate agent, known as listing For Sale By Owner (FSBO), is a viable option for experienced home sellers who are willing to put in the time and effort.

However, selling FSBO has risks. Research shows that FSBO homes typically sell for about 6% less than those listed with agents AND you'll still usually be on the hook for offering a competitive buyer's agent commission. FSBO homes also often take longer to sell and are more likely to fall out of contract after accepting an offer.

If saving money on realtor commission is what you’re after, it’s worth looking into real estate agents who’ll work at a lower-than-typical commission. Semya-Moya matches sellers in Wisconsin with experienced, local agents who offer traditional service for just 1.5%. You can save money and the headache of doing it all on your own.

In addition to looking into FSBO, reach out to Clever to connect with multiple agents in your area. You can interview agents and get a free home valuation so you’ll know you’ve explored all of your options.

Connect with top, local agents in Wisconsin!

What FSBO sellers in Wisconsin need to know

Real estate laws, processes, and trends vary greatly across the country. Understanding the details of your market and getting accurate information can make a FSBO sale complicated.

We'll go into more details about what you need to do in Wisconsin, but here's an overview of the state's laws and regulations.

Wisconsin FSBO overview

Additionally, you'll need to know and understand all of your responsibilities as a FSBO seller, which include:

• Preparing your home by making necessary repairs, cleaning, and staging your home.
• Accurately and competitively pricing your home.
• Marketing your home by writing a listing description, taking high-quality photos, posting the listing on different sites (free and/or paid), and promoting your home on social media, in print ads, and via word of mouth.
• Vetting buyers to ensure they're qualified, from a financial perspective. Accepting an offer from an unqualified buyer will cause your sale to fall through.
• Negotiating the final price, contingencies, repair concessions, and other aspects of the purchase and sale agreement.
• Properly filling out all necessary paperwork for a real estate transaction in Wisconsin.

How to price your home

Pricing strategy is often make-or-break for FSBO sellers. List your home for too little and you leave money on the table. Price it too high and the listing goes stale, forcing a price drop that could make buyers wary of the home.

To get an accurate idea of your home's fair market value, look at comparable listings in your area.

For example, if you live in Milwaukee and think your house is worth about $325,000, search Zillow for active listings that are about $50,000 more and less than that. Analyze details about the houses and how they compare to yours. Ask yourself:

• Is the school district better or worse?
• Does it have the same number of bedrooms and bathrooms?
• Has the house been renovated more recently than yours?
• How do the neighborhoods and nearby amenities compare?

Answering these questions honestly will help you see if your price is in the right ballpark.

From there, be realistic about what pricing strategy will lead to higher offers. Here are some key pricing metrics that will help you decide the best listing price for your home and market:

State of the Wisconsin real estate market

How to list your Wisconsin home for sale by owner

Once you've decided on a price, it's time to write a listing description that speaks to local buyers. Understanding their priorities will help you identify what features of your property to highlight in your listing and attract more interest.

Top buyer priorities in Wisconsin

When it comes to advertising and posting your listing, you have several options as a FSBO seller. Each choice has its own pros and cons as well as costs:

• For Sale By Owner yard sign: You can buy a FSBO sign from most hardware stores or online for $20-$50. Be sure to choose one that allows you to add your phone numbers so interested buyers can contact you for property information and showings.
• Craigslist: Posting your home on Craigslist is free and simple. Just go to the Wisconsin page, find your city, and create a "real estate — by owner" listing.
• FSBO websites: There are multiple FSBO listing websites that allow you to post your home for free or a few hundred dollars. Some are nationwide, while others (Like FSBO Madison) mainly include Wisconsin FSBO listings. But each differs in how many photos you can include, how long the listing is live, and the changes you can make — do your research before choosing a for sale by owner site.
• Flat-Fee MLS companies: Flat-fee MLS services will list your house on your local Multiple Listing Service (MLS) for significantly less than a realtor. However, they provide few additional services unless you opt for their most expensive packages, which often cost more than using a discount brokerage.

If you choose to use a flat-fee MLS company, you'll have to offer a buyer's agent commission. The MLS is how real estate agents find homes for their clients, and typically a buyer's agent commission is included to incentivize these realtors to show the house to their clients.

How realtor commissions work in Wisconsin

Traditionally, both the buyer's agent and the listing agent are paid a commission by the homeowner. When sellers work with a realtor, they negotiate a commission as part of the listing agreement.

Based on the average commission rates in Wisconsin, this typically ranges from 2.70% to 3.54% of the sale price.

In a typical sale, the seller also agrees to a commission rate for the realtor who brings the buyer to the table, which runs between 2.13% to 2.97%.

As a FSBO seller, you automatically avoid paying a listing commission. However, there is a solid argument for offering a buyer's agent commission.

A buyer’s agent's commission is an incentive for realtors to show your house to their clients. If you don't offer a commission that is competitive compared to similar homes in your area, then your home could be shown less. Agents may prioritize taking buyers to homes with a commission.

The best way to avoid paying any commission fees is to sell to an unrepresented buyer. However, know that nearly 87% of buyers work with a realtor. If you decide not to offer a buyer's agent commission, you may severely restrict your pool of buyers.

Further, if you list FSBO, you'll likely receive multiple calls from agents offering to connect you with their buyers...if you pay them a competitive buyer's agent commission (typically 2.55% in Wisconsin).

» LEARN: How real estate commissions work

How commission costs break down in Wisconsin

When you sell your home, there are four common scenarios when it comes to commissions:

• List FSBO and sell to a buyer without an agent: Pay no commission
• List FSBO and sell to a represented buyer: Cover the buyer's agent commission
• List with a traditional agent and sell to a represented buyer: Cover both agents' commissions
• List with a discount agent and sell to a represented buyer: Cover the buyer's agent commission, but save on the listing commission.

The table below shows how this could break down in Wisconsin:

Paperwork to sell a house by owner in Wisconsin

Once you find a buyer for your house, it's time to start the closing process. In a typical real estate transaction, your agent will make sure you fill out all the necessary documents and forms. As a FSBO seller, you'll have to navigate the paperwork by yourself.

This process varies by state — here’s a quick breakdown of Wisconsin’s requirements.

Required for all Wisconsin real estate sales

Possible additional documents

Wisconsin disclosure forms

Many closing documents are legally binding agreements. Any errors can derail your sale and cost you thousands in fees or in costs to re-list your house.

To avoid an expensive mistake, consider working with a low commission realtor instead.

FSBO alternatives to consider

If saving money is your main reason for selling your home by owner, there are alternatives.

Semya-Moya

Clever is a nationwide real estate service that connects sellers with top, local agents. You pay Clever nothing and only pay your full-service agent 1.5% if and when your home sells.

Semya-Moya

Get Started

💲 Listing Fee

1.5% ($3,000 min.)

💰 Buyer Savings

Cash back after closing

⭐ Avg. Customer Rating

5/5 (2,735 reviews)

✍️ Editor's Take

Pros

Cons

Reviews

Locations

Clever is a quick, easy, and free way to find a top-rated local agent. And, unlike many similar companies, Clever pre-negotiates big discounts on your behalf, so you can save thousands without sacrificing on service.

Try Clever for free — save thousands on commission!

• Clever is a free, nationwide agent matching service that partners with full-service local agents from conventional brokerages like Keller Williams, Century 21, and RE/MAX.
• You get multiple agent matches so you can interview several, compare marketing plans, and choose the best fit.
• Clever pre-negotiates low rates on your behalf — you get full service for just a 1.5% listing fee ($3,000 minimum).
• If you buy with Clever, you can get cash back to help pay for your move.

• You may not get matched with an agent from your preferred real estate brokerage.
• Agents may not provide premium services like drone photography and professional home staging.

As of 11/6/2023, Clever has a 5.0 out of 5 rating on Trustpilot, based on 2,589 reviews.

Read reviews from real Clever customers here.

Clever has pre-negotiated low commission rates with top agents in all 50 states and Washington, DC.

Discount real estate services in Wisconsin

While pricing and services vary, discount real estate companies will help you sell your house for less than a traditional realtor. In most cases, you'll still need to offer a competitive buyer's agent commission, but you'll save on listing fees.

Redfin

Full Review

💲 Listing Fee

1.5% (min. fees vary)

💰 Avg. Savings

$5,550

⭐ Avg. Customer Rating

2.9/5 (331 reviews)

✍️ Editor's Take

Pros

Cons

Reviews

Locations

Redfin offers real savings and is a proven brand. But sellers could compromise on service — especially agent experience and availability.

Read the full Redfin review.

• If you buy and sell with Redfin, you'll get a 0.5% listing fee discount.
• Redfin gives its listings premium placement in its popular home search app.

• If finding the right agent is a top priority, you'll have limited options — Redfin only has a few agents in each of its markets.
• Redfin agents handle more customers at once than the average realtor, so they may not be able to provide as much personalized service.

Redfin has a 2.9 out of 5 rating (331 reviews) across popular review sites like Google and Yelp.

Read reviews from real Redfin customers here.

Redfin is available in 80+ U.S. markets (see all locations).

» LEARN: About discount real estate services

Flat-fee MLS services in Wisconsin

As mentioned before, a flat-fee MLS service will post your listing on the local MLS, usually for a low, upfront fee. In Wisconsin, this will typically cost you a couple hundred dollars.

Here are some Wisconsin flat-fee MLS companies to compare:

Madcity Homes

Madcity Homes

Best For

Sellers looking for an all-in-one listing package

Price Range

$500

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• The listing package comes with professional photographs of your property.
• You'll get a list of recent comparable sales and listings in your area to help you price your property.

Cons:

• The website isn't clear about the number of photos you can add to your listing.
• This service is currently only available in Columbia, Dane, Dodge, Gree, Iowa, Jefferson, Rock, and Sauk counties.

Wisconsin Flat Fee Homes

Wisconsin Flat Fee Homes

Best For

Inexperienced sellers looking for extra broker guidance

Price Range

$550

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• The broker will sit down with you to talk through comparable properties and discuss the best price for your listing.
• The package includes marketing materials like a yard sign, lock box, property brochure, and showing scheduling.
• A professional photographer will come take photos of your property that you can use for your listing.

Cons:

• This flat-fee MLS company currently only serves Sheboygan, Fond Du Lac, Manitowoc, Calumet, Outagamie, and Winnebago counties plus the Appleton metro area.

Flat Fee Realty

Flat Fee Realty

Best For

Budget-conscious sellers who need a simple, affordable listing

Price Range

$249

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Your listing comes with all the state seller's disclosures that you'll need.
• You can pay a little more to post up to 25 photos on the MLS instead of the standard six.

Cons:

• Flat Fee Realty doesn't offer any pricing or contract assistance.
• The company won't be your listing broker. Instead, they'll refer you to a New Jersey-based broker who will list your property. If you have problems or questions, you'll end up talking to two companies instead of just one.

» LEARN: About flat-fee MLS services in Wisconsin

5 tips for selling your home without a realtor in Wisconsin

Pulling off a FSBO sale successfully is a difficult feat to accomplish. Here are some helpful tips from Clever CEO and real estate investor Ben Mizes, who has experience listing homes without an agent.

1. Make minor repairs

Small upgrades and repairs can do a lot to sway potential buyers. The key is knowing how and where to spend your money to get higher offers. Simple DIY projects like a fresh coat of paint or new cabinet pulls have a high return on investment, whereas pricier improvements like adding a new bedroom may not.

Overall, the most important factor is knowing where the line is between necessary and over-the-top. You want your house to meet buyers' expectations.

"If your kitchen is a disaster, spending more money on a remodel to get it in solid condition will pay off in the end," said Mizes. "But spending money on high-end features to take it from good to extravagant will be a waste."

Also, consider how valuable specific repairs are to buyers in your area. Focus on upgrades that have a higher cost recuperation in your region.

Home repairs with highest resale value in Wisconsin

Note: A resale value of more than 100% indicates a profitable repair.

2. Price your Wisconsin home competitively

Part of the art of selling real estate is setting a price on the home that isn't too high or too low for the local market.

Homes that are priced too high won't get a second look because agents will look at the comparable homes in your area and realize your asking price is out of range.

Homes that are priced too low may not get the best buyers' attention, because they will assume that the low asking price is concealing a major defect in the house.

You need to research your real estate market and get an accurate idea of what listing price will encourage buyers to come and see your house.

3. Stage and market your home

You may think attracting potential buyers is as easy as putting an FSBO sign in front of your home. However, you must prepare your property for showings, marketing, and listing it. If you want to obtain the best offer, you must prioritize staging your home.

When you stage a property, you'll arrange your home in a way that home buyers can see themselves living in the space. While you may try to do it yourself, hiring a professional stager can take a lot off your plate.

A pro will know which features — such as granite countertops, breakfast bars, or sunrooms — are popular with local buyers. They can then stage the house so that the most valuable aspects of your home shine in photos and during showings.

4. Prepare for showings

Organization is key when showing your home to potential buyers. You'll need a good system for scheduling showings and saving buyers' and agents’ contact information. You'll want to be flexible and try to show your house at buyers’ convenience.

Keep the home clean and decluttered at all times. The last thing you want is to scramble around with a vacuum after a buyer calls for a last-minute showing.

Also, focus on creating a homey atmosphere for buyers. You want to make a great first impression on as many buyers as possible, so add little touches that speak to most people.

"Bake cookies or light scented candles before a showing," advises Mizes. "Smell plays a huge part in how buyers will perceive and remember your house. Use comforting scents to your advantage so they feel at home the moment they walk through the door."

5. Negotiate for the best possible price

Negotiations are about deciding more than the final sale price. You and the buyer (or their agent) will also have to agree upon contract contingencies, how closing costs are divided, the timeline, and more.

To gain the upper hand, get creative with the seller concessions you offer a buyer. While they might cost you a little more at closing, concessions sweeten the deal for buyers and could lead to a higher final sale price.

The most popular concessions vary from market to market. Knowing what works with buyers in your area will help you strengthen your offer.

For example, a Clever survey of local real estate professionals found that in Wisconsin, sellers often cover 2.30% to 3.10% of buyers' closing costs. On a home of median value, that equates to $6,596 to $8,890, but can help you close the deal sooner and for more money.

You should also consider offering these popular seller concessions:

Most common seller concessions in Wisconsin

Additional resources for Wisconsin home sellers

8 Steps to Selling a House in Wisconsin

Selling your house in Wisconsin? Our in-depth guide breaks down the process into 8 easy-to-understand steps, from listing through closing.

Disclosure Requirements for Selling Wisconsin Real Estate

Here is our guide to Wisconsin real estate seller disclosures. They’re requirements you need to be aware of to avoid legal problems when selling your home.

Top 4 We Buy Houses for Cash Companies in Wisconsin

Need to sell your home quickly? Compare top Wisconsin We Buy Houses for Cash Companies and popular alternatives.

The post How to Sell a House By Owner in Wisconsin (2023 Update) appeared first on Semya-Moya.

In North Carolina, the average realtor commission rate is 5.01% to 6.19%. If you sell a house worth $320,700 — the median home value in North Carolina — that’s over $10,100, which is a huge chunk of your potential profits.

Selling without a realtor, known as listing For Sale By Owner (FSBO), is a viable option for experienced home sellers who are willing to put in the time and effort.

However, selling FSBO has risks. Research shows that FSBO homes typically sell for about 6% less than those listed with agents AND you'll still usually be on the hook for offering a competitive buyer's agent commission. FSBO homes also often take longer to sell and are more likely to fall out of contract after accepting an offer.

If saving money on realtor commission is what you’re after, it’s worth looking into real estate agents who’ll work at a lower-than-typical commission. Semya-Moya matches sellers in North Carolina with experienced, local agents who offer traditional service for just 1.5%. You can save money and the headache of doing it all on your own.

In addition to looking into FSBO, reach out to Clever to connect with multiple agents in your area. You can interview agents and get a free home valuation so you’ll know you’ve explored all of your options.

💰 Connect with top, local agents in North Carolina!

What FSBO sellers in North Carolina need to know

Real estate laws, processes, and trends vary greatly across the country. Understanding the details of your market and getting accurate information can make a FSBO sale complicated.

We'll go into more details about what you need to do in North Carolina, but here's an overview of the state's laws and regulations.

North Carolina FSBO overview

Additionally, you'll need to know and understand all of your responsibilities as a FSBO seller, which include:

• Preparing your home by making necessary repairs, cleaning, and staging your home.
• Accurately and competitively pricing your home.
• Marketing your home by writing a listing description, taking high-quality photos, posting the listing on different sites (free and/or paid), and promoting your home on social media, in print ads, and via word of mouth.
• Vetting buyers to ensure they're qualified, from a financial perspective. Accepting an offer from an unqualified buyer will cause your sale to fall through.
• Negotiating the final price, contingencies, repair concessions, and other aspects of the purchase and sale agreement.
• Properly filling out all necessary paperwork for a real estate transaction in North Carolina.

How to price your home

Pricing strategy is often make-or-break for FSBO sellers. List your home for too little and you leave money on the table. Price it too high and the listing goes stale, forcing a price drop that could make buyers wary of the home.

To get an accurate idea of your home's fair market value, look at comparable listings in your area.

For example, if you live in Charlotte and think your house is worth about $370,000, search Zillow for active listings that are about $50,000 more and less than that. Analyze details about the houses and how they compare to yours. Ask yourself:

• Is the school district better or worse?
• Does it have the same number of bedrooms and bathrooms?
• Has the house been renovated more recently than yours?
• How do the neighborhoods and nearby amenities compare?

Answering these questions honestly will help you see if your price is in the right ballpark.

From there, be realistic about what pricing strategy will lead to higher offers. Here are some key pricing metrics that will help you decide the best listing price for your home and market:

State of the North Carolina real estate market

How to list your North Carolina home for sale by owner

Once you've decided on a price, it's time to write a listing description that speaks to local buyers. Understanding their priorities will help you identify what features of your property to highlight in your listing and attract more interest.

Top buyer priorities in North Carolina

When it comes to advertising and posting your listing, you have several options as a FSBO seller. Each choice has its own pros and cons as well as costs:

• For Sale By Owner yard sign: You can buy a FSBO sign from most hardware stores or online for $20-$50. Be sure to choose one that allows you to add your phone numbers so interested buyers can contact you for property information and showings.
• Craigslist: Posting your home on Craigslist is free and simple. Just go to the North Carolina page, find your city, and create a "real estate — by owner" listing.
• FSBO websites: There are multiple FSBO listing websites that allow you to post your home for free or a few hundred dollars. But each differs in how many photos you can include, how long the listing is live, and the changes you can make — do your research before choosing a for sale by owner site.
• Flat-Fee MLS companies: Flat-fee MLS services will list your house on your local Multiple Listing Service (MLS) for significantly less than a realtor. However, they provide few additional services unless you opt for their most expensive packages, which often cost more than using a discount brokerage.

If you choose to use a flat-fee MLS company, you'll have to offer a buyer's agent commission. The MLS is how real estate agents find homes for their clients, and typically a buyer's agent commission is included to incentivize these realtors to show the house to their clients.

How realtor commissions work in North Carolina

Traditionally, both the buyer's agent and the listing agent are paid a commission by the homeowner. When sellers work with a realtor, they negotiate a commission as part of the listing agreement.

Based on the average commission rates in North Carolina, this typically ranges from 2.56% to 3.15% of the sale price.

In a typical sale, the seller also agrees to a commission rate for the realtor who brings the buyer to the table, which runs between 2.45% to 3.04%.

As a FSBO seller, you automatically avoid paying a listing commission. However, there is a solid argument for offering a buyer's agent commission.

A buyer’s agent's commission is an incentive for realtors to show your house to their clients. If you don't offer a commission that is competitive compared to similar homes in your area, then your home could be shown less. Agents may prioritize taking buyers to homes with a commission.

The best way to avoid paying any commission fees is to sell to an unrepresented buyer. However, know that nearly 87% of buyers work with a realtor. If you decide not to offer a buyer's agent commission, you may severely restrict your pool of buyers.

Further, if you list FSBO, you'll likely receive multiple calls from agents offering to connect you with their buyers...if you pay them a competitive buyer's agent commission (typically 2.74% in North Carolina).

» LEARN: How real estate commissions work

How commission costs break down in North Carolina

When you sell your home, there are four common scenarios when it comes to commissions:

• List FSBO and sell to a buyer without an agent: Pay no commission
• List FSBO and sell to a represented buyer: Cover the buyer's agent commission
• List with a traditional agent and sell to a represented buyer: Cover both agents' commissions
• List with a discount agent and sell to a represented buyer: Cover the buyer's agent commission, but save on the listing commission.

The table below shows how this could break down in North Carolina:

Paperwork to sell a house by owner in North Carolina

Once you find a buyer for your house, it's time to start the closing process. In a typical real estate transaction, your agent will make sure you fill out all the necessary documents and forms. As a FSBO seller, you'll have to navigate the paperwork by yourself.

This process varies by state — here’s a quick breakdown of North Carolina’s requirements.

Required for all North Carolina real estate sales

Possible additional documents

North Carolina disclosure forms

Many closing documents are legally binding agreements. Any errors can derail your sale and cost you thousands in fees or in costs to re-list your house.

To avoid an expensive mistake, consider working with a low commission realtor instead.

FSBO alternatives to consider

If saving money is your main reason for selling your home by owner, there are alternatives.

Semya-Moya

Clever is a nationwide real estate service that connects sellers with top, local agents. You pay Clever nothing and only pay your full-service agent 1.5% if and when your home sells.

Semya-Moya

Get Started

💲 Listing Fee

1.5% ($3,000 min.)

💰 Buyer Savings

Cash back after closing

⭐ Avg. Customer Rating

5/5 (2,735 reviews)

✍️ Editor's Take

Pros

Cons

Reviews

Locations

Clever is a quick, easy, and free way to find a top-rated local agent. And, unlike many similar companies, Clever pre-negotiates big discounts on your behalf, so you can save thousands without sacrificing on service.

Try Clever for free — save thousands on commission!

• Clever is a free, nationwide agent matching service that partners with full-service local agents from conventional brokerages like Keller Williams, Century 21, and RE/MAX.
• You get multiple agent matches so you can interview several, compare marketing plans, and choose the best fit.
• Clever pre-negotiates low rates on your behalf — you get full service for just a 1.5% listing fee ($3,000 minimum).
• If you buy with Clever, you can get cash back to help pay for your move.

• You may not get matched with an agent from your preferred real estate brokerage.
• Agents may not provide premium services like drone photography and professional home staging.

As of 11/6/2023, Clever has a 5.0 out of 5 rating on Trustpilot, based on 2,589 reviews.

Read reviews from real Clever customers here.

Clever has pre-negotiated low commission rates with top agents in all 50 states and Washington, DC.

Discount real estate services in North Carolina

While pricing and services vary, discount real estate companies will help you sell your house for less than a traditional realtor. In most cases, you'll still need to offer a competitive buyer's agent commission, but you'll save on listing fees.

Redfin

Full Review

💲 Listing Fee

1.5% (min. fees vary)

💰 Avg. Savings

$5,550

⭐ Avg. Customer Rating

2.9/5 (331 reviews)

✍️ Editor's Take

Pros

Cons

Reviews

Locations

Redfin offers real savings and is a proven brand. But sellers could compromise on service — especially agent experience and availability.

Read the full Redfin review.

• If you buy and sell with Redfin, you'll get a 0.5% listing fee discount.
• Redfin gives its listings premium placement in its popular home search app.

• If finding the right agent is a top priority, you'll have limited options — Redfin only has a few agents in each of its markets.
• Redfin agents handle more customers at once than the average realtor, so they may not be able to provide as much personalized service.

Redfin has a 2.9 out of 5 rating (331 reviews) across popular review sites like Google and Yelp.

Read reviews from real Redfin customers here.

Redfin is available in 80+ U.S. markets (see all locations).

Redefy

Full Review

💲 Listing Fee

$3,500 (1% above $1M)

💰 Avg. Savings

$8,500

⭐ Avg. Customer Rating

4.6/5 (300 reviews)

✍️ Editor's Take

Pros

Cons

Reviews

Locations

Redefy’s flat fee could offer big savings. But hands-off service and non-refundable upfront fees make it a hard sell over other, less risky options.

Read the full Redefy review.

• Flat $3,500 listing fee is an excellent value for higher-priced homes
• Agents provide more in-person services than some similarly-priced low commission brands

• Redefy charges an upfront, non-refundable $500 fee (most companies don't make you pay anything until your house sells)
• Your agent will not host an open house for you

Redefy has a 4.6 out of 5 rating (300 reviews) across popular review sites like Google and Zillow.

Read reviews from real Redefy customers here.

Redefy is available in the following areas: CO, FL, GA, IL, NC, SC, TN, TX, VA.

REX Real Estate

Full Review

💲 Listing Fee

2.5% ($9,000 min.)

💰 Avg. Savings

-$325

⭐ Avg. Customer Rating

4.7/5 (1,041 reviews)

✍️ Editor's Take

Pros

Cons

Reviews

Locations

REX’s promise of huge savings is misleading. Its advertising misrepresents the significant risks of its pricing model and marketing approach. And its high minimum fees mean that many sellers won't save anything.

Read the full REX Real Estate review.

• REX's approach is incredibly risky — but if the gamble pays off, you could save about 50% on realtor fees
• Like other full-service brokerages, REX agents provide in-person services and support

• REX's 2.5% listing fee doesn't save you much — many full-price agents charge similar rates
• REX doesn't list your home on the MLS, so up to 90% of buyers may not even know it's for sale
• This risky marketing strategy seems likely to fail, so you may not save anything on commission

REX has a 4.7 out of 5 rating (1,041 reviews) across popular review sites like Google and Zillow.

Read reviews from real REX customers here.

REX is available in the following areas: AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, MD, NV, NJ, OR, PA, TX, WA, DC.

» LEARN: About discount real estate services

Flat-fee MLS services in North Carolina

As mentioned before, a flat-fee MLS service will post your listing on the local MLS, usually for a low, upfront fee. In North Carolina, this will typically cost you a couple hundred dollars.

Here are some North Carolina flat-fee MLS companies to compare:

Carolina Realty Solutions

Carolina Realty Solutions

Best For

Sellers willing to pay for the convenience of an all-in package

Price Range

$375-475

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Includes access to Showingtime, an app Realtors use to schedule showings. Many flat-fee MLS companies either don't offer or charge extra for this service.
• You can extend your listing for up to two years without paying an extra listing fee.
• You'll get both a yard sign and a key lockbox — even with the cheapest package.

Cons:

• Carolina Realty Solutions doesn't currently offer flat fee MLS services to Alexander, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, and Cleveland counties.

Clickit Realty

Clickit Realty

Best For

Sellers who are still on the fence about FSBO

Price Range

$299-995

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• You'll get all the documents and disclosures you need when selling your property.
• If you decide to hire a full-service real estate agent, Clickit will refer you to a broker and refund your package price at closing.
• Clickit Realty will match a competitor if you find a better price for the same tools and systems.

Cons:

• The basic package includes only three photos while most competitors offer at least six.
• You have to sign up for the Platinum package ($599) before you can post open houses on your MLS listing.

List With Freedom

List With Freedom

Best For

Experienced sellers who know what services they do and don't need

Price Range

$89-295

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• If you know exactly what you need, you can go with a cheaper package and buy the extras on their own.
• There's no cancellation fee for live listings.
• You can pay a little more for showing and open house assistance.

Cons:

• There's only one photo included in the base package.
• List With Freedom offers no built-in pricing support or home valuation.

» LEARN: About flat-fee MLS services in North Carolina

iBuyers

iBuyers will buy qualifying homes for cash, meaning you avoid realtor fees — and the stress of listing on the open market entirely. While these companies make fair-market offers, they will deduct any required repairs after an on-site visit. They also charge a service fee typically ranging between 6-14%.

» LEARN: How to sell to an iBuyer

5 tips for selling your home without a realtor in North Carolina

Pulling off a FSBO sale successfully is a difficult feat to accomplish. Here are some helpful tips from Clever CEO and real estate investor Ben Mizes, who has experience listing homes without an agent.

1. Make minor repairs

Small upgrades and repairs can do a lot to sway potential buyers. The key is knowing how and where to spend your money to get higher offers. Simple DIY projects like a fresh coat of paint or new cabinet pulls have a high return on investment, whereas pricier improvements like adding a new bedroom may not.

Overall, the most important factor is knowing where the line is between necessary and over-the-top. You want your house to meet buyers' expectations.

"If your kitchen is a disaster, spending more money on a remodel to get it in solid condition will pay off in the end," said Mizes. "But spending money on high-end features to take it from good to extravagant will be a waste."

Also, consider how valuable specific repairs are to buyers in your area. Focus on upgrades that have a higher cost recuperation in your region.

Home repairs with highest resale value in North Carolina

Note: A resale value of more than 100% indicates a profitable repair.

2. Price your North Carolina home competitively

The first step in listing a house is reviewing a comparative market analysis. This is where you look at all of the conditions for your local North Carolina market, as trends to come are going to impact pricing and listing information. Start by checking major realty websites, such as Zillow, Trulia and Realtor.com, with a focus on homes that have recently sold in your area. Once you understand the current market, pricing your home competitively will be a much easier task.

The key is remembering that a listing price is a starting point; it's not your end goal. For instance, if you want to be confident you get the best price for your home, listing at slightly below fair market value may be the best move. While you might think that a higher listing price means a higher payout, a lower price will attract multiple buyers and may lead to a bidding war.

3. Stage and market your home

The marketing part of selling a home is one of the most challenging aspects for FSBO home sellers. If you're looking to attract lots of motivated buyers who are qualified to afford your home, you need to make sure you can showcase it online effectively.

The first thing you need to focus on is the online listing. Take professional photos, and write a quality listing description to go along with them. Don’t just describe the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, emphasize perks of living in your home specifically: a nice view, new appliances, great insulation, etc.

Once you have an online listing, you need to prepare for visitors. Staging is one of the most important aspects of listing your home. Many homeowners want to move out of their home before selling. However, selling a completely empty home is challenging, as it’s hard for potential buyers to imagine themselves in empty rooms. Professional stagers are skilled in interior design, and can bring in basic sets of furniture that help your home look its best.

>> LEARN how much it costs to stage a home

4. Prepare for showings

Organization is key when showing your home to potential buyers. You'll need a good system for scheduling showings and saving buyers' and agents’ contact information. You'll want to be flexible and try to show your house at buyers’ convenience.

Keep the home clean and decluttered at all times. The last thing you want is to scramble around with a vacuum after a buyer calls for a last-minute showing.

Also, focus on creating a homey atmosphere for buyers. You want to make a great first impression on as many buyers as possible, so add little touches that speak to most people.

"Bake cookies or light scented candles before a showing," advises Mizes. "Smell plays a huge part in how buyers will perceive and remember your house. Use comforting scents to your advantage so they feel at home the moment they walk through the door."

5. Negotiate for the best possible price

Negotiations are about deciding more than the final sale price. You and the buyer (or their agent) will also have to agree upon contract contingencies, how closing costs are divided, the timeline, and more.

To gain the upper hand, get creative with the seller concessions you offer a buyer. While they might cost you a little more at closing, concessions sweeten the deal for buyers and could lead to a higher final sale price.

The most popular concessions vary from market to market. Knowing what works with buyers in your area will help you strengthen your offer.

For example, a Clever survey of local real estate professionals found that in North Carolina, sellers often cover 1.60% to 2.50% of buyers' closing costs. On a home of median value, that equates to $5,131 to $8,018, but can help you close the deal sooner and for more money.

You should also consider offering these popular seller concessions:

Most common seller concessions in North Carolina

Additional resources for North Carolina home sellers

8 Steps to Selling a House in North Carolina

Selling your house in North Carolina? Our in-depth guide breaks down the process into 8 easy-to-understand steps, from listing through closing.

Disclosure Requirements for Selling North Carolina Real Estate

Wonder what defects you legally have to disclose before selling your North Carolina home? Read on to learn what’s necessary, and what hurts your sale.

Best Cash Home Buyers in North Carolina (2023)

We evaluated 172 cash home buyers serving North Carolina based on their credibility, activity, and customer satisfaction. Check out the best eight.

The post How to Sell a House By Owner in North Carolina (2023 Update) appeared first on Semya-Moya.

In New York, the average realtor commission rate is 3.57% to 6.37%. If you sell a house worth $450,500 — the median home value in New York — that’s over $15,000, which is a huge chunk of your potential profits.

Selling without a realtor, known as listing For Sale By Owner (FSBO), is a viable option for experienced home sellers who are willing to put in the time and effort.

However, selling FSBO has risks. Research shows that FSBO homes typically sell for about 6% less than those listed with agents AND you'll still usually be on the hook for offering a competitive buyer's agent commission. FSBO homes also often take longer to sell and are more likely to fall out of contract after accepting an offer.

If saving money on realtor commission is what you’re after, it’s worth looking into real estate agents who’ll work at a lower-than-typical commission. Semya-Moya matches sellers in New York with experienced, local agents who offer traditional service for just 1.5%. You can save money and the headache of doing it all on your own.

In addition to looking into FSBO, reach out to Clever to connect with multiple agents in your area. You can interview agents and get a free home valuation so you’ll know you’ve explored all of your options.

Connect with top, local agents in New York!

What FSBO sellers in New York need to know

Real estate laws, the selling process, and trends vary greatly across the country. Understanding the details of your market and getting accurate information can make a FSBO sale complicated.

We'll go into more details about what you need to do in New York, but here's an overview of the state's laws and regulations.

New York FSBO overview

When selling your home without a realtor, you'll need to know and understand all of your responsibilities as a FSBO seller, which include:

• Preparing your home by making necessary repairs, cleaning, and staging your home.
• Accurately and competitively pricing your home.
• Marketing your home by writing a listing description, taking high-quality photos, posting the listing on different sites (free and/or paid), and promoting your home on social media, in print ads, and via word of mouth.
• Vetting buyers to ensure they're qualified, from a financial perspective. Accepting an offer from an unqualified buyer will cause your sale to fall through.
• Negotiating the final price, contingencies, repair concessions, and other aspects of the sale and purchase agreement.
• Properly filling out all necessary paperwork for a real estate transaction in New York.

How to price your home

Pricing strategy is often make-or-break for FSBO sellers. List your home for too little and you leave money on the table. Price it too high and the listing goes stale, forcing a price drop that could make buyers wary of the home.

To get an accurate idea of what your house is worth without a realtor's help, look at comparable listings in your area.

For example, if you live in Buffalo and think your house is worth about $247,000, search Zillow for active listings that are about $50,000 more and less than that. Analyze details about the houses and how they compare to yours. Ask yourself:

• Is the school district better or worse?
• Does it have the same number of bedrooms and bathrooms?
• Has the house been renovated more recently than yours?
• How do the neighborhoods and nearby amenities compare?

Answering these questions honestly will help you see if your price is in the right ballpark.

From there, be realistic about what pricing strategy will lead to higher offers. Here are some key pricing metrics that will help you decide the best listing price for your home and market:

State of the New York real estate market

How to list your New York home for sale by owner

Once you've decided on a price, it's time to write a listing description that speaks to local buyers. Understanding their priorities will help you identify what features of your property to highlight in your listing and attract more interest.

Top buyer priorities in New York

When it comes to advertising and posting your listing, you have several options as a FSBO seller. Each choice has its own pros and cons as well as costs:

• For Sale By Owner yard sign: You can buy a FSBO sign from most hardware stores or online for $20-$50. Be sure to choose one that allows you to add your phone numbers so interested buyers can contact you for property information and showings.
• Craigslist: Posting your home on Craigslist is free and simple. Just go to the New York page, find your city, and create a "real estate — by owner" listing.
• FSBO websites: There are multiple FSBO listing websites that allow you to post your home for free or a few hundred dollars. But each differs in how many photos you can include, how long the listing is live, and the changes you can make — do your research before choosing a for sale by owner site.
• Flat fee MLS companies: Flat fee MLS services will list your house on your local Multiple Listing Service (MLS) for significantly less than a realtor. However, they provide few additional services unless you opt for their most expensive packages, which often cost more than using a discount brokerage.

If you choose to use a flat fee MLS company, you'll have to offer a buyer's agent commission. The MLS is how real estate agents find homes for their clients, and typically a buyer's agent commission is included to incentivize these realtors to show the house to their clients.

How realtor commissions work in New York

Traditionally, both the buyer's agent and the listing agent are paid a commission by the homeowner. When sellers work with a realtor, they negotiate a commission as part of the listing agreement.

Based on the average commission rates in New York, this typically ranges from 1.91% to 3.31% of the sale price.

Even if you sell without a realtor on your side, the seller also agrees to a commission rate for the realtor who brings the buyer to the table, which runs between 1.66% to 3.06%.

As a FSBO seller, you automatically avoid paying a listing commission. However, there is a solid argument for offering a buyer's agent commission.

A buyer’s agent's commission is an incentive for realtors to show your house to their clients. If you don't offer a commission that is competitive compared to similar homes in your area, then your home could be shown less. Agents may prioritize taking buyers to homes with a commission.

The best way to avoid paying any commission fees is to sell to an unrepresented buyer. However, know that nearly 87% of buyers work with a realtor. If you decide not to offer a buyer's agent commission, you may severely restrict your pool of buyers.

Further, if you list FSBO, you'll likely receive multiple calls from agents offering to connect you with their buyers...if you pay them a competitive buyer's agent commission (typically 2.36% in New York).

» LEARN: How real estate commissions work

How commission costs break down in New York

When you sell your home with or without a realtor, there are four common scenarios when it comes to commissions:

• List FSBO and sell to a buyer without a realtor: Pay no commission
• List FSBO and sell to a represented buyer: Cover the buyer's agent commission
• List with a traditional agent and sell to a represented buyer: Cover both agents' commissions
• List with a discount agent and sell to a represented buyer: Cover the buyer's agent commission, but save on the listing commission.

The table below shows how this could break down in New York:

Paperwork to sell a house by owner in New York

Once you find a buyer for your house, it's time to start the closing process. In a typical real estate transaction, your agent will make sure you fill out all the necessary documents and forms. As a FSBO seller, you'll have to navigate the paperwork by yourself.

This process varies by state — here’s a quick breakdown of New York’s requirements.

Required for all New York real estate sales

Possible additional documents

New York disclosure forms

Many closing documents are legally binding agreements. Any errors can derail the selling process and cost you thousands in fees or in costs to re-list your house.

To avoid an expensive mistake, consider working with a low commission realtor instead.

FSBO alternatives to consider

If saving money is your main reason for selling your home by owner, there are alternatives.

Semya-Moya

Clever is a nationwide real estate service that connects sellers with top, local agents. You pay Clever nothing and only pay your full-service agent 1.5% if and when your home sells.

Semya-Moya

Get Started

💲 Listing Fee

1.5% ($3,000 min.)

💰 Buyer Savings

Cash back after closing

⭐ Avg. Customer Rating

5/5 (2,735 reviews)

✍️ Editor's Take

Pros

Cons

Reviews

Locations

Clever is a quick, easy, and free way to find a top-rated local agent. And, unlike many similar companies, Clever pre-negotiates big discounts on your behalf, so you can save thousands without sacrificing on service.

Try Clever for free — save thousands on commission!

• Clever is a free, nationwide agent matching service that partners with full-service local agents from conventional brokerages like Keller Williams, Century 21, and RE/MAX.
• You get multiple agent matches so you can interview several, compare marketing plans, and choose the best fit.
• Clever pre-negotiates low rates on your behalf — you get full service for just a 1.5% listing fee ($3,000 minimum).
• If you buy with Clever, you can get cash back to help pay for your move.

• You may not get matched with an agent from your preferred real estate brokerage.
• Agents may not provide premium services like drone photography and professional home staging.

As of 11/6/2023, Clever has a 5.0 out of 5 rating on Trustpilot, based on 2,589 reviews.

Read reviews from real Clever customers here.

Clever has pre-negotiated low commission rates with top agents in all 50 states and Washington, DC.

Discount real estate services in New York

While pricing and services vary, discount real estate companies will help you sell your house for less than a traditional realtor. In most cases, you'll still need to offer a competitive buyer's agent commission, but you'll save on listing fees.

Redfin

Full Review

💲 Listing Fee

1.5% (min. fees vary)

💰 Avg. Savings

$5,550

⭐ Avg. Customer Rating

2.9/5 (331 reviews)

✍️ Editor's Take

Pros

Cons

Reviews

Locations

Redfin offers real savings and is a proven brand. But sellers could compromise on service — especially agent experience and availability.

Read the full Redfin review.

• If you buy and sell with Redfin, you'll get a 0.5% listing fee discount.
• Redfin gives its listings premium placement in its popular home search app.

• If finding the right agent is a top priority, you'll have limited options — Redfin only has a few agents in each of its markets.
• Redfin agents handle more customers at once than the average realtor, so they may not be able to provide as much personalized service.

Redfin has a 2.9 out of 5 rating (331 reviews) across popular review sites like Google and Yelp.

Read reviews from real Redfin customers here.

Redfin is available in 80+ U.S. markets (see all locations).

Prevu Real Estate

Full Review

💲 Listing Fee

1.5% (min. fees vary)

💰 Avg. Savings

$2,450

⭐ Avg. Customer Rating

5.0/5 (465 reviews)

✍️ Editor's Take

Pros

Cons

Reviews

Locations

Prevu offers solid commission savings for buyers and sellers. But at certain price points, other discount brands may offer better value.

Read the full Prevu review.

• Prevu's 1.5% listing fee saves sellers an average of $2,450 compared to a standard 3% commission rate.
• Eligible buyers get a commission rebate worth up to 2% of the home price.

• High minimum fees may limit your savings if you're selling a lower-priced home.
• Prevu has a small team, which limits your options if you don't hit it off with the first agent it sends you.

Prevu has a 5.0 out of 5 rating (465 reviews) across popular review sites like Google and Yelp.

Read reviews from real Yelp customers here.

Prevu is available in the following areas: CA, CO, CT, MA, NY, PA, TX, WA.

REX Real Estate

Full Review

💲 Listing Fee

2.5% ($9,000 min.)

💰 Avg. Savings

-$325

⭐ Avg. Customer Rating

4.7/5 (1,041 reviews)

✍️ Editor's Take

Pros

Cons

Reviews

Locations

REX’s promise of huge savings is misleading. Its advertising misrepresents the significant risks of its pricing model and marketing approach. And its high minimum fees mean that many sellers won't save anything.

Read the full REX Real Estate review.

• REX's approach is incredibly risky — but if the gamble pays off, you could save about 50% on realtor fees
• Like other full-service brokerages, REX agents provide in-person services and support

• REX's 2.5% listing fee doesn't save you much — many full-price agents charge similar rates
• REX doesn't list your home on the MLS, so up to 90% of buyers may not even know it's for sale
• This risky marketing strategy seems likely to fail, so you may not save anything on commission

REX has a 4.7 out of 5 rating (1,041 reviews) across popular review sites like Google and Zillow.

Read reviews from real REX customers here.

REX is available in the following areas: AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, MD, NV, NJ, OR, PA, TX, WA, DC.

» LEARN: About discount real estate services

Flat fee MLS services in New York

As mentioned before, a flat fee MLS service will post your listing on the local MLS, usually for a low, upfront fee. In New York, this will typically cost you a couple hundred dollars.

Here are some New York flat fee MLS companies to compare:

Realmart Realty

Realmart Realty

Best For

Sellers looking for a lot of a-la-carte options

Price Range

$395

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• You can choose from a lot of different a la carte options, like lockboxes, professional photography, and yard sign upgrades.
• If you decide to go with a full-service broker, you can get a full refund when you sign with someone Realmart referred you to.

Cons:

• You'll have to pay extra if you want to change any photos after your listing is live on the MLS.

Flat Fee Group

Flat Fee Group

Best For

Sellers who prefer a hands-on approach to marketing and listing their home.

Price Range

$199-999

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Listing changes are unlimited and completely free.
• Additional services such as signposts or lockboxes are available for small additional fees.

Cons:

• There's a mandatory 2-3% buyer's agent commission if one is found.
• Basic packages don't include document or contract reviews, nor will the brokerage offer advice. The seller will mostly be on their own.

» LEARN: About flat fee MLS services in New York

5 tips for selling your home without a realtor in New York

Pulling off a FSBO sale successfully is a difficult feat to accomplish. Here are some helpful tips from Clever CEO and real estate investor Ben Mizes, who has experience listing homes without a realtor.

1. Make minor repairs

Small upgrades and repairs can do a lot to sway potential buyers. The key is knowing how and where to spend your money to get higher offers. Simple DIY projects like a fresh coat of paint or new cabinet pulls have a high return on investment, whereas pricier improvements like adding a new bedroom may not.

Overall, the most important factor is knowing where the line is between necessary and over-the-top. You want your house to meet buyers' expectations.

"If your kitchen is a disaster, spending more money on a remodel to get it in solid condition will pay off in the end," said Mizes. "But spending money on high-end features to take it from good to extravagant will be a waste."

Also, consider how valuable specific repairs are to buyers in your area. Focus on upgrades that have a higher cost recuperation in your region.

Home repairs with highest resale value in New York

Note: A resale value of more than 100% indicates a profitable repair.

2. Price your New York home competitively

A frequent mistake that FSBOs make is incorrectly pricing their home for the market. Overpriced homes attract fewer buyers and spend longer on the market than accurately priced homes. However, underpricing your home can leave you shortchanged.

You can determine your home's fair market value by completing a comparative market analysis, which compares the recent sale prices of similar properties located near yours. Once you have an idea of your home’s valuation, be sure to look at recently sold homes with values above and below yours to see how their houses were different. Identifying features that add or subtract value from homes that have recently sold can help you make an informed decision in your home’s initial list price.

3. Stage and market your home

Successfully marketing your home is crucial in increasing its visibility to potential buyers . With hundreds of homes on the market, it’s important to showcase your home’s differentiators to draw buyer attention.

A good listing has high quality photos that outline all the best features of your home, with detailed listing descriptions that pair nicely with the photos. Hiring a professional photographer carries additional cost, but ensures that every aspect of your home will be well portrayed online, bringing in more buyers.

Additionally, holding an open house is frequently a useful way to attract buyers to tour your property. You want buyers to imagine themselves in the home, so be sure to declutter and arrange furniture with a focus on making the rooms easy to move through. If you’re no longer living in the home, or feel uncomfortable leaving your possessions unattended, you may want to hire a professional stager to bring in their own furniture.

4. Prepare for showings

Organization is key when showing your home to potential buyers. You'll need a good system for scheduling showings and saving buyers' and agents’ contact information. You'll want to be flexible and try to show your house at buyers’ convenience.

Keep the home clean and decluttered at all times. The last thing you want is to scramble around with a vacuum after a buyer calls for a last-minute showing.

Also, focus on creating a homey atmosphere for buyers. You want to make a great first impression on as many buyers as possible, so add little touches that speak to most people.

"Bake cookies or light scented candles before a showing," advises Mizes. "Smell plays a huge part in how buyers will perceive and remember your house. Use comforting scents to your advantage so they feel at home the moment they walk through the door."

5. Negotiate for the best possible price

Negotiations are about deciding more than the final sale price. You and the buyer (or their agent) will also have to agree upon contract contingencies, how closing costs are divided, the timeline, and more.

To gain the upper hand, get creative with the seller concessions you offer a buyer. While they might cost you a little more at closing, concessions sweeten the deal for buyers and could lead to a higher final sale price.

The most popular concessions vary from market to market. Knowing what works with buyers in your area will help you strengthen your offer.

For example, a Clever survey of local real estate professionals found that in New York, sellers often cover 1.30% to 2.10% of buyers' closing costs. On a home of median value, that equates to $5,856 to $9,460, but can help you close the deal sooner and for more money.

You should also consider offering these popular seller concessions:

Most common seller concessions in New York

If you'd like some professional guidance with no strings attached, Clever can help. Fill out your basic info below to connect with a top, local realtor for a no-obligation consultation.

Additional resources for New York home sellers

Selling a House in New York: Everything You Need to Know

Selling your house in New York? Our in-depth guide breaks down the process into 8 easy-to-understand steps, from listing through closing.

Disclosure Requirements for Selling New York Real Estate

Before selling your home, learn about what you must disclose about the property. Laws are evolving to lean in favor of home buyers.

Top 6 'We Buy Houses' Companies in New York

We ranked 'we buy houses' companies in New York based on time to offer, time to close, and real customer reviews.

The post How to Sell a House By Owner in New York (2023 Update) appeared first on Semya-Moya.

In Kansas, the average realtor commission rate is 4.54% to 6.80%. If you sell a house worth $214,800 — the median home value in Kansas — that’s over $7,700, which is a huge chunk of your potential profits.

Selling without a realtor, known as listing For Sale By Owner (FSBO), is a viable option for experienced home sellers who are willing to put in the time and effort.

However, selling FSBO has risks. Research shows that FSBO homes typically sell for about 6% less than those listed with agents AND you'll still usually be on the hook for offering a competitive buyer's agent commission. FSBO homes also often take longer to sell and are more likely to fall out of contract after accepting an offer.

If saving money on realtor commission is what you’re after, it’s worth looking into real estate agents who’ll work at a lower-than-typical commission. Semya-Moya matches sellers in Kansas with experienced, local agents who offer traditional service for just 1.5%. You can save money and the headache of doing it all on your own.

In addition to looking into FSBO, reach out to Clever to connect with multiple agents in your area. You can interview agents and get a free home valuation so you’ll know you’ve explored all of your options.

Connect with top, local agents in Kansas!

What FSBO sellers in Kansas need to know

Real estate laws, the selling process, and trends vary greatly across the country. Understanding the details of your market and getting accurate information can make a FSBO sale less complicated.

We'll go into more details about what you need to do in Kansas, but here's an overview of the state's laws and regulations.

Kansas FSBO overview

Additionally, you'll need to know and understand all of your responsibilities as a FSBO seller, which include:

• Preparing your home by making necessary repairs, cleaning, and staging your home.
• Accurately and competitively pricing your home.
• Marketing your home by writing a listing description, taking high-quality photos, posting the listing on different sites (free and/or paid), and promoting your home on social media, in print ads, and via word of mouth.
• Vetting buyers to ensure they're qualified, from a financial perspective. Accepting an offer from an unqualified buyer will cause your sale to fall through.
• Negotiating the final price, contingencies, repair concessions, and other aspects of the purchase and sale agreement.
• Properly filling out all necessary paperwork for a real estate transaction in Kansas.

How to price your home

Pricing strategy is often make-or-break for FSBO sellers. List your home for too little and you leave money on the table. Price it too high and the listing goes stale, forcing a price drop that could make buyers wary of the home.

To get an accurate idea of what your house is worth, look at comparable listings in your area.

For example, if you live in Wichita and think your house is worth about #VALUE!, search Zillow for active listings that are about $50,000 more and less than that. Analyze details about the houses and how they compare to yours. Ask yourself:

• Is the school district better or worse?
• Does it have the same number of bedrooms and bathrooms?
• Has the house been renovated more recently than yours?
• How do the neighborhoods and nearby amenities compare?

Answering these questions honestly will help you see if your price is in the right ballpark.

From there, be realistic about what pricing strategy will lead to higher offers. Here are some key pricing metrics that will help you decide the best listing price for your home and market:

State of the Kansas real estate market

How to list your Kansas home for sale by owner

Once you've decided on a price, it's time to write a listing description that speaks to local buyers. Understanding their priorities will help you identify what features of your property to highlight in your listing and attract more interest.

Top buyer priorities in Kansas

When it comes to advertising and posting your listing without a realtor, you have several options as a FSBO seller. Each choice has its own pros and cons as well as costs:

• For Sale By Owner yard sign: You can buy a FSBO sign from most hardware stores or online for $20-$50. Be sure to choose one that allows you to add your phone numbers so interested buyers can contact you for property information and showings.
• Craigslist: Posting your home on Craigslist is free and simple. Just go to the Kansas page, find your city, and create a "real estate — by owner" listing.
• FSBO websites: There are multiple FSBO listing websites that allow you to post your home for free or a few hundred dollars. But each differs in how many photos you can include, how long the listing is live, and the changes you can make — do your research before choosing a for sale by owner site.
• Flat-Fee MLS companies: Flat fee MLS services will list your house on your local Multiple Listing Service (MLS) for significantly less than a realtor. However, they provide few additional services unless you opt for their most expensive packages, which often cost more than using a discount brokerage.

If you choose to use a flat fee MLS company, you'll have to offer a buyer's agent commission. The MLS is how real estate agents find homes for their clients, and typically a buyer's agent commission is included to incentivize these realtors to show the house to their clients.

How realtor commissions work in Kansas

Traditionally, both the buyer's agent and the listing agent are paid a commission by the homeowner. When sellers work with a realtor, they negotiate a commission as part of the listing agreement.

Based on the average commission rates in Kansas, this typically ranges from 2.40% to 3.53% of the sale price.

In a typical sale, the seller also agrees to a commission rate for the realtor who brings the buyer to the table, which runs between 2.14% to 3.27%.

As a FSBO seller, you automatically avoid paying a listing commission without a realtor. However, there is a solid argument for offering a buyer's agent commission.

A buyer’s agent's commission is an incentive for realtors to show your house to their clients. If you don't offer a commission that is competitive compared to similar homes in your area, then your home could be shown less. Agents may prioritize taking buyers to homes with a commission.

The best way to avoid paying any commission fees is to sell to an unrepresented buyer. However, know that nearly 87% of buyers work with a realtor. If you decide not to offer a buyer's agent commission, you may severely restrict your pool of buyers.

Further, if you list FSBO, you'll likely receive multiple calls from agents offering to connect you with their buyers...if you pay them a competitive buyer's agent commission (typically 2.70% in Kansas).

» LEARN: How real estate commissions work

How commission costs break down in Kansas

When you sell your home, there are four common scenarios when it comes to commissions:

• List FSBO and sell to a buyer without a realtor: Pay no commission
• List FSBO and sell to a represented buyer: Cover the buyer's agent commission
• List with a traditional agent and sell to a represented buyer: Cover both agents' commissions
• List with a discount agent and sell to a represented buyer: Cover the buyer's agent commission, but save on the listing commission.

The table below shows how working with or without a realtor could break down in Kansas:

Paperwork to sell a house by owner in Kansas

Once you find a buyer for your house, it's time to start the closing process. In a typical real estate transaction, your agent will make sure you fill out all the necessary documents and forms. As a FSBO seller, you'll have to navigate the paperwork by yourself.

This selling process varies by state — here’s a quick breakdown of Kansas’s requirements.

Required for all Kansas real estate sales

Possible additional documents

Kansas disclosure forms

Many closing documents are legally binding agreements. Any errors can derail your sale and cost you thousands in fees or in costs to re-list your house.

To avoid an expensive mistake, consider working with a low commission realtor instead.

FSBO alternatives to consider

If saving money is your main reason for selling your home by owner, there are alternatives.

Semya-Moya

Clever is a nationwide real estate service that connects sellers with top, local agents. You pay Clever nothing and only pay your full-service agent 1.5% if and when your home sells.

Semya-Moya

Get Started

💲 Listing Fee

1.5% ($3,000 min.)

💰 Buyer Savings

Cash back after closing

⭐ Avg. Customer Rating

5/5 (2,735 reviews)

✍️ Editor's Take

Pros

Cons

Reviews

Locations

Clever is a quick, easy, and free way to find a top-rated local agent. And, unlike many similar companies, Clever pre-negotiates big discounts on your behalf, so you can save thousands without sacrificing on service.

Try Clever for free — save thousands on commission!

• Clever is a free, nationwide agent matching service that partners with full-service local agents from conventional brokerages like Keller Williams, Century 21, and RE/MAX.
• You get multiple agent matches so you can interview several, compare marketing plans, and choose the best fit.
• Clever pre-negotiates low rates on your behalf — you get full service for just a 1.5% listing fee ($3,000 minimum).
• If you buy with Clever, you can get cash back to help pay for your move.

• You may not get matched with an agent from your preferred real estate brokerage.
• Agents may not provide premium services like drone photography and professional home staging.

As of 11/6/2023, Clever has a 5.0 out of 5 rating on Trustpilot, based on 2,589 reviews.

Read reviews from real Clever customers here.

Clever has pre-negotiated low commission rates with top agents in all 50 states and Washington, DC.

Discount real estate services in Kansas

While pricing and services vary, discount real estate companies will help you sell your house for less than a traditional realtor. In most cases, you'll still need to offer a competitive buyer's agent commission, but you'll save on listing fees.

Redfin

Full Review

💲 Listing Fee

1.5% (min. fees vary)

💰 Avg. Savings

$5,550

⭐ Avg. Customer Rating

2.9/5 (331 reviews)

✍️ Editor's Take

Pros

Cons

Reviews

Locations

Redfin offers real savings and is a proven brand. But sellers could compromise on service — especially agent experience and availability.

Read the full Redfin review.

• If you buy and sell with Redfin, you'll get a 0.5% listing fee discount.
• Redfin gives its listings premium placement in its popular home search app.

• If finding the right agent is a top priority, you'll have limited options — Redfin only has a few agents in each of its markets.
• Redfin agents handle more customers at once than the average realtor, so they may not be able to provide as much personalized service.

Redfin has a 2.9 out of 5 rating (331 reviews) across popular review sites like Google and Yelp.

Read reviews from real Redfin customers here.

Redfin is available in 80+ U.S. markets (see all locations).

» LEARN: About discount real estate services

Flat fee MLS services in Kansas

As mentioned before, a flat fee MLS company will post your listing on the local MLS, usually for a low, upfront fee. In Kansas, this will typically cost you a couple of hundred dollars.

Here are some Kansas flat fee MLS companies to compare:

Flat Fee Group Kansas

Flat Fee Group

Best For

Experienced investors who need only a basic MLS listing

Price Range

$399-799

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• You can set up a free FSBO web page along with your MLS listing.
• It's easy to switch to a full-service agent if you decide FSBO isn't for you.

Cons:

• This broker offers only one flat-fee MLS package. However, the company offers a higher-priced full-service option if you want help with facilitating your sale.
• The company's flat-fee MLS option allows fewer photos and changes to your listing.
• The flat-fee MLS service is good for a shorter listing duration than usual (three months) and boasts a higher price than many other options.

Flat Fee Realty Kansas

Flat Fee Realty

Best For

Budget-conscious sellers who need a simple, affordable listing

Price Range

$249

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Your listing comes with all the state seller's disclosures that you'll need.
• You can pay a little more to post up to 25 photos on the MLS instead of the standard six.

Cons:

• Flat Fee Realty doesn't offer any pricing or contract assistance.
• The company won't be your listing broker. Instead, they'll refer you to a Idaho-based broker who will list your property. If you have problems or questions, you'll end up talking to two companies instead of just one.

HomeZu

HomeZu

Price Range

$399 + 1% at closing (in most states)

Number of Photos

25

Listing Term

6 months

Description

Pricing

Pros and cons

In most states, HomeZu offers a single Basic plan (also called the MLS Listing plan) for $399 that includes all the essentials you’d expect from a flat fee MLS service. You get a six-month listing, 25 photo limit, free listing changes, and lead forwarding. You can also cancel anytime for free.

MLS Listing/Basic Plan: $399 upfront + 0.1% at closing

• 6-month MLS listing
• 25 photos
• Free listing changes
• Lead forwarding
• Phone and email support
• Disclosure forms

Note: In a handful of states, HomeZu offers premium packages with a contract review or full broker support. Services and pricing vary by state, but these packages generally costs $700–999. Contact HomeZu directly to see if premium packages are available in your area.

Pros

• Basic plans come with a high photo limit.
• Lead forwarding and disclosure forms are included.
• Cancellation and listing edits are free.

Cons

• The Basic plan is more expensive than other companies'.
• The company takes a portion of the buyer’s agent commission.
• It offers only one plan in most states.

» LEARN: About flat fee MLS services in Kansas

5 Tips for Selling Your Home Without a Realtor in Kansas

Pulling off a FSBO sale successfully is a difficult feat to accomplish. Here are some helpful tips from Clever CEO and real estate investor Ben Mizes, who has experience listing homes without a realtor.

1. Make minor repairs

Small upgrades and repairs can do a lot to sway potential buyers. The key is knowing how and where to spend your money to get higher offers. Simple DIY projects like a fresh coat of paint or new cabinet pulls have a high return on investment, whereas pricier improvements like adding a new bedroom may not.

Overall, the most important factor is knowing where the line is between necessary and over-the-top. You want your house to meet buyers' expectations.

"If your kitchen is a disaster, spending more money on a remodel to get it in solid condition will pay off in the end," said Mizes. "But spending money on high-end features to take it from good to extravagant will be a waste."

Also, consider how valuable specific repairs are to buyers in your area. Focus on upgrades that have a higher cost recuperation in your region.

Home repairs with highest resale value in Kansas

Note: A resale value of more than 100% indicates a profitable repair.

2. Price your Kansas home competitively

The Kansas housing market has been heating up lately, which can be a good sign for prospective sellers. However, it’s important not to get too overconfident and overprice your home, leaving it to sit on the market for a longer period of time.

Do research on local realty websites, like Zillow and Trulia, to give you a basic idea of your home’s fair market value. Compare to recently sold houses in your area of all sizes to determine which of your home’s features are most desirable. Don’t be afraid to contact local realtors for advice - many of them are willing to provide consultations or home value reports either for free or for a small fee.

3. Stage and market your home

When listing your home, you'll need to have professionally taken photographs to make it stand out from other listings and catch a potential buyer's attention. Well-written descriptions can also go a very long way in piquing a would-be buyer's interest and enticing them into scheduling a viewing.

Of course, you'll need to make sure that someone actually sees your listing, so it's important to advertise both online and locally. Posting ads on social media sites as well as home listing services like Zillow can be very helpful. As far as local marketing goes, be sure to put up a sign outside your home and put up advertisements in appropriate places. Some areas do have laws on how you can advertise without a realtor license, so pay special attention to your local regulations.

Staging your home means designing the interior in such a way that a buyer can get a good idea of what living there would be like. Cleaning up and doing minor upgrades can go a long way in impressing a potential buyer, or go all the way and invest in a professional stager. This extremely important step is what will often convince someone coming for a viewing to make a serious offer for the home.

4. Prepare for showings

Organization is key when showing your home to potential buyers. You'll need a good system for scheduling showings and saving buyers' and agents’ contact information. You'll want to be flexible and try to show your house at buyers’ convenience.

Keep the home clean and decluttered at all times. The last thing you want is to scramble around with a vacuum after a buyer calls for a last-minute showing.

Also, focus on creating a homey atmosphere for buyers. You want to make a great first impression on as many buyers as possible, so add little touches that speak to most people.

"Bake cookies or light scented candles before a showing," advises Mizes. "Smell plays a huge part in how buyers will perceive and remember your house. Use comforting scents to your advantage so they feel at home the moment they walk through the door."

5. Negotiate for the best possible price

Negotiations are about deciding more than the final sale price. You and the buyer (or their agent) will also have to agree upon contract contingencies, how closing costs are divided, the timeline, and more.

To gain the upper hand without a realtor, get creative with the seller concessions you offer a buyer. While they might cost you a little more at closing, concessions sweeten the deal for buyers and could lead to a higher final sale price.

The most popular concessions vary from market to market. Knowing what works with buyers in your area will help you strengthen your offer.

For example, a Clever survey of local real estate professionals found that in Kansas, sellers often cover 1.80% to 2.60% of buyers' closing costs. On a home of median value, that equates to $3,866 to $5,584, but can help you close the deal sooner and for more money.

You should also consider offering these popular seller concessions:

Most common seller concessions in Kansas

If you'd like some professional guidance with no strings attached, Clever can help. Fill out your basic info below to connect with a top, local realtor for a no-obligation consultation.

Additional resources for Kansas home sellers

8 Steps to Selling a House in Kansas

Selling your house in Kansas? Our in-depth guide breaks down the process into 8 easy-to-understand steps, from listing through closing.

Disclosure Requirements for Selling Kansas Real Estate

Selling a home in Kansas? Make sure you know which property conditions you’re required to disclose. Here’s what every Kansas home seller needs to know.

Top 5 We Buy Houses for Cash Companies in Kansas

Need to sell your home quickly? Compare top Kansas We Buy Houses for Cash Companies and popular alternatives.

The post How to Sell a House By Owner in Kansas (2023 Update) appeared first on Semya-Moya.

In Iowa, the average realtor commission rate is 4.54% to 6.80%. If you sell a house worth $207,200 — the median home value in Iowa — that’s over $7,400, which is a huge chunk of your potential profits.

Selling without a real estate agent, known as listing For Sale By Owner (FSBO), is a viable option for experienced home sellers who are willing to put in the time and effort.

However, selling FSBO has risks. Research shows that FSBO homes typically sell for about 6% less than those listed with agents AND you'll still usually be on the hook for offering a competitive buyer's agent commission. FSBO homes also often take longer to sell and are more likely to fall out of contract after accepting an offer.

If saving money on realtor commission is what you’re after, it’s worth looking into real estate agents who’ll work at a lower-than-typical commission. Semya-Moya matches sellers in Iowa with experienced, local agents who offer traditional service for just 1.5%. You can save money and the headache of doing it all on your own.

In addition to looking into FSBO, reach out to Clever to connect with multiple agents in your area. You can interview agents and get a free home valuation so you’ll know you’ve explored all of your options.

Connect with top, local agents in Iowa!

What FSBO sellers in Iowa need to know

Real estate laws, processes, and trends vary greatly across the country. Understanding the details of your market and getting accurate information can make a FSBO sale complicated.

We'll go into more details about what you need to do in Iowa, but here's an overview of the state's laws and regulations.

Iowa FSBO overview

Additionally, you'll need to know and understand all of your responsibilities as a FSBO seller, which include:

• Preparing your home by making necessary repairs, cleaning, and staging your home.
• Accurately and competitively pricing your home.
• Marketing your home by writing a listing description, taking high-quality photos, posting the listing on different sites (free and/or paid), and promoting your home on social media, in print ads, and via word of mouth.
• Vetting buyers to ensure they're qualified, from a financial perspective. Accepting an offer from an unqualified buyer will cause your sale to fall through.
• Negotiating the final price, contingencies, repair concessions, and other aspects of the purchase and sale agreement.
• Properly filling out all necessary paperwork for a real estate transaction in Iowa.

How to price your home

Pricing strategy is often make-or-break for FSBO sellers. List your home for too little and you leave money on the table. Price it too high and the listing goes stale, forcing a price drop that could make buyers wary of the home.

To get an accurate idea of your home's fair market value, look at comparable listings in your area.

For example, if you live in Des Moines and think your house is worth about #VALUE!, search Zillow for active listings that are about $50,000 more and less than that. Analyze details about the houses and how they compare to yours. Ask yourself:

• Is the school district better or worse?
• Does it have the same number of bedrooms and bathrooms?
• Has the house been renovated more recently than yours?
• How do the neighborhoods and nearby amenities compare?

Answering these questions honestly will help you see if your price is in the right ballpark.

From there, be realistic about what pricing strategy will lead to higher offers. Here are some key pricing metrics that will help you decide the best listing price for your home and market:

State of the Iowa real estate market

How to list your Iowa home for sale by owner

Once you've decided on a price, it's time to write a listing description that speaks to local buyers. Understanding their priorities will help you identify what features of your property to highlight in your listing and attract more interest.

Top buyer priorities in Iowa

When it comes to advertising and posting your listing, you have several options as a FSBO seller. Each choice has its own pros and cons as well as costs:

• For Sale By Owner yard sign: You can buy a FSBO sign from most hardware stores or online for $20-$50. Be sure to choose one that allows you to add your phone numbers so interested buyers can contact you for property information and showings.
• Craigslist: Posting your home on Craigslist is free and simple. Just go to the Iowa page, find your city, and create a "real estate — by owner" listing.
• FSBO websites: There are multiple FSBO listing websites that allow you to post your home for free or a few hundred dollars. But each differs in how many photos you can include, how long the listing is live, and the changes you can make — do your research before choosing a for sale by owner site.
• Flat-Fee MLS companies: Flat-fee MLS services will list your house on your local Multiple Listing Service (MLS) for significantly less than a realtor. However, they provide few additional services unless you opt for their most expensive packages, which often cost more than using a discount brokerage.

If you choose to use a flat-fee MLS company, you'll have to offer a buyer's agent commission. The MLS is how real estate agents find homes for their clients, and typically a buyer's agent commission is included to incentivize these realtors to show the house to their clients.

How realtor commissions work in Iowa

Traditionally, both the buyer's agent and the listing agent are paid a commission by the homeowner. When sellers work with a realtor, they negotiate a commission as part of the listing agreement.

Based on the average commission rates in Iowa, this typically ranges from 2.40% to 3.53% of the sale price.

In a typical sale, the seller also agrees to a commission rate for the realtor who brings the buyer to the table, which runs between 2.14% to 3.27%.

As a FSBO seller, you automatically avoid paying a listing commission. However, there is a solid argument for offering a buyer's agent commission.

A buyer’s agent's commission is an incentive for realtors to show your house to their clients. If you don't offer a commission that is competitive compared to similar homes in your area, then your home could be shown less. Agents may prioritize taking buyers to homes with a commission.

The best way to avoid paying any commission fees is to sell to an unrepresented buyer. However, know that nearly 87% of buyers work with a realtor. If you decide not to offer a buyer's agent commission, you may severely restrict your pool of buyers.

Further, if you list FSBO, you'll likely receive multiple calls from agents offering to connect you with their buyers...if you pay them a competitive buyer's agent commission (typically 2.70% in Iowa).

» LEARN: How real estate commissions work

How commission costs break down in Iowa

When you sell your home, there are four common scenarios when it comes to commissions:

• List FSBO and sell to a buyer without an agent: Pay no commission
• List FSBO and sell to a represented buyer: Cover the buyer's agent commission
• List with a traditional agent and sell to a represented buyer: Cover both agents' commissions
• List with a discount agent and sell to a represented buyer: Cover the buyer's agent commission, but save on the listing commission.

The table below shows how this could break down in Iowa:

Paperwork to sell a house by owner in Iowa

Once you find a buyer for your house, it's time to start the closing process. In a typical real estate transaction, your agent will make sure you fill out all the necessary documents and forms. As a FSBO seller, you'll have to navigate the paperwork by yourself.

This process varies by state — here’s a quick breakdown of Iowa’s requirements.

Required for all Iowa real estate sales

Possible additional documents

Iowa disclosure forms

Many closing documents are legally binding agreements. Any errors can derail your sale and cost you thousands in fees or in costs to re-list your house.

To avoid an expensive mistake, consider working with a low commission realtor instead.

FSBO alternatives to consider

If saving money is your main reason for selling your home by owner, there are alternatives.

Semya-Moya

Clever is a nationwide real estate service that connects sellers with top, local agents. You pay Clever nothing and only pay your full-service agent 1.5% if and when your home sells.

Semya-Moya

Get Started

💲 Listing Fee

1.5% ($3,000 min.)

💰 Buyer Savings

Cash back after closing

⭐ Avg. Customer Rating

5/5 (2,735 reviews)

✍️ Editor's Take

Pros

Cons

Reviews

Locations

Clever is a quick, easy, and free way to find a top-rated local agent. And, unlike many similar companies, Clever pre-negotiates big discounts on your behalf, so you can save thousands without sacrificing on service.

Try Clever for free — save thousands on commission!

• Clever is a free, nationwide agent matching service that partners with full-service local agents from conventional brokerages like Keller Williams, Century 21, and RE/MAX.
• You get multiple agent matches so you can interview several, compare marketing plans, and choose the best fit.
• Clever pre-negotiates low rates on your behalf — you get full service for just a 1.5% listing fee ($3,000 minimum).
• If you buy with Clever, you can get cash back to help pay for your move.

• You may not get matched with an agent from your preferred real estate brokerage.
• Agents may not provide premium services like drone photography and professional home staging.

As of 11/6/2023, Clever has a 5.0 out of 5 rating on Trustpilot, based on 2,589 reviews.

Read reviews from real Clever customers here.

Clever has pre-negotiated low commission rates with top agents in all 50 states and Washington, DC.

Discount real estate services in Iowa

While pricing and services vary, discount real estate companies will help you sell your house for less than a traditional realtor. In most cases, you'll still need to offer a competitive buyer's agent commission, but you'll save on listing fees.

Redfin

Full Review

💲 Listing Fee

1.5% (min. fees vary)

💰 Avg. Savings

$5,550

⭐ Avg. Customer Rating

2.9/5 (331 reviews)

✍️ Editor's Take

Pros

Cons

Reviews

Locations

Redfin offers real savings and is a proven brand. But sellers could compromise on service — especially agent experience and availability.

Read the full Redfin review.

• If you buy and sell with Redfin, you'll get a 0.5% listing fee discount.
• Redfin gives its listings premium placement in its popular home search app.

• If finding the right agent is a top priority, you'll have limited options — Redfin only has a few agents in each of its markets.
• Redfin agents handle more customers at once than the average realtor, so they may not be able to provide as much personalized service.

Redfin has a 2.9 out of 5 rating (331 reviews) across popular review sites like Google and Yelp.

Read reviews from real Redfin customers here.

Redfin is available in 80+ U.S. markets (see all locations).

» LEARN: About discount real estate services

Flat-fee MLS services in Iowa

As mentioned before, a flat-fee MLS service will post your listing on the local MLS, usually for a low, upfront fee. In Iowa, this will typically cost you a couple hundred dollars.

Here are some Iowa flat-fee MLS companies to compare:

Flat Fee Realty Iowa

Flat Fee Realty

Best For

Budget-conscious sellers who need a simple, affordable listing

Price Range

$199

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Your listing comes with all the state seller's disclosures that you'll need.
• You can pay a little more to post up to 25 photos on the MLS instead of the standard six.

Cons:

• Flat Fee Realty doesn't offer any pricing or contract assistance.
• The company won't be your listing broker. Instead, they'll refer you to a Idaho-based broker who will list your property. If you have problems or questions, you'll end up talking to two companies instead of just one.

Flat Fee Group Iowa

Flat Fee Group

Best For

Experienced investors who need only a basic MLS listing

Price Range

$499-1395

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• You can set up a free FSBO web page along with your MLS listing.
• It's easy to switch to a full-service agent if you decide FSBO isn't for you.

Cons:

• This broker offers only one flat-fee MLS package. However, the company offers a higher-priced full-service option if you want help with facilitating your sale.
• The company's flat-fee MLS option allows fewer photos and changes to your listing.
• The flat-fee MLS service is good for a shorter listing duration than usual (three months) and boasts a higher price than many other options.

Fizber

Read Our Full Review

Best For

Sellers who want to attract people looking for a FSBO property

Price Range

$295-395

Overview

Pros and cons

Contact

Fizber is a nationwide flat fee MLS company with fairly affordable plans. It also stands out for having good customer service.

However, its website is outdated and doesn’t always list services that are state-specific. So, you won’t always know what you’re getting until you speak with a customer service representative.

Pros:

• Fizber will promote your listing for you on social media.
• If you change your mind before your listing goes live, you can get a full refund within 30 days of purchase.

Cons:

• The basic MLS package only includes six photos. Other companies include up to 25.

1 (888) 381-2201

www.fizber.com

» LEARN: About flat-fee MLS services in Iowa

Tips to sell FSBO

1. Make minor repairs

Small upgrades and repairs can do a lot to sway potential buyers. The key is knowing how and where to spend your money to get higher offers. Simple DIY projects like a fresh coat of paint or new cabinet pulls have a high return on investment, whereas pricier improvements like adding a new bedroom may not.

Overall, the most important factor is knowing where the line is between necessary and over-the-top. You want your house to meet buyers' expectations.

"If your kitchen is a disaster, spending more money on a remodel to get it in solid condition will pay off in the end," said Mizes. "But spending money on high-end features to take it from good to extravagant will be a waste."

Also, consider how valuable specific repairs are to buyers in your area. Focus on upgrades that have a higher cost recuperation in your region.

Home repairs with highest resale value in Iowa

Note: A resale value of more than 100% indicates a profitable repair.

2. Price your Iowa home competitively

How much can you get for your home? The answer is not always straightforward. The median listing price is $215,050, and the median sale price is $222,000, which would seem like a good sign. However, low buyer demand means homes are not always selling quickly.

This is because a listing price is a starting point, not your end goal price. Your specific location and how quickly you want to sell your home will impact the right listing price for you.

For instance, if you want to get a higher price through a bidding war, listing slightly below fair market value will attract multiple buyers.

3. Stage and market your home

Once you have a price, it's time to get your home ready to sell. You'll need to declutter and depersonalize the space, which can often be challenging if you’re used to seeing it as your home. However, it's now time for someone else to see it as home, so keeping furniture and pictures neutral will ensure buyers are in the right frame of mind. .

You'll want to get the house professionally staged so that it will sell more quickly for top dollar. You'll need professional photos taken and loaded onto listing websites. Once your home is listed, you'll need to tirelessly promote the listing anywhere you can to get attention.

You don't want to cut corners on any of these steps because it will make your home look shoddy and unattractive to buyers. That means less interest, lower offers, and a longer time on the market. Remember, you need to stand out from a lot of other homes that will be on the market at the same time.

If you think you can handle any of these responsibilities alone - perhaps you’re a professional photographer or media marketing expert - don’t feel pressured to pay for an expensive service. At the same time, don’t be afraid to ask the pros for help, as they almost always make up for their costs in additional value added.

>> LEARN how much it costs to stage a home

4. Prepare for showings

Organization is key when showing your home to potential buyers. You'll need a good system for scheduling showings and saving buyers' and agents’ contact information. You'll want to be flexible and try to show your house at buyers’ convenience.

Keep the home clean and decluttered at all times. The last thing you want is to scramble around with a vacuum after a buyer calls for a last-minute showing.

Also, focus on creating a homey atmosphere for buyers. You want to make a great first impression on as many buyers as possible, so add little touches that speak to most people.

"Bake cookies or light scented candles before a showing," advises Mizes. "Smell plays a huge part in how buyers will perceive and remember your house. Use comforting scents to your advantage so they feel at home the moment they walk through the door."

5. Negotiate for the best possible price

Negotiations are about deciding more than the final sale price. You and the buyer (or their agent) will also have to agree upon contract contingencies, how closing costs are divided, the timeline, and more.

To gain the upper hand, get creative with the seller concessions you offer a buyer. While they might cost you a little more at closing, concessions sweeten the deal for buyers and could lead to a higher final sale price.

The most popular concessions vary from market to market. Knowing what works with buyers in your area will help you strengthen your offer.

For example, a Clever survey of local real estate professionals found that in Iowa, sellers often cover 1.20% to 2.00% of buyers' closing costs. On a home of median value, that equates to $2,487 to $4,144, but can help you close the deal sooner and for more money.

You should also consider offering these popular seller concessions:

Most common seller concessions in Iowa

Additional resources for Iowa home sellers

8 Steps to Selling a House in Iowa

Selling your house in Iowa? Our in-depth guide breaks down the process into 8 easy-to-understand steps, from listing through closing.

Disclosure Requirements for Selling Iowa Real Estate

A home sale in Iowa can be derailed if you’re not aware of the disclosure requirements. Discover what you have to share, when, and how a realtor can help.

Top 5 We Buy Houses for Cash Companies in Iowa

Need to sell your home quickly? Compare top Iowa We Buy Houses for Cash Companies and popular alternatives.

The post How to Sell a House By Owner in Iowa (2023 Update) appeared first on Semya-Moya.

In Colorado, the average realtor commission rate is 4.78% to 6.26%. If you sell a house worth $528,300 — the median home value in Colorado — that’s over $16,500, which is a huge chunk of your potential profits.

Selling without a real estate agent, known as listing For Sale By Owner (FSBO), is a viable option for experienced home sellers who are willing to put in the time and effort.

However, selling FSBO has risks. Research shows that FSBO homes typically sell for about 6% less than those listed with agents AND you'll still usually be on the hook for offering a competitive buyer's agent commission. FSBO homes also often take longer to sell and are more likely to fall out of contract after accepting an offer.

If saving money on realtor commission is what you’re after, it’s worth looking into real estate agents who’ll work at a lower-than-typical commission. Semya-Moya matches sellers in Colorado with experienced, local agents who offer traditional service for just 1.5%. You can save money and the headache of doing it all on your own.

In addition to looking into FSBO, reach out to Clever to connect with multiple agents in your area. You can interview agents and get a free home valuation so you’ll know you’ve explored all of your options.

Connect with top, local agents in Colorado!

What FSBO sellers in Colorado need to know

Real estate laws, processes, and trends vary greatly across the country. Understanding the details of your market and getting accurate information can make a FSBO sale complicated.

We'll go into more details about what you need to do in Colorado, but here's an overview of the state's laws and regulations.

Colorado FSBO overview

Additionally, you'll need to know and understand all of your responsibilities as a FSBO seller, which include:

• Preparing your home by making necessary repairs, cleaning, and staging your home.
• Accurately and competitively pricing your home.
• Marketing your home by writing a listing description, taking high-quality photos, posting the listing on different sites (free and/or paid), and promoting your home on social media, in print ads, and via word of mouth.
• Vetting buyers to ensure they're qualified, from a financial perspective. Accepting an offer from an unqualified buyer will cause your sale to fall through.
• Negotiating the final price, contingencies, repair concessions, and other aspects of the purchase agreement.
• Properly filling out all necessary paperwork for a real estate transaction in Colorado.

How to price your home

Pricing strategy is often make-or-break for FSBO sellers. List your home for too little and you leave money on the table. Price it too high and the listing goes stale, forcing a price drop that could make buyers wary of the home.

To get an accurate idea of your home's fair market value, look at comparable listings in your area.

For example, if you live in Denver and think your house is worth about $567,000, search Zillow for active listings that are about $50,000 more and less than that. Analyze details about the houses and how they compare to yours. Ask yourself:

• Is the school district better or worse?
• Does it have the same number of bedrooms and bathrooms?
• Has the house been renovated more recently than yours?
• How do the neighborhoods and nearby amenities compare?

Answering these questions honestly will help you see if your price is in the right ballpark.

From there, be realistic about what pricing strategy will lead to higher offers. Here are some key pricing metrics that will help you decide the best listing price for your home and market:

State of the Colorado real estate market

How to list your Colorado home for sale by owner

Once you've decided on a price, it's time to write a listing description that speaks to local buyers. Understanding their priorities will help you identify what features of your property to highlight in your listing and attract more interest.

Top buyer priorities in Colorado

When it comes to advertising and posting your listing, you have several options as a FSBO seller. Each choice has its own pros and cons as well as costs:

• For Sale By Owner yard sign: You can buy a FSBO sign from most hardware stores or online for $20-$50. Be sure to choose one that allows you to add your phone numbers so interested buyers can contact you for property information and showings.
• Craigslist: Posting your home on Craigslist is free and simple. Just go to the Colorado page, find your city, and create a "real estate — by owner" listing.
• FSBO websites: There are multiple FSBO listing websites that allow you to post your home for free or a few hundred dollars. But each differs in how many photos you can include, how long the listing is live, and the changes you can make — do your research before choosing a for sale by owner site.
• Flat-Fee MLS companies: Flat-fee MLS services will list your house on your local Multiple Listing Service (MLS) for significantly less than a realtor. However, they provide few additional services unless you opt for their most expensive packages, which often cost more than using a discount brokerage.

If you choose to use a flat-fee MLS company, you'll have to offer a buyer's agent commission. The MLS is how real estate agents find homes for their clients, and typically a buyer's agent commission is included to incentivize these realtors to show the house to their clients.

How realtor commissions work in Colorado

Traditionally, both the buyer's agent and the listing agent are paid a commission by the homeowner. When sellers work with a realtor, they negotiate a commission as part of the listing agreement.

Based on the average commission rates in Colorado, this typically ranges from 2.36% to 3.10% of the sale price.

In a typical sale, the seller also agrees to a commission rate for the realtor who brings the buyer to the table, which runs between 2.42% to 3.16%.

As a FSBO seller, you automatically avoid paying a listing commission. However, there is a solid argument for offering a buyer's agent commission.

A buyer’s agent's commission is an incentive for realtors to show your house to their clients. If you don't offer a commission that is competitive compared to similar homes in your area, then your home could be shown less. Agents may prioritize taking buyers to homes with a commission.

The best way to avoid paying any commission fees is to sell to an unrepresented buyer. However, know that nearly 87% of buyers work with a realtor. If you decide not to offer a buyer's agent commission, you may severely restrict your pool of buyers.

Further, if you list FSBO, you'll likely receive multiple calls from agents offering to connect you with their buyers...if you pay them a competitive buyer's agent commission (typically 2.79% in Colorado).

» LEARN: How real estate commissions work

How commission costs break down in Colorado

When you sell your home, there are four common scenarios when it comes to commissions:

• List FSBO and sell to a buyer without an agent: Pay no commission
• List FSBO and sell to a represented buyer: Cover the buyer's agent commission
• List with a traditional agent and sell to a represented buyer: Cover both agents' commissions
• List with a discount agent and sell to a represented buyer: Cover the buyer's agent commission, but save on the listing commission.

The table below shows how this could break down in Colorado:

Paperwork to sell a house by owner in Colorado

Once you find a buyer for your house, it's time to start the closing process. In a typical real estate transaction, your agent will make sure you fill out all the necessary documents and forms. As a FSBO seller, you'll have to navigate the paperwork by yourself.

This process varies by state — here’s a quick breakdown of Colorado’s requirements.

Required for all Colorado real estate sales

Possible additional documents

Colorado disclosure forms

Many closing documents are legally binding agreements. Any errors can derail your sale and cost you thousands in fees or in costs to re-list your house.

To avoid an expensive mistake, consider working with a low commission realtor instead.

FSBO alternatives to consider

If saving money is your main reason for selling your home by owner, there are alternatives.

Semya-Moya

Clever is a nationwide real estate service that connects sellers with top, local agents. You pay Clever nothing and only pay your full-service agent 1.5% if and when your home sells.

Semya-Moya

Get Started

💲 Listing Fee

1.5% ($3,000 min.)

💰 Buyer Savings

Cash back after closing

⭐ Avg. Customer Rating

5/5 (2,735 reviews)

✍️ Editor's Take

Pros

Cons

Reviews

Locations

Clever is a quick, easy, and free way to find a top-rated local agent. And, unlike many similar companies, Clever pre-negotiates big discounts on your behalf, so you can save thousands without sacrificing on service.

Try Clever for free — save thousands on commission!

• Clever is a free, nationwide agent matching service that partners with full-service local agents from conventional brokerages like Keller Williams, Century 21, and RE/MAX.
• You get multiple agent matches so you can interview several, compare marketing plans, and choose the best fit.
• Clever pre-negotiates low rates on your behalf — you get full service for just a 1.5% listing fee ($3,000 minimum).
• If you buy with Clever, you can get cash back to help pay for your move.

• You may not get matched with an agent from your preferred real estate brokerage.
• Agents may not provide premium services like drone photography and professional home staging.

As of 11/6/2023, Clever has a 5.0 out of 5 rating on Trustpilot, based on 2,589 reviews.

Read reviews from real Clever customers here.

Clever has pre-negotiated low commission rates with top agents in all 50 states and Washington, DC.

Discount real estate services in Colorado

While pricing and services vary, discount real estate companies will help you sell your house for less than a traditional realtor. In most cases, you'll still need to offer a competitive buyer's agent commission, but you'll save on listing fees.

Redfin

Full Review

💲 Listing Fee

1.5% (min. fees vary)

💰 Avg. Savings

$5,550

⭐ Avg. Customer Rating

2.9/5 (331 reviews)

✍️ Editor's Take

Pros

Cons

Reviews

Locations

Redfin offers real savings and is a proven brand. But sellers could compromise on service — especially agent experience and availability.

Read the full Redfin review.

• If you buy and sell with Redfin, you'll get a 0.5% listing fee discount.
• Redfin gives its listings premium placement in its popular home search app.

• If finding the right agent is a top priority, you'll have limited options — Redfin only has a few agents in each of its markets.
• Redfin agents handle more customers at once than the average realtor, so they may not be able to provide as much personalized service.

Redfin has a 2.9 out of 5 rating (331 reviews) across popular review sites like Google and Yelp.

Read reviews from real Redfin customers here.

Redfin is available in 80+ U.S. markets (see all locations).

Homie

Full Review

💲 Listing Fee

$3,500

💰 Avg. Savings

$8,500

⭐ Avg. Customer Rating

4.3/5 (1,317 reviews)

✍️ Editor's Take

Pros

Cons

Reviews

Locations

Homie offers legit flat-fee savings — but may provide less personalized service than a traditional agent.

Read the full Homie review.

• The flat-fee pricing model offers big commission savings on higher-priced homes.
• The self-service listing process lets you get your home on the market quickly.

• Homie agents provide no in-person services or support.
• Agents juggle up to 10 times as many customers at once, which increases the risk you'll have a bad experience.

Homie has a 4.3 out of 5 rating (1,317 reviews) across popular review sites like Google and Yelp.

Read reviews from real Homie customers here.

Homie is available in the following areas: AZ, CO, ID, NV, UT.

Redefy

Full Review

💲 Listing Fee

$3,500 (1% above $1M)

💰 Avg. Savings

$8,500

⭐ Avg. Customer Rating

4.6/5 (300 reviews)

✍️ Editor's Take

Pros

Cons

Reviews

Locations

Redefy’s flat fee could offer big savings. But hands-off service and non-refundable upfront fees make it a hard sell over other, less risky options.

Read the full Redefy review.

• Flat $3,500 listing fee is an excellent value for higher-priced homes
• Agents provide more in-person services than some similarly-priced low commission brands

• Redefy charges an upfront, non-refundable $500 fee (most companies don't make you pay anything until your house sells)
• Your agent will not host an open house for you

Redefy has a 4.6 out of 5 rating (300 reviews) across popular review sites like Google and Zillow.

Read reviews from real Redefy customers here.

Redefy is available in the following areas: CO, FL, GA, IL, NC, SC, TN, TX, VA.

» LEARN: About discount real estate services

Flat-fee MLS services in Colorado

As mentioned before, a flat-fee MLS service will post your listing on the local MLS, usually for a low, upfront fee. In Colorado, this will typically cost you a couple hundred dollars.

Here are some Colorado flat-fee MLS companies to compare:

Home Savings Realty

Home Savings Realty

Best For

Sellers who expect their home to sell quickly

Price Range

$399-699 (0.25% at closing)

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• The broker is involved in all parts of the selling process as long as your listing is active.
• Your listing package includes professional photos of your home.

Cons:

• The listing terms are short compared to other Colorado flat-fee MLS companies.

HybridMLSListings

HybridMLSListings

Best For

Inexperienced sellers who need extra guidance

Price Range

$299-549 (0.5% at closing)

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• You can add as many photos as the MLS allows with all listing packages.
• The broker will handle all your offer negotiations for you.

Cons:

• The basic package doesn't include any pricing assistance.

Flat Fee Group

Flat Fee Group

Best For

Sellers who need help with offer reviews and negotiations

Price Range

$299-549 (0.5% at closing)

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• The broker will review your contracts and title documents, offering you advice throughout the process.
• You'll work with a local broker backed by the reputation of a national company.

Cons:

• You have to sign up for the premium package to receive any pricing assistance.

» LEARN: About flat-fee MLS services in Colorado

iBuyers

iBuyers will buy qualifying homes for cash, meaning you avoid realtor fees — and the stress of listing on the open market entirely. While these companies make fair-market offers, they will deduct any required repairs after an on-site visit. They also charge a service fee typically ranging between 6-14%.

» LEARN: How to sell to an iBuyer

5 tips for selling your home without a realtor in Colorado

Pulling off a FSBO sale successfully is a difficult feat to accomplish. Here are some helpful tips from Clever CEO and real estate investor Ben Mizes, who has experience listing homes without an agent.

1. Make minor repairs

Small upgrades and repairs can do a lot to sway potential buyers. The key is knowing how and where to spend your money to get higher offers. Simple DIY projects like a fresh coat of paint or new cabinet pulls have a high return on investment, whereas pricier improvements like adding a new bedroom may not.

Overall, the most important factor is knowing where the line is between necessary and over-the-top. You want your house to meet buyers' expectations.

"If your kitchen is a disaster, spending more money on a remodel to get it in solid condition will pay off in the end," said Mizes. "But spending money on high-end features to take it from good to extravagant will be a waste."

Also, consider how valuable specific repairs are to buyers in your area. Focus on upgrades that have a higher cost recuperation in your region.

Home repairs with highest resale value in Colorado

Note: A resale value of more than 100% indicates a profitable repair.

2. Price your Colorado home competitively

With the average Colorado home valued at $411,125, the market is pretty neutral in the state. But some homeowners don't seem to have gotten the message. The average listing price is over $495,975 and means that most sellers are pricing their homes at 22% more than their current value. Overpriced homes with few motivated buyers are going to sit on the market too long and drop.

You need to choose a competitive price high enough to show that your home is valuable but not so low as to make your buyers suspicious.

3. Stage and market your home

If you want to ensure that your home sells quickly, you need to attract buyers. Most buyers will find out about your home for sale for the first time via images they see online, so it is crucial that your home has a visually appealing online presence.

Colorado buyers will want to see great views and a warm and cozy home that seems comfortable in the winter. If your home overlooks the beautiful landscapes of Colorado, show it off. Get a professional photographer to take high quality aerial and landscape shots, helping inspire potential buyers to take the leap.

You might also consider hiring a professional stager to redecorate your home. Staging can cost hundreds of dollars a month per room of your house, but it ensures that your home is filled with furnishings and designed in an appealing way.

4. Prepare for showings

Organization is key when showing your home to potential buyers. You'll need a good system for scheduling showings and saving buyers' and agents’ contact information. You'll want to be flexible and try to show your house at buyers’ convenience.

Keep the home clean and decluttered at all times. The last thing you want is to scramble around with a vacuum after a buyer calls for a last-minute showing.

Also, focus on creating a homey atmosphere for buyers. You want to make a great first impression on as many buyers as possible, so add little touches that speak to most people.

"Bake cookies or light scented candles before a showing," advises Mizes. "Smell plays a huge part in how buyers will perceive and remember your house. Use comforting scents to your advantage so they feel at home the moment they walk through the door."

5. Negotiate for the best possible price

Negotiations are about deciding more than the final sale price. You and the buyer (or their agent) will also have to agree upon contract contingencies, how closing costs are divided, the timeline, and more.

To gain the upper hand, get creative with the seller concessions you offer a buyer. While they might cost you a little more at closing, concessions sweeten the deal for buyers and could lead to a higher final sale price.

The most popular concessions vary from market to market. Knowing what works with buyers in your area will help you strengthen your offer.

For example, a Clever survey of local real estate professionals found that in Colorado, sellers often cover 0.70% to 1.20% of buyers' closing costs. On a home of median value, that equates to $3,698 to $6,339, but can help you close the deal sooner and for more money.

You should also consider offering these popular seller concessions:

Most common seller concessions in Colorado

Additional resources for Colorado home sellers

8 Steps to Selling a House in Colorado

Selling your house in Colorado? Our in-depth guide breaks down the process into 8 easy-to-understand steps, from listing through closing.

Disclosure Requirements for Selling Colorado Real Estate

Colorado real estate seller disclosures let sellers know what’s important to communicate to buyers. If you don’t follow the law, you risk losing your sale.

Top 5 We Buy Houses for Cash Companies in Colorado

Need to sell your home quickly? Compare top Colorado We Buy Houses for Cash Companies and popular alternatives.

The post How to Sell a House By Owner in Colorado (2023 Update) appeared first on Semya-Moya.

• In 2022, the average time it takes to sell a home in Vermont — from listing through closing — is approximately 96 days. That’s 61 days to get an offer, plus the typical 35-day closing period.
• Key factors that impact Vermont home sale timelines include local market conditions (e.g., buyer demand, job market, rising home values, etc.), time of year, and your property’s type and condition.
• Your agent’s listing strategy (pricing, marketing, networking, etc.) and the buyer’s financing situation — i.e., the amount of time it takes for them to secure loan approval — will also influence how long your sale ultimately takes.

Read on to learn more about how long it takes to sell a house in Vermont and get some pro tips on how to speed up your sale, get better offers, and save thousands in the process.

JUMP TO SECTION

• What’s the average time to sell a house in Vermont?
• Best time to sell a house in Vermont
• Best month to sell a house fast in Vermont
• Best month to sell a house in Vermont for price
• Tips to get your Vermont home sold
• Next steps for Vermont home sellers
• Additional resources for Vermont home sellers

What’s the average time to sell a house in Vermont?

The average time it takes to sell a house in Vermont is 96 days — 61 days to get an offer and an additional 35 days to close. This is approximately 15.7% slower than the national average.

Keep in mind that these are annual averages and the numbers will vary by month and/or season.

👋 Don't want to wait 96 days to sell your house?

Selling to a Vermont cash home buyer could put money in your bank account in as little as 7 days.

Clever Offers makes it easy to compare offer from top cash home buyers in Vermont. Just fill out the form below to get matched with a top local realtor, who will request offers on your behalf from trustworthy local companies. You'll also get a free home valuation, so you can see what your house is worth on the open market and be confident you're making the right decision.

You can request cash offers without any risk or obligation — if you're not happy with an offer, you're free to walk away.

Best time to sell a house in Vermont

In addition to the average days on market and list price data, we’ve compiled data on the BEST (and worst) times to sell your Vermont house based on what’s most important to you:

• Fastest Time to Sell: When should you list your home if you’re looking to sell quickly?
• Highest Sale Price: What month should you list in to get the best possible price for your home?

Best month to sell a house fast in Vermont

The best month to sell a house fast in Vermont is June. The median time it takes for Vermont homes listed in June to sell is 30 days, which is 31 days faster than the annual average.

» READ: How to sell your house fast

Best month to sell a house in Vermont for price

The best month to sell a house in Vermont in terms of sale price is September. The median sale price in September is $443,000, which is 10.5% — or $42,094 — more than the annual average.

Tips to get your Vermont home sold

1. Price your home competitively

Pricing your home competitively will help you sell your home faster. During a hot seller’s market, you want to make sure you stand out from the competition. Having a listing price that’s not too low or too high will bring in more buyer’s and hopefully help you stand out among the competition.

2. Market your home

Proper marketing for your home will do wonders for attracting buyers. First, you’ll want to do some cleaning and basic repairs like touching up paint and pulling some weeds. Then, your house will be ready to have professional photos taken.

You can either take the photos yourself if you have the experience, or you can ask your real estate agent for help during this time. They will most likely either have experience taking photos or know a professional photographer.

After having photos, it’s time to make your listings. You’ll need details and accurate descriptions that lays everything out for potential buyers. Think of it from a buyer’s perspective: would you want to schedule a showing on a house that has almost no information or photos on the listing? Probably not.

You can also decide to stage your home if you want to host open houses or feel extra prepared for private showings. Real estate agents have experience with staging homes and will be able to help you make your house look its best.

3. Work with a real estate agent

Working with a real estate agent is valuable if you’re trying to sell your house quickly and walk away with a profit. They are real estate experts and will be able to assist you in every step of the process, from setting the listing price, taking photos, staging the home, and preparing proper documents for closing day.

4. Negotiate like a pro

Being able to negotiate is going to essentially make or break your sale. Sometimes, buyers will submit an offer that might not contain everything a seller wants from the sale. Knowing how to submit counter offers without scaring buyers is something your real estate agent will be able to help you on. You might also be able to walk away with a higher profit depending on the terms you and the buyer agree on.

If you are choosing to sell your home without a real estate agent, otherwise known as for sale by owner (FSBO), you’ll want to do some research on negotiation etiquette.

» MORE: How Much Are Closing Costs for Sellers in Vermont?

5. Offer to make upgrades

Offering to make upgrades or repairs is going to really set you apart from the competition. Buyers are always looking for ways to save money considering they have to pay some hefty upfront costs like down payments.

You also have to remember that a buyer might not be willing to pay a higher price on a house that needs a new water heater or grass. This is when investing your money is going to increase your house value and attract buyers.

Next steps for Vermont home sellers

If you’re looking to sell your home fast in Vermont and get a great price, Semya-Moya can match you with a top local realtor from a trusted brand like Keller Williams or RE/MAX.

Clever also negotiates reduced 1.5% listing fees on your behalf. You'll get guaranteed full service and support from your agent, but pay half of the 3% listing fee most realtors charge.

Importantly, home sellers who list with Clever get their first qualified offer in an average of 24.1 days* — that’s 37 days faster than the average time to offer in Vermont. Find a top local agent and get a 1.5% listing fee now!

_{*Average time to offer for Clever home sellers}

Average time to sell a house in Vermont: 2019-2021

Additional resources for Vermont home sellers

Top 5 We Buy Houses for Cash Companies in Vermont (2021 Rankings)

Need to sell your home quickly? Compare top Vermont We Buy Houses for Cash Companies and popular alternatives.

How Much Does it Cost to Sell a House in Vermont? (2023 Updates!)

It costs $35,927 to sell a house in Vermont on average! Use our cost of selling a house calculator to see how much you'll pay when you sell your home.

8 Steps to Selling a House in Vermont

Selling your house in Vermont? Our in-depth guide breaks down the process into 8 easy-to-understand steps, from listing through closing.

Average Real Estate Commission in Vermont

No data for state.total_average_commission is the average real estate commission rate in No data for state.state_name. Learn how No data for state.state_name real estate commission works and how you can save on realtor fees.

The post Average Time to Sell a House in Vermont appeared first on Semya-Moya.

• In 2022, the average time it takes to sell a home in Alabama — from listing through closing — is approximately 80 days. That’s 45 days to get an offer, plus the typical 35-day closing period.
• Key factors that impact Alabama home sale timelines include local market conditions (e.g., buyer demand, job market, rising home values, etc.), time of year, and your property’s type and condition.
• Your agent’s listing strategy (pricing, marketing, networking, etc.) and the buyer’s financing situation — i.e., the amount of time it takes for them to secure loan approval — will also influence how long your sale ultimately takes.

Read on to learn more about how long it takes to sell a house in Alabama and get some pro tips on how to speed up your sale, get better offers, and save thousands in the process.

JUMP TO SECTION

• What’s the average time to sell a house in Alabama?
• Best time to sell a house in Alabama
• Best month to sell a house fast in Alabama
• Best month to sell a house in Alabama for price
• Tips to get your Alabama home sold
• Next steps for Alabama home sellers
• Additional resources for Alabama home sellers

What’s the average time to sell a house in Alabama?

The average time it takes to sell a house in Alabama is 80 days — 45 days to get an offer and an additional 35 days to close. This is approximately 3.6% faster than the national average.

Keep in mind that these are annual averages and the numbers will vary by month and/or season.

👋 Don't want to wait 80 days to sell your house?

Selling to a Alabama cash home buyer could put money in your bank account in as little as 7 days.

Clever Offers makes it easy to compare offer from top cash home buyers in Alabama. Just fill out the form below to get matched with a top local realtor, who will request offers on your behalf from trustworthy local companies. You'll also get a free home valuation, so you can see what your house is worth on the open market and be confident you're making the right decision.

You can request cash offers without any risk or obligation — if you're not happy with an offer, you're free to walk away.

Best time to sell a house in Alabama

In addition to the average days on market and list price data, we’ve compiled data on the BEST (and worst) times to sell your Alabama house based on what’s most important to you:

• Fastest Time to Sell: When should you list your home if you’re looking to sell quickly?
• Highest Sale Price: What month should you list in to get the best possible price for your home?

Best month to sell a house fast in Alabama

The best month to sell a house fast in Alabama is May. The median time it takes for Alabama homes listed in May to sell is 32 days, which is 13 days faster than the annual average.

» READ: How to sell your house fast

Best month to sell a house in Alabama for price

The best month to sell a house in Alabama in terms of sale price is July. The median sale price in July is $322,050, which is 8.1% — or $24,160 — more than the annual average.

Tips to get your Alabama home sold

1. Time the market

As we have seen in the data previously listed, being able to time the market is an important tool. It can make as much as a $30,000 price difference in how much you sell your home for and how long it sits on the market. However, Alabama is different than most states because selling in the summer means you can sell quicker, but selling in the spring means you can walk away with the highest profit.

It is essentially up to the seller to decide which is more important. Some sellers need their home sold quickly if they’re relocating for a job. Or, some sellers need their home sold for the highest amount possible in order to pay off a mortgage or front a down payment for their new house. At the end of the day, a real estate agent will help you find a happy medium between the two.

2. Price your home competitively

Pricing your home competitively will help you sell your home quicker. This is what we saw with the average days spent on the market in Alabama. Since the spring and summer months are typically a seller’s market, there are going to be many sellers that you need to compete with. Having a listing price that’s not too low or too high will bring in more buyers and hopefully help you stand out among the competition.

3. Work with a real estate agent

Working with an expert in the real estate field is going to benefit you in all aspects. Not only do they have extensive market knowledge to help price your home, they know how to work with buyers. Real estate agents will also be able to help stage your home whether that be giving you a referral to a professional or doing it themselves. The same goes for getting professional photos of your house for listings. If you really think about it, why wouldn’t you want to hire an expert to do all the nitty-gritty work for you?

» READ: Top Alabama Real Estate Agents

4. Negotiate like a pro

How you handle the negotiation is going to really make or break your sale. You don’t want to scare away buyers with unreasonable conditions, but you also don’t want to offer anything that might leave you with little to no profit. Again, this is when a real estate agent is going to come in handy. They have experience working with buyers and their agents and will be able to quickly determine what the buyer wants from the sale.

If you are deciding to sell your home yourself, otherwise known as FSBO, you will need to brush up on your negotiating skills and do some research to see what helps sellers profit during the negotiating process.

» MORE: Alabama Closing Costs

5. Offer to make upgrades

If you think about the home selling process from a buyer’s perspective, they probably want a home with the least amount of necessary upgrades and repairs. In fact, they probably won’t want to even offer a higher price if they know they’re in charge of fixing things in your home. This is when it might be a good idea to invest some money into necessary upgrades and repairs.

Not only will this increase the value of your home, but it incentivizes buyers to pick your home over another seller. Some ways you can do this are upgrading the siding or exterior of your home.

Do some basic landscaping or add grass if you never had any. Replace or repair any damaged or outdated windows. Sometimes that can even be as easy as adding shutters to the exterior or painting window frames. You can even create open space by taking out a non-load-bearing wall or removing the kitchen island.

Next steps for Alabama home sellers

If you’re looking to sell your home fast in Alabama and get a great price, Semya-Moya can match you with a top local realtor from a trusted brand like Keller Williams or RE/MAX.

Clever also negotiates reduced 1.5% listing fees on your behalf. You'll get guaranteed full service and support from your agent, but pay a third of the 3% listing fee most realtors charge.

Importantly, home sellers who list with Clever get their first qualified offer in an average of 24.1 days* — that’s 21 days faster than the average time to offer in Alabama. Find a top local agent and get a 1.5% listing fee now!

_{*Average time to offer for Clever home sellers}

Average time to sell a house in Alabama: 2019-2021

Additional resources for Alabama home sellers

Top 5 We Buy Houses for Cash Companies in Alabama

Need to sell your home quickly? Compare top Alabama We Buy Houses for Cash Companies and popular alternatives.

How Much Does it Cost to Sell a House in Alabama? (2023 Updates!)

It costs $26,574 to sell a house in Alabama on average! Use our cost of selling a house calculator to see how much you'll pay when you sell your home.

8 Steps to Selling a House in Alabama

Selling your house in Alabama? Our in-depth guide breaks down the process into 8 easy-to-understand steps, from listing through closing.

Average Real Estate Commission in Alabama

5.44% is the average real estate commission rate in Alabama. Learn how Alabama real estate commission works and how you can save on realtor fees.

The post Average Time to Sell a House in Alabama appeared first on Semya-Moya.

• In 2022, the average time it takes to sell a home in Washington, D.C. — from listing through closing — is approximately 78 days. That’s 43 days to get an offer, plus the typical 35-day closing period.
• Key factors that impact Washington, D.C. home sale timelines include local market conditions (e.g., buyer demand, job market, rising home values, etc.), time of year, and your property’s type and condition.
• Your agent’s listing strategy (pricing, marketing, networking, etc.) and the buyer’s financing situation — i.e., the amount of time it takes for them to secure loan approval — will also influence how long your sale ultimately takes.

Read on to learn more about how long it takes to sell a house in Washington, D.C. and get some pro tips on how to speed up your sale, get better offers, and save thousands in the process.

JUMP TO SECTION

• What’s the average time to sell a house in Washington, D.C.?
• Best time to sell a house in Washington, D.C.
• Best month to sell a house fast in Washington, D.C.
• Best month to sell a house in Washington, D.C. for price
• Tips to get your Washington, D.C. home sold
• Next steps for Washington, D.C. home sellers
• Additional resources for Washington, D.C. home sellers

What’s the average time to sell a house in Washington, D.C.?

The average time it takes to sell a house in Washington, D.C. is 78 days — 43 days to get an offer and an additional 35 days to close. This is approximately 6.0% faster than the national average.

Keep in mind that these are annual averages and the numbers will vary by month and/or season.

👋 Don't want to wait 78 days to sell your house?

Selling to a Washington, D.C. cash home buyer could put money in your bank account in as little as 7 days.

Clever Offers makes it easy to compare offer from top cash home buyers in Washington, D.C.. Just fill out the form below to get matched with a top local realtor, who will request offers on your behalf from trustworthy local companies. You'll also get a free home valuation, so you can see what your house is worth on the open market and be confident you're making the right decision.

You can request cash offers without any risk or obligation — if you're not happy with an offer, you're free to walk away.

Best time to sell a house in Washington, D.C.

In addition to the average days on market and list price data, we’ve compiled data on the BEST (and worst) times to sell your Washington, D.C. house based on what’s most important to you:

• Fastest Time to Sell: When should you list your home if you’re looking to sell quickly?
• Highest Sale Price: What month should you list in to get the best possible price for your home?

Best month to sell a house fast in Washington, D.C.

The best month to sell a house fast in Washington, D.C. is March. The median time it takes for Washington, D.C. homes listed in March to sell is 35 days, which is 8 days faster than the annual average.

» READ: How to sell your house fast

Best month to sell a house in Washington, D.C. for price

The best month to sell a house in Washington, D.C. in terms of sale price is October. The median sale price in October is $646,587, which is 9.1% — or $53,702 — more than the annual average.

Tips to get your Washington, D.C. home sold

1. Get an experienced local agent

One of the most important factors in selling your home for faster and more than you could on your own is to hire an experienced local agent. Real estate agents have access to information that most sellers don't have. By running a competitive market analysis, they'll look at data to optimize your listing price and when it hits the market.

Pairing up with a Clever Partner Agent helps to save you money. You get a full-service listing agent for just 1.5% of the sale price, compared to the average of 3%. This can save you thousands of dollars and ensure that your sale helps to fund your next home or investment.

2. Update the HVAC

In Washington D.C., it gets cold and snowy in the winter and hot and balmy in the summer. This means that you'll need a good heating system and a powerful cooling system. If you haven't checked out your HVAC in a while, it's probably time to.

Your heating and cooling system could cost a few thousand dollars to fix but if it's not fixed before your home goes on the market, your buyer could start haggling the price down. Once that starts, they'll be picking away at several elements of your home. Updating or fixing up this system ensures they'll save money on utilities and will have one less thing to try to negotiate on.

3. Target your market

The market in D.C. is different than many other real estate markets. You have young millennial politicos who make a good wage and who want to move into their first home. They'll have requirements that you're close to public transit and that the home is move-in ready.

You'll have foreign families and dignitaries who want to send their kids to a good school while staying just a short commute from work. You'll also have lots of tech entrepreneurs from D.C.'s burgeoning tech industry. They'll all want convenience from your home so make sure you market that way.

4. Take great photos

When putting together a listing for your home, you're going to need lots of great photos. Most people will be encountering your home for the first time via photos online, not in person. You need to get them excited about your home with photos first.

Hire an interior designer to help stage your home and then get a professional photographer to take photos. While you might have some great snaps from your phone, you need high-end photos taken with a professional camera.

5. Show off what other homes don't have

Your listing needs to distinguish your home from other homes in the region. Rather than talking about the boring details, look at what homes in your region don't have and market from that angle.

If you want to ensure that your listing stands out, you'll need help from an experienced local agent who knows all about why people choose to buy homes in your neighborhood. They'll make sure your listing stands out and that your home follows the trends of what's going on in your backyard.

Next steps for Washington, D.C. home sellers

If you’re looking to sell your home fast in Washington, D.C. and get a great price, Semya-Moya can match you with a top local realtor from a trusted brand like Keller Williams or RE/MAX.

Clever also negotiates reduced 1.5% listing fees on your behalf. You'll get guaranteed full service and support from your agent, but pay a third of the 3% listing fee most realtors charge.

Importantly, home sellers who list with Clever get their first qualified offer in an average of 24.1 days* — that’s 19 days faster than the average time to offer in Washington, D.C.. Find a top local agent and get a 1.5% listing fee now!

_{*Average time to offer for Clever home sellers}

Average time to sell a house in Washington, D.C.: 2019-2021

Additional resources for Washington, D.C. home sellers

The Ultimate Guide to Flipping Houses in Washington DC

Use this guide to find out everything you need to know before deciding to flip homes in Washington, D.C.

How Much Does it Cost to Sell a House in Washington D.C.? (2023 Updates!)

It costs $46,867 to sell a house in Washington, D.C. on average! Use our cost of selling a house calculator to see how much you'll pay when you sell your home.

8 Steps to Selling a House in Washington, D.C.

Selling your house in Washington, D.C.? Our in-depth guide breaks down the process into 8 easy-to-understand steps, from listing through closing.

Related Articles

Top Flat-Fee MLS Companies in Washington DC

Compare local flat-fee MLS services in Washington, D.C., get free resources for selling your home by owner, and explore other listing options that can help you save.

The post Average Time to Sell a House in Washington, D.C. appeared first on Semya-Moya.

In West Virginia, selling your house without a real estate agent is possible, and it could save you a lot of money in agent commission fees. The average realtor commission rate in West Virginia is 4.71% to 6.17%. If you sell a house worth $157,300 — the median home value in West Virginia — you'd pay more than $7,400 to real estate agents. That's a huge chunk out of your potential profits.

Without a listing agent, you can cut commission expenses in half, and you'll have more control over the sale. But because of added responsibilities, such as setting a listing price and negotiating with buyer's agents, selling without an agent is often only a viable option for experienced home sellers willing to put in the time and effort.

Plus, selling for sale by owner (FSBO) has risks. Research shows that FSBO homes typically sell for about 6% less than those listed with agents. You'll also still have to offer a competitive buyer's agent commission — usually 2.72% of the sale price in West Virginia. You'll be responsible for all the work of a trained realtor, so if you have other obligations, such as a job or a family, selling FSBO might not be for you.

You may save time and pocket more profit by working with a low-commission realtor who can sell your home for top dollar. Semya-Moya pre-negotiates 1.5% listing fees ($3,000 minimum) with top-rated local agents. You'll get the support of a full-service agent for a fraction of the typical price, so you can walk away from your sale with the most cash possible.

» SAVE: Sell with a top local agent for just 1.5% listing fees

Keep reading to learn how to successfully sell your house without an agent in West Virginia. We'll explain the ins and outs of costs, pricing strategies, paperwork, and more.

How realtor commissions work in West Virginia

When you sell your home, there are four common commission scenarios.

1. List with an agent and sell to a represented buyer. Pay for both agents' commission fees.

This is the traditional model. When sellers work with a realtor, they negotiate commission as part of the listing agreement.

Based on average commission rates in West Virginia, this typically ranges from 2.35% to 3.08% of the sale price.

The seller also agrees to a commission rate for the realtor who brings the buyer to the table, which runs between 2.36% to 3.09%.

2. List FSBO and sell to a represented buyer. Pay the buyer's agent commission.

As a FSBO seller, you automatically avoid paying a listing commission. However, there is a solid argument for offering a buyer's agent commission. It's an incentive for realtors to show your house to their clients. If you don't offer a competitive commission, agents may prioritize taking buyers to homes with a commission.

3. List FSBO and sell to a buyer without an agent. Pay no commission.

The best way to avoid paying any commission fees is to sell to an unrepresented buyer. However, nearly 87% of buyers work with a realtor. If you decide not to offer a buyer's agent commission, you may severely restrict your pool of buyers.

4. List with a discount agent and sell to a represented buyer. Pay the buyer's agent commission but save on the listing commission.

You'll typically find the best overall value with a traditional, full-service agent who offers discounted listing fees. For example, Clever Partner Agents work for trusted brands like RE/MAX and Keller Williams and offer a range of full-service benefits for a fraction of the cost. Use Clever's free, no-obligation service to connect with a top-performing agent near you.

The table below shows how this could break down in West Virginia:

How West Virginia realtor commissions work

» LEARN: What is Realtor Commission?

How to sell a house by owner in West Virginia

Prepare your home for sale | Set a price | List your home | Show your home | Negotiate the best price | Close

As a FSBO seller, you need to know and understand all your responsibilities, which include preparing your home for sale, pricing your home accurately, finding buyers, negotiating, and filing the necessary paperwork required by state law.

Real estate laws vary across the country. For example, some states don't allow sellers to put a FSBO sign in their yard if they list on the multiple listing service (MLS) using a flat-fee company.

Here's an overview of what laws you need to know in West Virginia:

Although selling your home without an agent may seem like a great way to save on realtor fees, it’s trickier than many people expect. If it becomes overwhelming, you can hire an agent at any time.

Working with a low-commission real estate company may be a better option for those who don’t have time to sell FSBO. You'll avoid the hassle of a FSBO sale and walk away with the most money possible. Clever saves sellers thousands, and they get offers 2.8x faster than the national average.

Step 1: Prepare your home for sale

Small repairs and upgrades can make a big difference in boosting your home's appeal and swaying potential buyers. The key is knowing how to spend your money wisely to get higher offers.

Simple DIY projects like a fresh coat of paint or new cabinet pulls have a high return on investment, whereas pricier improvements like building a new bedroom may not. The most important thing is knowing what's necessary and what's over the top.

You want your house to meet buyers' expectations. If your kitchen is in bad shape, spending more money on a remodel will pay off in the end. But investing in high-end features to take it from good to extravagant could be a waste.

Also, consider how valuable specific repairs are to buyers in your area. According to Jon Granlund, a realtor with Real Broker, LLC primarily covering Northern Virginia, regrouting the bathrooms and replacing old-fashioned light fixtures are among the top repairs that local sellers make.

» LEARN: Best Paint Colors to Sell a House

Stage and photograph your home

You'll need professional photos for your listing — photos taken with your iPhone are much less likely to impress — and you'll want to showcase a clean home and furnished for potential buyers to see.

Start by decluttering, deep cleaning, and sprucing up your home's curb appeal. Consider moving your personal belongings to a storage unit. Clear your yard of leaves if you're selling in autumn.

"Get everything off the counters," says Granlund. "The less you have in there the better."

As for paint, natural colors are popular for interiors. "Agreeable Gray is kind of the go-to around here," he adds, referring to the Sherwin Williams paint color.

Granlund tends to avoid virtual staging, as he doesn't like how the results look, but he adds there are some virtual staging companies that do a reasonable job.

Step 2: Set a price

Pricing strategy can make or break a FSBO sale. List your home for too little, and you leave money on the table. Price it too high, and the listing goes stale, forcing a price drop that could make buyers wary of the home.

To get an accurate idea of what your house is worth, look at comparable listings online in your area. For example, if you think your house is worth about $300,000, search Zillow, Redfin, or other listing sites for properties that are about $50,000 more or less than that target. Analyze details about the homes and how they compare to yours. Ask yourself:

• Is the school district better or worse?
• Does it have the same number of bedrooms and bathrooms?
• Has the house been renovated more recently than yours?
• How do the neighborhoods and nearby amenities compare?

Answering these questions honestly will help you see if your price is in the right ballpark.

A pre-sale appraisal gives you a more accurate starting point for pricing your home. In West Virginia, appraisals average $315 to $420 but help you walk away with thousands more once your home is sold.

» LEARN: What is a Comparative Market Analysis?

State of the West Virginia real estate market

In 2021, West Virginia had a seller's market driven by fierce demand for a limited supply of homes. The lack of homes sent prices soaring. The median home price in West Virginia is $138,859, a 14% increase from the year before.

However, home values vary from city to city within the same state, and determining the right price for your home will depend on your location. Here are the median home values for some of West Virginia's biggest cities:

PUT YOUR COPY ABOUT THE LOCAL MARKET

Step 3: List your West Virginia home

Once you've decided on a price, it's time to write a listing description that speaks to local buyers. Understanding their priorities will help you identify what features of your property to highlight in your listing. Here are some of the top buyer priorities in West Virginia, according to real estate professionals.

Where to list your home

The best place to market your home is on the MLS. MLS listings populate onto real estate websites like Zillow, Redfin, and Realtor.com, increasing your home's online presence. That's important because 51% of buyers found the homes they purchased via the internet.

However, agents are the only ones who can list on the MLS. You can work with an agent and still maintain control of your sale by using a flat-fee company that charges a one-time payment to list your home on the MLS.

It usually costs a few hundred dollars and includes a property description, up to 25 photos, and a listing lasting no more than 12 months. Additional services, such as a virtual tour, downloadable contracts, and free changes to your listing, are often bundled into more expensive packages — but they're still typically cheaper than paying a listing agent's 3% commission fee. Find the best flat fee MLS companies in West Virginia.

As a FSBO seller, you also have several free or low-cost options.

• Zillow: Listing on Zillow is free and takes just a few simple steps: create a profile, claim your home, navigate to the FSBO page, fill out your listing info, click publish, and wait for verification. Zillow listings also automatically appear on its sister site, Trulia. However, recent changes to Zillow keep FSBO listings separate from agent listings, meaning your home will be a lot less visible to buyers.
• ForSaleByOwner.com: This well-established and recognized for-sale-by-owner site caters specifically to people wanting to buy or sell FSBO homes. It's free to advertise, but your home won't show up on the MLS or syndicate to other real estate websites. That means your listing will only be viewable to buyers who go to ForSaleByOwner.com.
• For-sale-by-owner yard sign: You can buy a FSBO sign from most hardware stores or online for $20–50. Choose one that allows you to add your phone number so interested buyers can contact you for property information and showings.
• Craigslist: Posting your home on Craigslist is free and simple. Just go to the West Virginia page, find your city, and create a "real estate — by owner" listing.

» MORE INFO: Learn How to Sell a House on Craigslist

Step 4: Show your home

Organization is key when showing your home to potential buyers. You'll need a good scheduling system and a spreadsheet to save buyers' and agents’ contact information. You'll want to be flexible and try to show your house at buyers’ convenience.

Keep the home clean and decluttered at all times. The last thing you want is to scramble with a vacuum after a buyer calls for a last-minute showing.

Focus on creating a homey atmosphere for buyers. You want to make a great first impression, so add little touches that speak to most people. Bake cookies or light scented candles before a showing. Smell plays a huge part in how buyers perceive and remember your house. Use comforting scents to your advantage so they feel at home the moment they walk through the door.

Step 5: Negotiate for the best possible price

Negotiations are about more than the final sale price. You and the buyer (or their agent) will also have to agree upon contract contingencies, how closing costs are divided, the timeline, and more.

To gain the upper hand, get creative with the seller concessions you offer a buyer. While they might cost you a little more at closing, concessions sweeten the deal for buyers and could lead to a higher final sale price.

Knowing what's important to buyers in your area will help you strengthen your offer. A Clever survey of local real estate professionals found that in West Virginia, sellers often cover 2.60% to 3.30% of buyers' closing costs. On a home of median value, that will cost an additional $4,089 to $5,190.

You should also consider offering these popular seller concessions:

Concession	Benefits of offering concession
Home warranty	If your home has major appliances or systems that are on their last leg, a home warranty can give buyers peace of mind. A warranty will cover possible problems and is typically less expensive than paying for the repairs (or accepting a lower offer from a wary buyer).
Property taxes	You often have to share past tax information about the property before closing a sale. By covering some of those costs, you can offer buyers some financial relief and make them more inclined to close the sale.
Repair credits	Repair credits are a win-win for buyers and sellers. You'll credit the buyer a set amount to cover the cost of repairs. Once the deal closes, buyers can oversee the project to their liking, and you don't have to worry about repairs going over budget.

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Step 6: Close

Closing is the final step in a real estate transaction. The title of the property is officially transferred from the seller to the buyer, and both parties pay their closing costs.

Use a title company to facilitate a smooth closing. Title companies collect and distribute closing costs, collect signatures, ensure sellers have the right documents, and file them with relevant agencies.

🤔 Do I need a real estate attorney to sell my house in West Virginia? ATTORNEY NOTE

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» READ: How Much are Closing Costs for Sellers in West Virginia?

Paperwork to sell a house by owner in West Virginia

In a typical real estate transaction, your agent will make sure you fill out all the necessary documents and forms. As a FSBO seller, you'll have to navigate the paperwork by yourself. Here’s a quick breakdown of West Virginia's requirements.

Want to save this list for later? Download our FSBO paperwork checklist to help you prepare for your sale.

Required for all West Virginia real estate sales

Two forms of ID	In most cases, a valid passport, driver's license, or other form of West Virginia-issued ID.
Copy of purchase agreement and addendums	Copy of the original, signed sales agreement, as well as any agreed upon changes.
Closing statement	A detailed list of all the costs associated with the sale and who pays them. This is often prepared by your escrow agent or title company.
Signed deed	To legally transfer your property, you'll need the deed that proves you're the rightful owner. At closing, you'll sign the deed over to the buyer.
Bill of sale	This is basically a receipt that includes both your information and the buyer's. It will also list the final price of the home and what was included in the sale.
Affidavit of title	A notarized document that states you own the home, that there are no liens on the property, and that you are not simultaneously selling the home to someone else.

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Additional documents

Loan payoff information	If you have a mortgage on your home, you'll need documentation of exactly how much you still owe and any payoff fees. If you've already paid your mortgage in full, you'll need documentation proving that.
HOA forms and guidelines	If your home is part of an HOA, you'll need to give the buyer documentation on the covenants, codes, restrictions, financial history, required fees, and approval process.
Survey results or survey affidavits	A survey or an affidavit verifying a previous survey proves exactly where the property lines are.
Home inspection results	If you had a pre-sale inspection, you'll want the results to compare to the buyer's inspection. If having a buyer's inspection was part of the sales agreement, you should receive a copy of the results before closing.
Proof of repairs or renovations	Documentation proving any major repairs or changes to the house help verify its value. These receipts also provide buyers with information about who to contact if they discover issues with the repairs in the future.
Home warranty information	The home warranty service agreement will explain what is covered, for how long, and costs associated with the policy.
Copies of relevant wills, trusts, or power of attorney letters	If you are selling an inherited property, you'll need copies of all legal documents that passed ownership to you.
Relevant affidavits (name affidavits, non-foreign affidavit under IRC 1445)	You may need additional affidavits like a name affidavit, which lists all of your or the buyer's previous names, or an affidavit proving you are not a foreign citizen and, therefore, exempt from certain property sales taxes.
Closing disclosure	If your buyer is taking out a mortgage and you agreed to certain seller's concessions, you may need a copy of their closing disclosure to verify the lender approved your concessions.
Correction statement and agreement	If forms are lost or errors are discovered in the future, a correction statement and agreement requires you, the buyer, or their lender to replace or fix those documents.

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West Virginia disclosure forms

Seller's property disclosure statement	The seller disclosure statement details known issues with your home and its major appliances and systems.
Flood zone statement	With some federally backed mortgages, your buyer's lender might require information about the property's flood risk.
Lead-based paint disclosure	If your home was built before 1978, federal law requires that you disclose information about the dangers of lead-based paint.

Show more

» LEARN: Disclosure Requirements for Selling West Virginia Real Estate

Where to find documents

COPY ABOUT DOCS

Here's where to find forms online:

• LawDepot — Free
• eForms — Free
• US Legal — Charges a small monthly subscription

When you're looking for other documents, such as tax records, property surveys, and deeds, check state or local government offices, such as your tax assessor’s office or department of revenue.

Just remember, many closing documents are legally binding agreements. Errors can result in an unenforceable contract that could derail your sale and cost you thousands in fees. To avoid an expensive mistake, consider working with a low-commission realtor.

💰 Incredible savings, none of the DIY

Selling your home is time-consuming, and fraught with potential legal issues.

There's a better option. Clever pre-negotiates lower listing fees with top agents in your area. You still save on commission, while getting the support of a full-service agent.

• Clever partner agents offer full-service support for half the typical cost: a pre-negotiated 1.5% listing fee
• Clever sellers save an average of $7,000 on commission AND they get offers 2.8x faster than the national average

Ready to find real estate agents who can help you save thousands on your sale? Enter your zip code below to get started!

Learn More

Pros and cons of selling FSBO

Before deciding to sell your home by owner, weigh all the pros and cons to make the right choice for your situation.

Pros	Cons
✅ Lower commission: Even if your buyer has an agent, you'll still avoid paying 2–3% in listing agent commission.	❌ Less visibility with buyers: Unless you pay a flat fee MLS company, your home won't be on the local MLS, meaning fewer buyers will see your listing.
✅ More control: You can decide the price, showing schedule, marketing strategy, negotiation tactics, and more.	❌ Risks of inaccurate pricing: If you overprice your home, you won't attract buyers. You could be forced to accept a low offer or take your home off the market and relist with an agent.
✅ No competition with other clients: Some agents take on more clients than they can handle, which means you may not get the attention you need.	❌ Safety issues: You're responsible for showing your home to prospective buyers. Not everyone is comfortable being alone with strangers because theft or harassment can occur.
✅ You may sell faster: If you're selling to a family member or friend, FSBO streamlines the process.	❌ More work and stress: Trying to cram all the FSBO responsibilities into your schedule is a hassle many FSBO sellers aren't prepared for.

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FSBO alternatives

If saving money is your main reason for selling FSBO, there are alternatives.

Semya-Moya

Clever is a nationwide real estate service that connects sellers with top, local agents. You pay Clever nothing. You'll only pay your full-service agent 1.5% listing fees ($3,000 minimum) if your home sells.

Semya-Moya

Get Started

💲 Listing Fee

1.5% ($3,000 min.)

💰 Buyer Savings

Cash back after closing

⭐ Avg. Customer Rating

5/5 (2,735 reviews)

✍️ Editor's Take

Pros

Cons

Reviews

Locations

Clever is a quick, easy, and free way to find a top-rated local agent. And, unlike many similar companies, Clever pre-negotiates big discounts on your behalf, so you can save thousands without sacrificing on service.

Try Clever for free — save thousands on commission!

• Clever is a free, nationwide agent matching service that partners with full-service local agents from conventional brokerages like Keller Williams, Century 21, and RE/MAX.
• You get multiple agent matches so you can interview several, compare marketing plans, and choose the best fit.
• Clever pre-negotiates low rates on your behalf — you get full service for just a 1.5% listing fee ($3,000 minimum).
• If you buy with Clever, you can get cash back to help pay for your move.

• You may not get matched with an agent from your preferred real estate brokerage.
• Agents may not provide premium services like drone photography and professional home staging.

As of 11/6/2023, Clever has a 5.0 out of 5 rating on Trustpilot, based on 2,589 reviews.

Read reviews from real Clever customers here.

Clever has pre-negotiated low commission rates with top agents in all 50 states and Washington, DC.

Discount real estate services in West Virginia

Discount real estate companies can help you sell your house for less than a traditional realtor, although pricing and services vary. In most cases, you'll still need to offer a competitive buyer's agent commission, but you'll save on listing fees.

Redfin

Full Review

💲 Listing Fee

1.5% (min. fees vary)

💰 Avg. Savings

$5,550

⭐ Avg. Customer Rating

2.9/5 (331 reviews)

✍️ Editor's Take

Pros

Cons

Reviews

Locations

Redfin offers real savings and is a proven brand. But sellers could compromise on service — especially agent experience and availability.

Read the full Redfin review.

• If you buy and sell with Redfin, you'll get a 0.5% listing fee discount.
• Redfin gives its listings premium placement in its popular home search app.

• If finding the right agent is a top priority, you'll have limited options — Redfin only has a few agents in each of its markets.
• Redfin agents handle more customers at once than the average realtor, so they may not be able to provide as much personalized service.

Redfin has a 2.9 out of 5 rating (331 reviews) across popular review sites like Google and Yelp.

Read reviews from real Redfin customers here.

Redfin is available in 80+ U.S. markets (see all locations).

» COMPARE: Discount Real Estate Brokers: Who's the BEST?

Flat fee MLS companies in West Virginia

A flat fee MLS service will post your listing on the local MLS, usually for a low, upfront fee. In West Virginia, this will typically cost you a couple hundred dollars.

Houzeo

Houzeo

Best for

Sellers looking for a lot of a-la-carte options

Price range

$199-999+

Overview

Pros and cons

Contact

Houzeo is a nationwide service that offers three plans, all with MLS access. While Houzeo does have a fourth “free” plan, that plan doesn’t actually offer MLS access, so it's not worthwhile.

And watch out for surprise fees. Simple things that are free with other companies will incur charges that can quickly add up on Houzeo. Those charges tend to make Houzeo poor value for money.

Pros:

• You can fill out, sign, and submit all your seller's paperwork on the Houzeo app.
• When you enter your address, Houzeo auto-fills publicly available data about your property.
• Houzeo lets you buy additional services like contract reviews, agent showings, and professional showings a la carte.
• Your Houzeo listing gets syndicated to Zillow, Trulia, Realtor.com, and Redfin.

Cons:

• You have to pay extra for pricing assistance — several local competitors offer this for free.

(844) 448-0110

houzeo.com

Flat Fee Group

Read Our Full Review

Best For

Sellers who want to work with a local broker with a national reputation

Price Range

$499

Overview

Pros and cons

Contact

Flat Fee Group is a nationwide network of brokers offering flat fee MLS listings. Each state is covered by a different broker, which means that your experience will vary depending on where you live.

Prices and services change a lot from state to state. Flat Fee Group can be a good deal in some states, but a bad deal in others. Before using them, you should compare other flat fee MLS companies near you.

Pros:

• You can set up a free FSBO web page along with your MLS listing
• In most states it's easy to switch to a full-service agent if you decide FSBO isn't for you

Cons:

• Your package options and quality of service will vary based on the listing broker in your state
• As of January 6, 2021, Flat Fee Group does not have brokers in Montana, West Virginia, and Wyoming

flatfeegroup.com

FSBO.com

Read Our Full Review

Best For

Sellers who also want to list on a large FSBO marketplace

Price Range

$400

Overview

Pros and cons

Contact

FSBO.com is a well-known FSBO website and one of the few that will also get you listed on Redfin.

But watch out: only its most expensive plan will actually get you an MLS listing. Chances are you can find a cheaper option with MLS access elsewhere.

Pros:

• Your home will appear in your local MLS and on FSBO.com. A lot of people shop directly for FSBO properties on their site.

Cons:

• FSBO.com refers you to a broker in your area instead of listing your property itself. Your experience could vary greatly dependin on the broker you're matched with.
• You have to pay for seller disclosures, for sale signs, and lock boxes separately.

1 (800) 690-5802

fsbo.com

» FIND: 7 Best West Virginia Flat-Fee MLS Companies

Conclusion: Is FSBO right for you?

FSBO isn't a right for everyone. But if you're feeling confident about the steps and knowledgeable about the challenges, you might be ready to sell without a realtor in West Virginia. To succeed, you'll need to:

• Make a plan: From taking photos of your property to filling out the correct paperwork, there will be a lot on your FSBO to-do list. Set completion goals and work out a schedule so you can find a buyer and close in a timeframe that works for you.
• Get ready to hustle: Attracting qualified buyers is hard work. You'll need a great listing description and a killer marketing strategy to generate interest. Also, prepare to spend a considerable amount of time fielding calls from prospective buyers, scheduling showings, hosting open houses, and more.
• Make smart investments: Even though saving money is your main goal as a FSBO seller, spending money on small upgrades or repairs can lead to higher offers and a faster sale. Also, consider paying a flat fee company to list your home on the local MLS to reach more buyers.
• Seek some professional advice: You don't have to sign a listing contract to talk to a realtor. Professional agents understand that smart sellers weigh their options. They'll be willing to meet for a free consultation. After seeing your home and looking at comps, they might notice problems or advantages you overlooked. Once you've heard their advice, if you still want to sell by owner, you can do so confidently because you thoroughly explored your choices.

If you'd like some professional guidance with no strings attached, Clever can help. Fill out your info below to connect with a top, local realtor for a no-obligation consultation.

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Additional resources for West Virginia home sellers

FAQs: How to sell your house without a realtor in West Virginia

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The post How to Sell a House By Owner in West Virginia appeared first on Semya-Moya.

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