TL;DR: You can skip the 5–6% commission and still sell successfully by following the FSBO (For Sale by Owner) path. Here’s how to take control, save money, and possibly sell even faster—especially if you consider a cash offer.
- Save on commission and gain more control over the selling process
- Research your local market and price your home right
- Prepare your home: clean, declutter, and stage
- List on MLS and market across multiple platforms
- Show your home and negotiate offers directly
- Handle the closing process with legal guidance if needed
- Cash sales = faster closings and fewer headaches, but lower offers
Thinking about selling your home but dreading the 5–6% commission fee? You’re not alone. Many home sellers are turning to the “For Sale by Owner” (FSBO) route to keep more of their profits. If you’ve been wondering, “Can I sell my house without a realtor?” the answer is yes—and it might be easier than you think.
This guide walks you through how to sell a house without a realtor, step by step, and highlights how to reduce costs and still sell successfully in today’s housing market.
Also, we’ll show you how to sell your house even faster, with less hassle.
Why Consider Selling a House Without a Realtor?
The most obvious reason to sell a house without a realtor is to save money. Traditional real estate agents charge a commission fee that typically runs between 5% and 6% of the listing price. On a $400,000 home, that’s $20,000–$24,000 taken off your sale price.
But saving money isn’t the only reason. Here are a few more benefits of selling a house for cash or without an agent:
- More control over the sale process
- Freedom to choose how and where to market your home
- Direct negotiation with potential buyers
- Flexible showing schedule
However, there are also challenges. You’ll need to do some legwork, make informed decisions, and be ready to handle paperwork and legal details.
Step 1: Research Your Local Market
Start by learning everything you can about your local market. How quickly are homes selling? What’s the average listing price for MLS listings in your area? Check out comparable homes near you—also called “comps”—to understand what price range makes sense.
Setting the right price from the beginning is crucial. Too high, and your home may sit on the market. Too low, and you leave money on the table.
Step 2: Prepare Your Home for Sale
Just like traditional sales, FSBO home sellers need to make sure their house looks its best. A clean, well-staged home attracts more potential buyers and can lead to higher cash offers.
Here’s a quick checklist:
- Deep clean your entire home
- Declutter each room and remove personal items
- Make small repairs like fixing leaky faucets or patching holes
- Enhance curb appeal by mowing the lawn, painting the front door, or planting flowers
You may also want to consider hiring a professional photographer. High-quality photos are a must if you want to stand out online.
Step 3: List Your Home
To get maximum exposure, you’ll need to list your home where buyers are searching. Many FSBO sellers think listing on Zillow or Craigslist is enough—but you should also consider paying a flat fee to get into the MLS listings (Multiple Listing Service). This is the database agents use to find properties, and it can drastically increase your visibility.
Be sure your listing includes:
- A compelling, honest description
- Clear, high-resolution photos
- Accurate home details and features
- Your contact information
Step 4: Market Your Property
In addition to MLS and online listings, don’t forget to market your home locally. Print flyers, post in neighborhood groups, and use social media to spread the word.
Yard signs also help attract drive-by traffic. Include a phone number and email address where you can respond to inquiries quickly.
Step 5: Show Your Home to Buyers
Be ready to show your home to potential buyers—and make a good impression when they arrive. This means having your home clean, well-lit, and staged at all times. Try to accommodate different schedules, including evenings and weekends.
Answer questions honestly and provide any documents buyers might ask for, such as utility bills, HOA information, or a property disclosure form.
Step 6: Negotiate Like a Pro
When you receive an offer, you’ll need to review it carefully. Look beyond the listing price—pay attention to contingencies, financing, and whether the buyer has requested any repairs or credits.
Here are a few key terms to look for:
- Offer amount
- Proposed closing date
- Contingencies (inspection, financing, etc.)
- Who covers closing costs
Don’t be afraid to counter-offer or ask questions. It’s perfectly normal in the home selling process.
Step 7: Navigate the Closing Process
Once you accept an offer, the closing process begins. This usually includes a home inspection, appraisal, and paperwork handled by an escrow or title company.
Here’s what you’ll need to prepare:
- Signed purchase agreement
- Property disclosures
- ID and final utility bills
- Title documents
You may want to hire a real estate attorney to review contracts and help with paperwork. This adds some cost but can protect you from legal risks when selling a home without an agent.
What About Buyer’s Agents?
Even if you’re selling solo, you may still deal with a buyer’s agent. They’ll likely expect a commission—usually around 2.5% to 3%. You’re not required to pay it, but refusing to might limit your buyer pool.
Some FSBO sellers choose to offer a buyer’s agent commission to attract more serious buyers while still saving on the listing side.
The Cheapest Way to Sell a House: What Are Your Options?
If minimizing expenses is your top priority, the cheapest way to sell a house might be going the FSBO route with a cash buyer. Selling your home for cash skips many of the steps in the traditional sales process, including financing, appraisals, and even repairs.
Here are the pros and cons of selling for cash:
Pros:
- Fast closing—often within days
- No agent or commission fees
- Sell “as-is”—no repairs or cleaning needed
- No mortgage approvals or buyer financing falling through
Cons:
- Lower listing price than market value
- May miss out on bidding wars
- Less room for negotiation
If your main goal is convenience, speed, and cutting costs, this option can make a lot of sense.
The Bottom Line: Can I Sell My House Without a Realtor?
Absolutely. Thousands of homeowners figure out how to sell a house without a realtor every year and save thousands in the process. But like any big financial move, it takes planning, research, and a little patience.
By understanding the pros and cons, preparing your home, pricing it right, and staying organized, you can successfully sell house without realtor help and keep more of your hard-earned money.
So, if you’re asking yourself, “**Can I sell my house without a realtor and still get a good deal?”—the answer is yes. Just take the time to do it right, or better yet, consider a cash offer from a reputable buyer to keep it fast, simple, and commission-free.
Looking to sell without stress? Explore your options for selling a house without a realtor and see if a cash offer is the right move for you. You just might be surprised how easy it can be.
