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Why trust us: To create this guide, we surveyed and interviewed Arizona real estate agents, studied Arizona real estate law, and researched more than 20 FSBO companies and alternatives. Learn more about why you can trust our advice. |
If you choose to sell your home in Arizona without a realtor, you won't need to pay the average Arizona listing commission of 2.80% of your home's sale price. That would lead to a savings of around $11,860 based on the average Arizona home price.
But you'll need to earn your savings by doing all of the things a real estate agent would normally do, such as pricing the home, scheduling showings, and negotiating with buyers. Even after you find a buyer, you'll still need to navigate the closing process, which can be tricky even for professionals. All of this extra work explains why only 10% of home sales are for sale by owner, or FSBO for short.
Another thing to consider is you might save money on commission but end up selling for as much as 35% less than you would if you had the help of a real estate agent.
FSBO is only recommended for those with the experience and knowledge necessary to sell a home. This guide will help you decide if selling your home in Arizona without a realtor is right for you.
Who should sell a house by owner?
Before you decide whether to sell your Arizona home on your own, look at the pros and cons of selling FSBO. The selling process will take a lot of time and energy, just like a part-time job.
Selling by owner in Arizona could be right for you if:
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You've sold a home before, with or without the help of a realtor. Experience is important for FSBO sellers — learning as you go will likely lead to stress and mistakes.
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You can call up a real estate expert for advice. If you have a friend or family member willing to lend an ear and provide advice (for free), you'll have someone to lean on when you're not sure what to do.
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You have enough free time in your schedule. Selling a home isn't just a weekend project — you'll need to stay on top of things to schedule showings and answer questions.
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You know who you're selling to. If you already have a buyer lined up, much of the work is complete. But you'll still need to be prepared for the closing process.
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You want to be in control of your home sale. If you want to be making all of the major decisions without a realtor's help, FSBO gives you that opportunity.
If more than a couple of these criteria don't apply to you, you're likely better off hiring an agent.
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 Arizona 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 Arizona!
How to sell a house by owner in Arizona
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Here are 6 steps to sell a house by owner in Arizona: |
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 Arizona:
| Arizona FSBO facts | |
|---|---|
| Real estate attorney required? | No |
| FSBO yard sign allowed? | Yes |
| Required state disclosures? |
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Although selling your home without a realtor 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.
Why do all the work of selling FSBO only to end up with less money than you would have with an agent? Clever offers you bigger savings without sacrificing the service you expect from a traditional realtor.
With Clever:
✅ You'll only pay 1.5% to list your home
✅ You'll work with a full-service realtor from a top broker
✅ It's free, with zero obligation — you can walk away at any time
Saving on realtor fees doesn't have to mean sacrificing service. Find a top local agent today!
Step 1: Prepare your home for sale
Even in a strong seller's market, making needed repairs can help you receive top dollar for your home. Scottsdale-based realtor Lisa Dixon suggests looking into the following common repairs:
- Cosmetic repairs like new light switches, etc.
- Repairing the roof on an older home (tiles replaced or resealed, new underlayment, etc.)
- Installation of GFCI (ground-fault circuit interrupter) outlets (particularly in homes built before GFCI was mandatory)
» LEARN: Best Paint Colors to Sell a House
Stage and photograph your home
You'll need professional photos for your listing, and you'll want to showcase a clean and furnished home for potential buyers to see. Start by decluttering, deep cleaning, and sprucing up your home's curb appeal.
A well-staged home can help you sell faster and for more money. According to Dixon, professional staging can boost the value of a high-end home by about $65,000 over the asking price.
Companies such as Scottsdale-based Staged with Love offer high-quality professional staging for about $3,500 per month, which is small change compared to the potential increase in your home's value.
Many sellers think they don't need to stage their house because Arizona is such a strong seller's market.
"But staging that home, especially when it's a larger home, really gives people a great idea of how their furniture would look and how they would place it, or what they could actually do to fill that area," notes Dixon.
Professional staging will typically get you 60–90 days of a fully designed living room, kitchen, dining room, master bedroom, and bathrooms. Prices vary from city to city, so be sure to give local companies a call for specific estimates.
Step 2: Set a price
Pricing strategy can make or break the FSBO selling process. 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.
| 🙋🏻♀️ Ask a realtor: "I think that you should always price it based on the comps and what works for your community," notes Dixon. "You need to do that research and find out. A lot of times, you'll go in and see those FSBOs that are ridiculously priced. Well, they're probably not going to get the amount of traction they thought they were going to get when they do that." |
To get an accurate idea of your home's fair market value, 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.
A pre-sale appraisal gives you a more accurate sense of your home's fair market value, which is a great starting point for pricing your home. In Arizona, appraisals average $310 to $395 but help you walk away with thousands more once your home is sold.
| Bonus tip: Ask an agent to perform a comparative market analysis examining comparable properties that have sold recently in your neighborhood. Many realtors will do this for free in the hopes of gaining your business if you decide to forego FSBO. |
» LEARN: What is a Comparative Market Analysis?
State of the Arizona real estate market
Knowing where the market is headed is the best way to determine the correct price for your home. Like the rest of the U.S., Arizona's housing market is cooling off. You'll have to do a bit more work to sell your home than you did a year ago, but you'll still be able to sell for a good price (for now) since home prices are down only 2.1% from one year ago.
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 Arizona's biggest cities:
| City | Median home value |
|---|---|
| Phoenix | $448,225 |
| Tucson | $341,351 |
| Yuma | $ |
| Flagstaff | $ |
| Sierra Vista | $ |
The number of homes sold went down by 45% from December 2021 to December 2022. The median days on market nearly doubled from 35 to 67.
In one sense, a slower market means less competition because buyers will have fewer options to choose from. But you'll have to be patient and price your home right at the beginning to avoid sitting on the market forever.
As home prices continue to drop, it makes sense to view FSBO as a way to get the most money in your pocket. But keep in mind that having a realtor on your side can lead to bigger profits, even after paying commission.
Sell a Home with Clever and Save Thousands!
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Step 3: List your Arizona 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 Arizona, according to real estate professionals.
| Arizona buyer priorities | Advice for FSBO sellers |
|---|---|
| Energy-efficient home | It's important to have an energy-efficient home in Arizona, where temperatures regularly top 100 degrees throughout the summer. A solar panel system is attractive, particularly if the panels are owned (so the homebuyer won't have to make monthly payments on them). Energy-efficient windows are also a plus. |
| Extra space | Home offices have been a top buyer priority with the rise of remote work over the past two years. A study by CommercialCafe identified Scottsdale and Gilbert as America's #1 and #2 best cities for remote work, respectively, based on a mix of factors including the high percentage of people that were already working from home before 2020. |
| Renovations and repairs | Homebuyers in the U.S. are willing to pay a premium for bathroom renovations, including spa-like features such as curbless showers, heated floors, and freestanding bathtubs, according to a report by Zillow Research. Repairing the roof can go a long way in an older home. Make sure the house has ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) for electrical safety. |
| Listing price | Do your research and make sure the home is priced appropriately based on its features (square footage, amenities, etc.) and the comps in your neighborhood. Arizona may be a red-hot seller's market now, but buyers will be turned off by a home that's significantly overpriced. |
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. As a FSBO seller, you can work with an agent and still maintain control of your sale by using a flat-fee MLS 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 Arizona.
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 Arizona page, find your city, and create a "real estate — by owner" listing.
| 🙋🏻♀️ Don't forget about social media: Consider marketing your home online, too. "You should take advantage of every social media platform," notes Dixon, citing YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. "Whatever program or platform you're on, you should take advantage of that and put it out there, because you never know where that buyer's going to come from." |
» 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.
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 Arizona, sellers often cover 1.30% to 2.10% of buyers' closing costs. On a home of median value, that will cost an additional $5,489 to $8,867.
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. |
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 Arizona?
No, you don't need an attorney to sell your home in Arizona. The vast majority of sellers just use a title company. But if you're selling for sale by owner, a real estate attorney can ensure you comply with local laws and protect you from being sued. |
» READ: How Much are Closing Costs for Sellers in Arizona?
Paperwork to sell a house by owner in Arizona
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 Arizona's requirements.
Want to save this list for later? Download our FSBO paperwork checklist to help you prepare for your sale.
Required for all Arizona real estate sales
| Two forms of ID | In most cases, a valid passport, driver's license, or other form of Arizona-issued ID. |
| Copy of purchase and sale agreement and addendums | Copy of the original, signed purchase and sale 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. |
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. |
Arizona 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. |
| Arizona radon fact sheet | Arizona law requires the seller to disclose material facts about the property, including the presence of radon gas. |
» LEARN: Disclosure Requirements for Selling Arizona Real Estate
Where to find documents
You can find a large number of common real estate forms on the Arizona Realtors website. Documents may be written in other legal formats if you choose to write them yourself or hire an attorney to help with the paperwork.
Here's where to find forms online:
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.
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!
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 Arizona home sellers with top, local agents. You pay Clever nothing. You'll only pay your full-service agent 1.5% of your home sale price, saving up to 50% on listing fees.
Semya-Moya
Get Started💲 Listing Fee
💰 Buyer Savings
⭐ Avg. Customer Rating
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.
- 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.
Clever has pre-negotiated low commission rates with top agents in all 50 states and Washington, DC.
Discount real estate services in Arizona
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
💰 Avg. Savings
⭐ Avg. Customer Rating
Redfin offers real savings and is a proven brand. But sellers could compromise on service — especially agent experience and availability.
- 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.
Redfin is available in 80+ U.S. markets (see all locations).
Homie
Full Review💲 Listing Fee
💰 Avg. Savings
⭐ Avg. Customer Rating
Homie offers legit flat-fee savings — but may provide less personalized service than a traditional agent.
- 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.
Homie is available in the following areas: AZ, CO, ID, NV, UT.
REX Real Estate
Full Review💲 Listing Fee
💰 Avg. Savings
⭐ Avg. Customer Rating
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.
- 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.
REX is available in the following areas: AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, MD, NV, NJ, OR, PA, TX, WA, DC.
» COMPARE: Discount Real Estate Brokers: Who's the BEST?
Flat fee MLS companies in Arizona
A flat fee MLS company will post your listing on the local MLS, usually for a low, upfront fee. In Arizona, this will typically cost you a couple hundred dollars.
AZ FSBO Pro
AZ FSBO ProBest For
Price Range
Pros:
- You can pay less for a shorter listing if you're confident your home will sell within three months.
- The cheapest package includes 10 photos. Many other companies include only six.
- If you don't know what your listing price should be, you can see how much homes have sold for in your area recently for a small fee.
Cons:
- You have to pay extra to add open house dates to your MLS listing — a service that most companies include in their packages.
Congress Realty
Congress RealtyBest For
Price Range
Pros:
- Congress Realty has a phone system that forwards any phone calls about your listing directly to you.
- You can request a free Comparative Marketing Analysis if you want a better idea of what homes in your area have sold for recently.
Cons:
- Congress Realty costs a lot more than competitors with similar MLS packages.
- You have to pay an extra $50 if you want more than four photos in your listing.
Flatlist.com
Flatlist.comBest For
Price Range
Pros:
- You can list up to 25 photos without paying extra. Other companies limit you to 10 or fewer on their base packages.
- Your listing comes with all the state and federal disclosure forms, plus counter offer forms, HOA addendums, and seller's property disclosures.
Cons:
- The service is only available in Oahu, Maui County, Big Island, and Kauai.
- Flatlist.com doesn't give you the choice of a smaller, cheaper listing package.
» FIND: 7 Best Arizona Flat-Fee MLS Companies
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Additional resources for Arizona home sellers
FAQs: How to sell your house without a realtor in Arizona
Do I need to hire a lawyer in Arizona?
You don't need a lawyer to sell your home in Arizona — the vast majority of sellers use a title company. But hiring a good attorney can give you peace of mind by ensuring you have a well-written contract that protects you from legal problems down the road.
What closing costs do sellers pay in Arizona?
Closing costs in Arizona include title service and closing fees (at an average rate of0.42%), owner's title insurance (0.52%), transfer fees (which vary locally), recording fees (0.07%), and property taxes (which also vary locally).
What are some ways I can market my home in Arizona?
Clean and declutter your home and consider having it professionally staged. A well-staged home can help you sell faster and for more money. Marketing your home on social platforms such as Facebook, Tiktok, and YouTube can expand your reach.