Selling With an Agent vs. By Owner
What a realtor does, and what you take on if you go it alone.
How to Price ItSearching for how to sell your house without a realtor usually starts with one thought: keeping more of the sale price. Selling by owner can work well, especially in an active market, but it means doing the agent’s job yourself. Here is an honest look at both sides.
What a Listing Agent Actually Does
Pricing
Pulls comparable sales and advises on an asking price.
Marketing
Lists the home on the MLS, arranges photos and handles inquiries.
Showings
Schedules and screens buyers and often hosts open houses.
Negotiation
Compares offers, counters and handles repair requests.
Coordination
Keeps inspectors, appraisers, lenders and the closing agent on schedule.
Commissions and fees are negotiable and are set out in a written listing agreement. Read it carefully, including how long it lasts and how you can end it.
How to Sell Your House by Owner
Selling by owner, often called FSBO, puts you in charge of every step:
- Research comparable sales and set the price yourself.
- Photograph the home, write the listing and place it where buyers look — by-owner sites, a flat-fee MLS listing, a yard sign.
- Answer calls, screen buyers and run showings and open houses.
- Negotiate directly with buyers or their agents.
- Hire an attorney or closing company for the contract and closing.
Owners who do well usually have time, a home that is easy to price, a market with plenty of buyers, and the patience to deal with strangers calmly.
Middle-Ground Options
| Option | What you get | What you still do |
|---|---|---|
| Flat-fee MLS listing | Your home appears on the MLS and major listing sites. | Showings, negotiation and coordination. |
| Limited-service or discount agent | Some agent services for a reduced or set fee. | Whatever the agreement leaves out — read it closely. |
| Attorney-assisted sale | Contract drafting or review and closing help. | Marketing, showings and negotiating. |
| Full-service agent | Pricing, marketing, showings, negotiation and coordination. | Prepare the home and make decisions. |
Selling Without a Realtor: Common Pitfalls
- Overpricing out of attachment, so the listing goes stale.
- Using a generic contract that doesn’t fit your state.
- Skipping or understating required disclosures.
- Letting unscreened visitors tour the house alone.
- Accepting a buyer who is not actually able to get financing.
- Advertising in ways that break fair housing rules.
If you are unsure about any of these, the American Bar Association’s Find Legal Help page can point you to legal help in your state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it legal to sell my house by owner?
Yes, homeowners can sell their own homes in every state. Some states expect or require an attorney to handle parts of the transaction or the closing, so check your state’s practice before you start.
Do I still need a lawyer if I sell without a realtor?
It is wise. A real-estate attorney can draft or review the purchase contract, explain your disclosure duties and, in many areas, handle the closing. The cost of a lawyer is small compared with the cost of a contract mistake.
Will I have to pay the buyer’s agent?
It depends on what you agree to. Many buyers work with an agent, and how that agent is paid is negotiable and is now usually set out in writing. Decide your position before offers arrive, and discuss it with your attorney.
Not legal or financial advice. Real-estate law, disclosure rules, taxes and closing customs differ by state and sometimes by county. This guide explains how home sales generally work; check your state’s rules and talk to a real-estate attorney or other licensed professional before you sign anything.
Price It Right First
Whether you sell by owner or with an agent, price drives everything else. Learn how comparable sales and appraisals work.
How to Price Your House