How to Sell a House by Owner - Real Estate Omni

Americans bought and sold almost seven million homes in 2021, and that trend isn’t slowing down in 2022.

Are you hoping to sell your home this year? If so, you have a major decision to make: whether to sell it yourself or use a realtor.

What does a realtor do, exactly? What does for sale by owner mean? Most importantly, which path is the right one for you?

Keep reading for our expert tips on how to sell a home without a realtor.

Table of Contents

1. Weigh the Pros & Cons

There are some definite benefits of for sale by owner (FSBO). Since you cut out the middleman, you save on commission fees and enjoy more control over the sale process. You may also enjoy a quicker sale when you go the DIY route.

However, it will also require a lot more preparation and research on your part. If you run into any legal or financial issues, you won’t have anyone there to offer professional guidance. And while you may save on commission costs, keep in mind that most sellers earn considerably less on the sale than if they work with an agent.

2. Research Market Value

If you decide the pros outweigh the cons, your next step is to prepare your own competitive market analysis. This will help you determine the fair market value for your home.

Look at other recently sold homes in your area that are comparable to yours. Did they sell at, above, or below their listing price? How quickly (or slowly) did they sell? How does your home differ (i.e., a swimming pool, an attached garage), and how will that affect your listing price?

3. Get Your Home Ready to Sell

Once you’ve determined your asking price, it’s time to prepare your home for a quick sale. Declutter and depersonalize your home, splash on a fresh coat of paint, and boost the curb appeal by touching up the exterior.

Next, hire a professional photographer to take pictures and videos. As you prepare your online listing, don’t forget to include a floor plan so buyers can visualize the layout of your home. Fieldstone has some examples of well-executed floor plans to give you some ideas.

4. Advertise & Promote Your Home

Without a realtor to do the legwork for you, it’s up to you to spread the word about your home. Schedule an open house on the weekend to invite buyers for a tour. Be sure to hang a sign on your lawn so anyone passing by knows your home is for sale.

In the digital world, advertise your home on Instagram, Facebook, and other social media sites. You could also list it on your area’s MLS (multiple listing service) so it’s more visible to potential buyers.

How to Sell a Home Without a Realtor

If you’ve been wondering how to sell a home without a real estate agent, we hope this article has helped to clarify the topic. It may require a little more time and effort on your part, but you can succeed!

Now that you understand how to sell a home without a realtor, what’s next? Our site has more terrific advice about buying and selling properties, so stay right here and keep browsing.