5 Steps to Selling Your Home Without a Realtor

Selling your home without a realtor is considered a For Sale By Owner (FSBO) transaction. The steps involved in the process do not change, but the person handling them does. Rather than the real estate agent carrying the sale through - it will be up to you, the owner.

While the idea of doing things on your own may sound scary, the amount of savings that can come from doing so is often enough to sway sellers. After all, depending on the sale price, the commission owed to a real estate agent could be quite hefty.

If you decide that you want to give the FSBO option a try, then here are 5 steps to selling your home without a realtor.

1. Set Your Price

You have to be objective when it comes to setting the price of your home. You have many memories here and personal value built up in it. This can easily lead you to think that it is worth more than it is.

You have to set aside your emotions and memories and focus on the realistic current data that can give you the best idea of a selling price.

Put together your own comps of homes that have sold in the local area and set your price accordingly - without involving feelings.

2. Write Your Listing

Once you know your sale price, you can draw up your listing. This will include a description of your property as well as some photos of the interior and exterior.

Make sure it has basic details, such as:

• Size

• Number of bedrooms/bathrooms

• Year built

• Where it is located

• Price

• Any remodeled or improved areas

Remember, the idea is to spark interest in your home - and put you in touch with more prospective buyers.

3. Learn Where and How to Market Your Property

You could stick a “for sale” sign in the yard and consider that your marketing. However, if you really want to reach a wide group of homebuyers - and increase your chance of selling - then you are going to have to learn where and how to market your property.

There are various websites that cater to FSBO sellers, though some may require a fee. Social media is a great way to get your house out there, as well as posting fliers in local businesses or around the area.

Get creative and spread the word.

4. Handle Showings and Host an Open House

A realtor will handle all showings and host an open house in order to allow prospective buyers to see what you have to offer. Without a realtor, this will be left up to you.

Be prepared to show your home to those who are interested. Though, be patient as you could show it to many people before you even get an offer.

An open house is not always a must, but it can give you the opportunity to show your home to a lot of people all at once. And, if staged right, you could increase your chances of getting the offer you have been looking for.

5. Be Ready to Negotiate

When you receive an offer, be ready to negotiate. Typically this would be handled by a realtor, but as a FSBO seller, you will be responsible for any negotiations should you choose to engage.

This gives you the ability to have direct contact and full control over negotiations.

When you come to an agreement, don’t just settle on a verbal word - get it in writing. It doesn’t even have to be formal, but rather a follow-up email spilling the negotiated terms will often suffice.

Next up, work with an experienced title team so that you have access to properly prepared legal documentation.

For Sale By Owner with FIZZBOW

Having a title company like FIZZBOW on your side throughout your FSBO sale can prove to be highly beneficial. Not only will we empower you to go handle the transaction without a real estate agent, but we will make the entire process a breeze.

To learn more about what we have to offer, contact us today at (571) 407-5479.