How to Sell a House By Owner in Maryland

Maryland real estate commissions | How to list FSBO in Maryland | Maryland FSBO paperwork | FSBO pros and cons | FSBO alternatives

In Maryland, 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 Maryland is 4.32% to 5.90%. If you sell a house worth $402,600 — the median home value in Maryland — you'd pay more than $17,500 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 2.51% of the sale price in Maryland. 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 Maryland. We'll explain the ins and outs of costs, pricing strategies, paperwork, and more.

How realtor commissions work in Maryland

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 Maryland, this typically ranges from 2.20% to 2.99% 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 2.12% to 2.91%.

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 Maryland:

How Maryland realtor commissions work

» LEARN: What is Realtor Commission?

How to sell a house by owner in Maryland

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 Maryland:

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. When it comes to interior paint, stick to neutral colors. Neutral colors make your house look bigger and cleaner. If the walls are painted a dark or loud color, consider switching to white.

» LEARN: Best Paint Colors to Sell a House

However, pricier improvements, like building a new bedroom or doing a high-end kitchen remodel, may not be worth the extra cost. You'll often spend more on these projects than you'll get back from the sale price. Whatever projects you take on, make sure you're meeting Maryland buyers' expectations.

» DISCOVER: The Best (and Worst) Home Improvements for Resale Value

Roof and HVAC repairs are two of the biggest concerns that home buyers have in Maryland, according to Nik Namdar, director of marketing and growth at The Fine Living Group (part of eXp Realty).

The presence of a stain on the ceiling could trigger anxious questions from a buyer about whether the roof needs to be replaced. Home inspectors also love to point out problems with the HVAC system, so if your system seems too old, consider switching it out for a new one.

Roof and HVAC repairs can be very costly, but for that reason, they're among the top fixes that can boost the value of your home.

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.

A well-staged home can help you sell faster and for more money. Start by decluttering, deep cleaning, and sprucing up your home's curb appeal.

"A house that's home staged will sell faster and likely at a higher price, and will bring more demand, than just an empty home. We've had great success with home staging," says Namdar.

"Virtual staging is great for the eye on the internet, but when people walk through the house they don't get that same feeling."

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.

Look at closed comparable sales (comps) in your neighborhood to get a sense of what your house is worth. Consider the sale prices for all homes that are similar to yours in size and features that have sold in your ZIP code in the last six months.

Then, 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 Maryland, appraisals average $295 to $380 but help you walk away with thousands more once your home is sold.

» LEARN: What is a Comparative Market Analysis?

State of the Maryland real estate market

In 2021, Maryland 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 Maryland is $361,092, a 12% 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 Maryland's biggest cities:

Maryland remains a strong seller's market, with many homebuyers struggling to find available homes. Median prices are significantly up compared to last year, while the amount of inventory on the market is down.

As of February 2022, there were just 0.6 months of inventory on the market across the state. Higher mortgage rates should rein in price growth somewhat, but the seller's market is expected to continue in 2022.

Selling your home by owner in this type of market might not require much legwork. Paying full price for an agent may feel like a waste of money if you can easily find an interested buyer on your own.

Still, there are many reasons not to forgo an agent. It's possible you may get multiple offers on your home. A realtor can advise you which ones are worth accepting so you can make even more when selling your home.

An agent can also help you with negotiating. In our recent survey of 1,000 home buyers, 73% said they thought they could out-negotiate a FSBO seller. Having an agent on your side can make sure that doesn't happen.

Step 3: List your Maryland 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 Maryland, 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 Maryland.

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 Maryland 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 Maryland, sellers often cover 0.30% to 0.60% of buyers' closing costs. On a home of median value, that will cost an additional $1,208 to $2,416.

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 Maryland? No, you don't need to hire an attorney to sell your house in Maryland. Home sellers typically use title companies, which have attorneys on site that are available to answer your questions or concerns. However, you may want to hire an attorney for additional peace of mind and to ensure you comply with local laws.

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

Paperwork to sell a house by owner in Maryland

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 Maryland's requirements.

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

Required for all Maryland real estate sales

Two forms of ID	In most cases, a valid passport, driver's license, or other form of Maryland-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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Maryland disclosure forms

Residential property disclosure and disclaimer 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.

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» LEARN: Disclosure Requirements for Selling Maryland Real Estate

Where to find documents

Need a document that's not on the list? The Maryland Realtors website has a library of standard real estate forms, but they're intended for real estate agents, and you must log in to access them.

However, real estate forms can be written in a variety of formats, and you can find downloadable 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% ($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 Maryland

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).

Houwzer

Full Review

💲 Listing Fee

1% (min. $2,500)

💰 Avg. Savings

$7,625

⭐ Avg. Customer Rating

4.9/5 (1,463 reviews)

✍️ Editor's Take

Pros

Cons

Reviews

Locations

Houwzer has very low listing fees, but you may be frustrated working with a team instead of just your realtor.

Read the full Houwzer review.

• You’ll pay a 1% listing fee, which is one of the lowest rates in the industry.
• Houwzer’s maximum listing fee of $10,000 makes it a great deal for homes over $1 million.

• Houwzer has a small team, which limits your options if you don't hit it off with the first agent it sends you.
• The company uses a team-based approach, which increases the chances of miscommunication and mistakes.

Houwzer has a 4.9 out of 5 rating (1,463 reviews) across popular review sites like Google and Zillow.

Read reviews from real Houwzer customers here.

Houwzer is available in the following locations: FL, MD, NJ, PA, VA, DC.

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.

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

Flat fee MLS companies in Maryland

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

Cottage Street Realty

Cottage Street Realty

Best For

Inexperienced sellers who want extra guidance from their listing broker

Price Range

$299-999

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• The basic package includes the maximum number of photos allowed by your local MLS while many flat fee MLS companies limit you to six or fewer photos.
• The premium and supreme packages get the broker more involved in your listing with things like contract reviews and market analysis.

Cons:

• You have to sign up for the Premium package ($799) before you can e-sign contracts.
• The basic listing doesn't include any kind of pricing assistance.

DNK Real Estate

DNK Real Estate

Best For

Sellers who want to customize their listing plan with a la carte options

Price Range

$249-799

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• You can choose from a lot of a la carte add-ons like virtual tours, extra photos, and premium yard signs that you can purchase to customize your listing.

Cons:

• The basic listing only includes one photo.
• Listing changes (include price and status) cost $25 each.
• Other flat-fee MLS companies charge less and provide more with their basic listings.

Mr. Lister Realty

Mr. Lister Realty

Best For

Sellers looking for a long listing term

Price Range

$450-650

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Both packages include a 12-month listing term.
• The base package allows for up to 20 photos. Many similar listing packages limit you to 10 or fewer.

Cons:

• The Quick List package doesn't allow any free changes and the Seller's Choice package ($650) only comes with two free changes.
• You have to pay extra to add an open house to your MLS listing.

» FIND: 6 Best Maryland 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 Maryland. 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.

👋 Need a great agent on your side?

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Additional resources for Maryland home sellers

Average Time to Sell a House in Maryland in 2021

We’ve compiled the latest data on how long it takes to sell a house in Maryland — along with top tips on how to sell your house faster AND for top dollar.

Top Real Estate Agents in Maryland

Find the best real estate agents in Maryland. We've ranked agents based on their past experience, customer ratings, and sales histories.

How to Sell a House "As Is" in Maryland (An Ultimate Guide)

Selling your Maryland home "as is" quickly and at the right price can be a challenge. Follow this guide to learn how best to market your property to buyers.

Top 6 'We Buy Houses' Companies in Maryland

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

FAQs: How to sell your house without a realtor in Maryland

Can I sell my house without a realtor in Maryland?

Yes, you can sell your house without a realtor in Maryland. But selling a home is a complicated, high-stakes transaction, so if you're new to the process, hiring an agent is probably the best way to go. An agent can help you price your home competitively and find a buyer that will pay what your property is actually worth.

How do I write a for sale by owner contract in Maryland?

The easiest way is to download a standard purchase and sale agreement from an online form provider, such as eForms.com, LawDepot, or USLegalForms.com. You'll also have to provide a stack of other paperwork for the transaction, such as a closing statement, signed deed, disclosures, and more.

Do I need a lawyer to sell my house by owner in Maryland?

No, a lawyer is not required to sell your house by owner in Maryland, as sellers typically use a title company that has lawyers on staff. But you may want to hire a real estate attorney to handle any complex legal issues with your transaction and protect you from being sued.

What are the costs of selling my house by owner?

Selling costs typically include a pre-sale appraisal (around $500–800), staging costs ($1,500–2,000), title fees ($1,000–1,200), and transferring and recording fees (1-1.25%, depending on the county). Property taxes vary, and owner's title insurance is generally covered by the buyer.