Thinking About Selling Your Home Without an Agent? Read This First.

When the market is active and homes are selling quickly, many homeowners consider going the For Sale By Owner (FSBO) route. The logic seems simple:

“If I list it myself, I’ll save thousands on agent commission.”

But here’s the truth most FSBO sellers learn the hard way:

✅ You don’t pay for an agent — you pay for the results.
✅ The cost of mistakes in real estate can far outweigh any commission saved.
✅ Most FSBO sellers statistically net less money even after paying commission when they hire a skilled listing agent.

According to national MLS data collected over the past several years:
FSBO homes sell for 12–18% less on average than agent-represented homes.

For a $300,000 home, that’s a $36,000–$54,000 loss — to “save” a 5–6% commission.

Before You List FSBO, Ask Yourself These Questions

1. How will I determine the true value of my home?

Reality:
Online estimates (like Zillow Zestimates) can be off by $10,000 to $70,000+ depending on updates, neighborhood differences, buyer demand, and recent appraisals.

Scenario Example:
A FSBO homeowner priced his home at $250K based on Zestimate.
A listing agent later sold a similar home two doors down for $305K after professional marketing and negotiation.

Loss: $55,000 left on the table — which is more than the total commission would have been.

2. Do I understand the legal requirements and disclosures?

Selling a home involves contracts, mandatory disclosures, inspection obligations, agency forms, and negotiation timelines.

Even one missed form can lead to:

• Lawsuits

• Required repairs you weren’t prepared for

• Buyer cancellation with no compensation

• Delayed or failed closings

Real estate attorneys are expensive.
Listing agents include this protection built-in.

3. Can I negotiate against seasoned buyers and agents?

The majority of buyers are represented by buyer agents who negotiate every single day.

They are trained to:

• Push for price reductions

• Request concessions

• Get repairs paid for by YOU

• Leverage inspection and appraisal results

Without professional representation, FSBO sellers often fold under pressure.

Scenario Example:
FSBO listed at $275K → Buyer found a few minor repairs → Negotiated $15K price drop AND $7K in closing cost credits.

Loss: $22,000 due to lack of leverage.

4. How am I handling home showings and lead screening?

You will be interacting with:

• Random strangers calling your personal number

• People wanting to “walk through” without pre-approval

• Investors offering lowball cash

• Tire-kickers

• Agents asking, “Are you willing to pay buyer commission?”

Safety and privacy matter.
Professional agents pre-qualify buyers and coordinate private showings safely.

5. How will I market the property professionally?

High-quality marketing isn’t posting photos on Facebook.

Professional agents provide:

• HDR photography & video

• Virtual staging & floorplans

• MLS exposure + Zillow/Redfin/Realtor feeds

• Social & paid advertising

• Negotiation strategy to create buyer competition

FSBO homes typically only reach 10–15% of the buyer pool —
Agents reach nearly 100%.

Real-Life FSBO vs Agent Comparison

When FSBO Goes Wrong: A Clear Example

A homeowner listed FSBO at $239,900.
He received an offer for $230,000 and accepted because “it seemed fair.”

Another agent later listed a similar home across the street at $249,900 and through strong marketing & competition, sold it for $264,500 with multiple offers.

Net difference:
FSBO Seller: $230,000
Agent-Listed Seller: $264,500

Loss to FSBO: $34,500

And yes — that was after paying commission.

The Bottom Line

If selling a home was as simple as posting it online, everyone would do it.

But selling for maximum value requires:
✔ pricing strategy
✔ market psychology
✔ negotiation leverage
✔ legal contract knowledge
✔ marketing reach
✔ inspection & appraisal navigation

This is where I step in.

If you’re considering FSBO — let’s talk.

No pressure.
No sales pitch.
Just facts and clarity about what’s truly in your best financial interest.

Because my goal isn’t just to help you sell —
It’s to help you win.

📲 Call or text (336) 567-5843

Brokered by Real Broker, LLC — NCREL #312309
Jessica J. Baldovinos | @JessicaJBRealtor
🔗 Book a 15-min Strategy Call: https://calendly.com/jessicajbrealtor