How to Sell a House By Owner in Ohio (2023 Update)

Jaime Dunaway-Seale's Photo
By Jaime Dunaway-Seale Updated January 1, 2024

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Why trust us: To create this guide, we surveyed and interviewed Ohio real estate agents, studied Ohio real estate law, and researched more than 20 FSBO companies and alternatives. Learn more about why you can trust our advice.
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Selling your home without a realtor in Ohio means not having to pay the average Ohio listing commission of 3.19%. Based on the average Ohio home price, this would mean a savings of around $6,961.

Seeing how much you can save makes selling your home by owner sound very tempting. Keep in mind, though, that you'll need to put in the work to earn the savings. Everything involved in selling the home — pricing, marketing, showings, and negotiating — will be your responsibility. Even after you accept an offer, you'll still need to make it through closing.

FSBO isn't easy, which is why only 10% of home sales are for sale by owner (FSBO). Another thing to consider is that you might end up selling for as much as 35% less than you would with a real estate agent, erasing your savings and then some.

Selling your home without a realtor in Ohio is not the right path for everyone. This guide will help you decide if it's right for you.

Who should sell a house by owner?

Selling on your own is not like other DIY projects. It's important to consider the benefits and the downsides of FSBO before listing your home for sale by owner.

Selling without a real estate agent in Ohio could be right for you if:

  • This isn't your first home sale. If you've sold a home before, with or without a realtor, you have an idea of what to expect. If you were once a licensed real estate agent, even better.
  • You know a real estate expert to ask for help. Friends and family willing to provide the occasional piece of advice (for free) would be very valuable to a FSBO seller.
  • You don't have a busy schedule. Acting as your own agent means being ready to answer calls and buyer questions at all times. If you're too busy to respond, it might lead to buyers losing interest.
  • You already have a buyer. If you have an offer on the table, most of your work is done. You'll still need to navigate all of the paperwork during closing, however.
  • You want total control over your home sale. If it's important to you to control all aspects of the selling process, such as how the home is marketed and what the listing price should be, FSBO gives you that option.

If more than two of the above criteria aren't true for you, consider using an agent over trying to make a sale by owner.

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 Ohio 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 Ohio!

How to sell a house by owner in Ohio

Here are 6 steps to sell a house by owner in Ohio:

  1. Prepare your home for sale
  2. Set a price
  3. List your home
  4. Show your home
  5. Negotiate the best price
  6. Close
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As a FSBO seller, you need to know and understand all your responsibilities, which include preparing your home for sale, pricing your own 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, like Ohio, 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 MLS company.

Here's an overview of what laws you need to know in Ohio.

Ohio FSBO facts
Real estate attorney required? No
FSBO yard sign allowed? Not if your home is on the MLS
Required state disclosures?
  • Residential Property Disclosure Form
  • Flood Zone Statement
  • Lead-Based Paint Disclosure
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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.

👋 Skip the DIY: Get a better agent AND bigger savings

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

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Saving on realtor fees doesn't have to mean sacrificing service. Find a top local agent today!

Step 1: Prepare your home for sale

Small upgrades, repairs, and curb appeal can do a lot to sway potential buyers. The key is knowing how 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.

The most important factor is knowing what's necessary and what's over the top. If your kitchen is outdated, spending money on a remodel to get it in solid condition will pay off in the end. But spending money on high-end features to take it from good to extravagant could be a waste.

Consider how valuable specific repairs are to buyers in your area. We asked top agents in Ohio what additional repairs they think help a home sell for more.

  • Updated kitchen — Most buyers want a move-in ready home, including a modern kitchen with quartz or granite countertops.
  • Foundation repairs — Between rain and snow, Ohio gets a lot of moisture. If you have cracks in your foundation, water could leak into the basement and flood your home. If you notice cracks in your walls, uneven floors, or jammed doors and windows, it could indicate foundation problems. Most foundation repair companies offer free estimates, but problems can be expensive to fix.
  • New flooring — If you want to get the most bang for your buck, install new wood flooring. Realtors ranked it as one of the top four interior renovation projects buyers most want to see, and they estimated homeowners could recoup more than 100% of the expense.
  • Basement conversion — If your basement is unfinished, consider renovating it into extra living space to ride out Ohio's cold and snowy winters. However, since a full basement conversion can be upwards of $45,000, if you have a limited budget and your main floor has seen better days, you may want to focus on remodeling that instead to get the most value back.

» LEARN: How Much Value Does Finishing a Basement Add to a Home?

🤔 How does selling "as is" in Ohio affect the price?Selling a home "as is" means you won't make any repairs, and the prospective buyer will purchase the home in its current condition. The price of the home should be lowered to reflect the buyer's cost of making significant renovations. You'll likely turn a higher profit if you fix up your home, but if you need to move quickly or don't have money for repairs, selling "as is" may be right for you.

» READ: Should I Sell My House As Is or Fix It Up?

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Photograph and stage your home

You'll need professional photos for your listing, and you'll want to showcase a clean and furnished home with great curb appeal for potential buyers.

If you've already moved to a new home, your old home may be vacant. Instead of leaving it empty, you could hire a company to stage it and a professional photographer to take pictures.

🙋🏻‍♀️ Ask a realtor: "Video tours have been huge in this area because we’ve had a ton of people relocating to Ohio," said Tom Garuccio, a real estate agent in the Cleveland metro area. "We get sight unseen offers all the time, and I’ve sold a bunch of houses just on a video tour."
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A well-staged home can help you sell faster and for more money. However, this could cost you several hundred dollars a month per room to fill it with the right furnishings.

In Ohio, a potential buyer will want to see:

  • Flex spaces, such as a basement, staged as a home office, gym, or fan cave for watching all of Ohio's sports teams
  • Front-porch furniture that creates a welcoming atmosphere
  • Lots of space, so consider moving extra furniture to storage
  • Lots of light, so open or remove curtains that might darken a room

Bonus tip: Hire a professional stager who knows your local market and can ensure your home is ready to impress, giving you one less thing to worry about. In Ohio, expect to pay between $1,760–$1,880 in upfront staging costs. This will 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.
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Step 2: Set a price

How much you can sell your home for will depend on a number of factors, including your home's physical characteristics and local market conditions, as well as personal conditions: do you want top dollar or do you want to sell fast?

State of the Ohio real estate market

To choose a price that will generate interest, research local market trends. As of late 2022, Ohio home prices were up by 13.3% compared to last year. While it's likely that prices will cool off as Ohio catches up with the rest of the U.S. market, the continued growth is great news for anyone currently selling.

But even as home values remain strong, fewer people are selling homes. The number of homes sold dropped by 30.4% from late 2021 to late 2022.

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 Ohio's biggest cities:

City Median home value
Columbus $299,588
Cleveland $214,136
Cincinnati $269,669
Toledo $
Akron $
Dayton
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While you might not have a bidding war develop over your home (like you might have a year ago), you'll also have less competition from other homes. If you're patient and set your price appropriately, you should be able to attract an offer within the average 41 days on market.

As the market cools and home prices in Ohio begin to dip, it makes sense to view FSBO as a way to make the most of your home sale. Remember, though, that having a realtor on your side can lead to a higher sale price, especially as the market becomes challenging to sellers.

Sell a Home with Clever and Save Thousands!

Enter your ZIP code to find a Clever partner agent in your area.

How do I price my home?

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 can go stale — even in a seller's market. If it lingers on the market too long, you may be forced to lower the price, which could make buyers wary of the home.

🙋🏾 Ask a realtor: "You get a lot of people saying, 'It’s a crazy market. Price it high,'" Garuccio said. "But if you do that, you end up getting less — always. What I tell sellers is to come out with an attractive listing that grabs attention and to price it competitively. That doesn’t mean underprice. Price it where it’s going to drive demand. Emotion starts to take over, and people start bidding higher and higher."
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To get an accurate idea of fair market value for your home, 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.

Remember, it's best to evaluate homes that are in the same area. If you're selling your Columbus home, don't base the price off a similar home in Dayton.

🤔 How do I find out how much a house sold for?
The best way to find out how much a house sold for is to ask a local real estate agent who can look up the house on the MLS. You can also try your county recorder’s office or website.
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A pre-sale appraisal can also give you a more accurate starting point for pricing your home. In Ohio, appraisals average $290 to $340 but help you walk away with thousands more once your home is sold.

Bonus tip: Ask an agent to perform a comparative market analysis (CMA) 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.
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» LEARN: What is a Comparative Market Analysis?

Step 3: List your Ohio 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 Ohio, according to real estate professionals.

Ohio buyer priorities Advice for FSBO sellers
Listing price Ohio's housing market is the most competitive it's ever been, but it's still very affordable compared to other states. Do your research and look at recent sales data in your area for an accurate price point for homes of comparable size and condition.
Finished basement Basements provide additional space for entertaining or serve as a bonus room for a fan cave or gym. The extra square footage will be beneficial during Ohio's cold winters.
Recent renovations Nearly 40% of Ohio buyers are looking to avoid renovations in their new homes, according to the National Association of Realtors' 2020 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers. If you've made updates, such as rewiring electric or installing a new roof, mention that in your listing. List when the renovation happened, how much it cost, and its current condition.
School district Include appealing information about school districts in your listing description. Mention the GreatSchools rating, graduation rates, parental reviews, or state accolades.
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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, 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 MLS company that charges a one-time payment to list your home on the MLS.

A flat fee MLS company 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 Ohio.

When you sell FSBO, you also have several free or low-cost options.

  • For sale by owner websites: There are several well-established and recognized for sale by owner sites that cater specifically to people wanting to buy or sell FSBO homes.
  • Social media: Post your home listing to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Nextdoor. Sharing is free, and you can reach a lot of people where they’re already spending time.
  • 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. However, if you list your home on the MLS via a flat-fee company, you cannot legally put a FSBO sign in your yard.
  • Craigslist: Posting your home on Craigslist is free and simple. Just go to the Ohio 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. For a realtor selling a property, it's their entire job; when you sell FSBO, it can become a full-time job.

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. Look at other open houses by Ohio agents selling properties similar to yours; compare them to yours in terms of cleanliness and atmosphere.

🙋🏽 Ask a realtor: "Hire a professional cleaner, even if you think your house is clean," Garuccio said. "It can never be too clean."
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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.

And don't forget about factors such as whether you're dealing with pre approved buyers (if they aren't pre-approved, the deal could fall through) or cash buyers without a mortgage lender (always preferable). Sometimes it's not about the best price, but the best buyer; an experienced agent checks for these factors.

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 Ohio, sellers often cover 2.70% to 3.70% of buyers' closing costs. On a home of median value, that will cost an additional $5,835 to $7,996.

Most common seller concessions in Ohio:

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.

In central Ohio, the seller usually picks the title company, while in southwest and eastern Ohio, the buyer chooses.

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

What are the costs to sell a house by owner in Ohio?

Although selling FSBO eliminates the listing agent’s fee, you’ll need to budget for other expenses an agent would usually absorb. These add up to about $8,818 on a typical Ohio home sale.

» LEARN: How Much Does it Cost to Sell a House in Ohio?

How much will I make selling my house in Ohio?

How much money you keep in your pocket after selling your house will depend on several factors, including:

  • Which repairs and improvements you do to prep your home for sale
  • Whether you make any concessions or offer incentives to buyers
  • State and local taxes
  • Closing costs
  • Your remaining mortgage balance

Wondering how much you'll make on your home sale? Use our calculator below.

Of course, this number could be higher or lower depending on expenses unique to your home.

If you want to save money on your home sale, Clever can help. Clever connects you with local full-service agents who work for a reduced rate. You'll get the same service you would from a traditional agent for thousands less. Call Clever and get connected with an agent today.

Paperwork to sell a house by owner in Ohio

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 need to have documents ready for each stage of the selling process. Here’s a quick breakdown of the for sale by owner closing paperwork you'll need in Ohio.

Keeping track of all the paperwork for selling a house without a realtor can be time consuming. Want to save this list for later? Download our FSBO paperwork checklist to help you prepare for your sale.

Required for all Ohio real estate sales

Two forms of ID In most cases, a valid passport, driver's license, or other form of Ohio-issued ID.
Copy of purchase and sales agreement and addendums Copy of the original, signed purchase and 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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Ohio disclosure forms

Residential property disclosure form 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 Ohio Real Estate

Where to find documents

Ohio Realtors, the state chapter of the National Association of Realtors, provides most of the documents used in a typical real estate transaction exclusively to its members and their clients — although consumers can download some disclosure forms from the Ohio Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing.

However, you may be able to find downloadable forms online through:

  • LawDepot — Offers free forms
  • eForms — Offers free forms
  • US Legal — Charges a small monthly subscription

Other property information, such as tax records, property surveys, and deeds, can be found through local government offices. Check the county department of revenue, tax assessor's office, or recorder's office for more information.

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!

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 Ohio 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

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 Ohio

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 in 2021?

Flat fee MLS companies in Ohio

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

Ohio Property Group

Ohio Property Group

Best For

Sellers interested in a hands-on listing experience they can adjust as necessary.

Price Range

$297-997
Pros & Cons

Pros:

  • Your listing will be launched within 48 hours and can be cancelled at any time with no penalty.
  • Premium packages have access to a showing and feedback app that solicits viewer responses, helping you improve if your home isn't selling straight away.
  • All packages allow for 25 or more photos.

Cons:

  • The basic package does not include offer/counter-offer forms or response templates, so additional services will be necessary.

Team Results Realty

Team Results Realty

Best For

Sellers who need a lot of photos to showcase their home's visual appeal.

Price Range

$299-999
Pros & Cons

Pros:

  • Every package provides the MLS maximum photo limit, allowing you to upload as many photos as you'd like.
  • Buyer leads are automatically fowarded to the seller's email address.
  • Pricing is competitive - if you find a better listing offer somewhere else, they'll reduce their fee to compensate for the difference.

Cons:

  • The listing doesn't allow for free seller-hosted open houses without an additional fee.
  • Direct calls from buyer leads aren't passed on automatically, so you might not hear from potential buyers quickly.

Flat Fee Realty

Flat Fee Realty

Best For

Budget-conscious sellers who need a simple, affordable listing.

Price Range

$299-999
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 Montana-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.

» FIND: 4 Best Ohio Flat Fee MLS Companies in 2021

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

How do I sell a house for sale by owner in Ohio?

As a FSBO seller, you'll need to:

  1. Prepare your home for sale by cleaning and making repairs
  2. Set an accurate price that's not too high or low.
  3. List your home with a description highlighting the features that matter most to local buyers.
  4. Show your home and keep it clean so it's ready at a moment's notice.
  5. Negotiate the best price, contingencies, and the closing timeline.
  6. Officially transfer the property title to the buyer.

How much can I sell my house for in Ohio?

How much you can sell your house for depends on a number of factors, including your home's physical characteristics and local market conditions. The median home price in Ohio is $182,200, but home values vary from city to city within the same state.

How much will I make selling my house for sale by owner in Ohio?

How much money you keep in your pocket after selling your house will depend on several factors, including:

  • Pre-sale repairs
  • Whether you make any concessions or offer buyer incentives
  • State and local taxes
  • Closing costs
  • Your remaining mortgage balance

Do realtors avoid for sale by owner properties in Ohio?

If you don't offer a buyer's agent commission, realtors may prioritize taking clients to homes with a commission. Providing a competitive commission rate of 2.62% will incentivize realtors to show your FSBO home to buyers. Learn more about how commissions work in Ohio.

What paperwork do I need to sell my house by owner in Ohio?

The most common forms you need to sell a house by owner in Ohio are:

  • Copy of the purchase and sale agreement
  • Signed deed
  • Bill of sale
  • Affidavit of title
  • Residential property disclosure form
  • Lead-based paint disclosure
  • Flood zone statement

What are the benefits of selling a house by owner in Ohio?

Selling real estate without a real estate agent reduces the overall commission you need to pay—and puts you in complete control over the selling process. Still, when you sell FSBO you also take on a lot of additional responsibility, such as negotiating a purchase price, running open houses, writing a purchase contract, and finding all the documentation.

What are the risks associated with selling a house by owner in Ohio?

Frequently, homeowners choose to list their houses without a listing agent to save money. But it's possible to lose money by underpricing your property or making the wrong decisions throughout the negotiation process. Legally, it's possible that mistakes could be made in the transfer that could cause issues later for everyone involved. Some risks can be mitigated by hiring a real estate attorney.

Additional resources for Ohio home sellers

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