Should You Sell Without an Agent?
Selling a home is a big deal! Some homeowners try to sell their houses on their own instead of using a real estate agent. This is called For Sale by Owner (FSBO). It can save money, but it also comes with challenges. Let’s look at the good and bad sides of FSBO so you can decide if it’s the right choice for you.
What is FSBO?
FSBO means selling your home without a real estate agent. This means you handle everything yourself—pricing, advertising, showing the home, and working with buyers. While this can save money, it also means a lot of extra work and responsibility.
The Good Things About FSBO
1. No Agent Fees
Real estate agents usually take a percentage of the home’s sale price as their payment. With FSBO, you don’t have to pay an agent’s commission, so you might keep more money from the sale.
2. You Make All the Decisions
When you sell FSBO, you control everything—how much you sell for, when you show the house, and who you sell to. If you like being in charge, this might be a good option.
3. Talk Directly to Buyers
Without an agent, you can talk to buyers yourself. This can make things faster and help avoid confusion.
The Hard Parts of FSBO
1. Pricing Can Be Tricky
Setting the right price for your home is important. If you ask for too much, buyers might not be interested. If you ask for too little, you could lose money. Real estate agents are experts at pricing homes, but if you do FSBO, you’ll need to figure it out on your own.
2. It’s Harder to Advertise
Agents put homes on a special website called the MLS (Multiple Listing Service), where lots of buyers look for houses. FSBO sellers don’t have access to this, so they have to rely on social media, signs, and other websites. This could mean fewer people see the home.
3. Negotiating is Tough
When buyers make offers, you have to negotiate the price and terms. Real estate agents do this all the time, but FSBO sellers might find it stressful and confusing.
4. Lots of Paperwork
Selling a home comes with legal forms, contracts, and inspections. If you make a mistake, it could cause big problems. Many FSBO sellers end up hiring a lawyer to help, which can cost extra money.
The Facts About For Sale By Owner
For Sale By Owner (FSBO) transactions have been on a decline, comprising just 6% of home sales in 2024, the lowest on record.
FSBO homes typically sell for less than agent-assisted sales; in 2024, the median price for FSBO homes was $380,000, compared to $435,000 for those sold with an agent.
Common challenges reported by FSBO sellers include setting the right price (17%), selling within the desired timeframe (13%), and handling paperwork (10%).
In North Carolina, FSBO listings accounted for approximately 10.81% of total home listings as of November 2024.
These statistics suggest that while selling a home independently might seem cost-effective, it often results in lower sale prices and presents various challenges. Engaging a real estate agent could potentially lead to a higher sale price and a smoother transaction process.
Is FSBO Right for You?
FSBO can work if you know what you’re doing, have experience selling homes, or already have a buyer. But if you want more help, more exposure, and expert guidance, using a real estate agent is usually the better choice.
If you decide to sell FSBO, make sure you research home prices, take great photos, and prepare for lots of paperwork.
Would you ever try selling your home FSBO, or would you rather use an agent? Let us know in the comments!