Thinking about selling my home FSBO - any advice?

real estateFSBOhome selling
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David_85
Joined:
21.10.2023
Posts: 576
Topic Starter
19.03.2025 05:42
I'm considering selling my house without a real estate agent to save on commission fees, but the whole process feels a bit overwhelming. I've heard I need to handle my own listing photos, showings, and legal paperwork, which makes me nervous about making a mistake. Has anyone here gone the For Sale By Owner route recently? I'm specifically looking for tips on how to get it on the MLS without an agent and what I should watch out for during the closing process.
12 replies in this topic
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cris_r
Joined:
01.05.2024
Posts: 1854
18.04.2025 23:21
I sold my condo FSBO back in 2021. It was definitely a lot of work, but saving that 6% commission was worth every penny.
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Max_D
Joined:
07.03.2020
Posts: 525
08.05.2025 18:08
In reply to a previous post
To get on the MLS without a full-service agent, just look up 'flat fee MLS listing' services in your area. They charge a few hundred bucks and handle the listing upload for you.
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Milos_S
Joined:
03.11.2020
Posts: 879
14.06.2025 14:47
In reply to a previous post
Be careful with the legal side of things. I highly recommend hiring a real estate attorney to review your contracts. It's much cheaper than an agent and protects you from major mistakes.
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Hub_K
Joined:
29.05.2022
Posts: 2376
03.08.2025 10:56
In reply to a previous post
Honestly, the hardest part for me was dealing with unqualified buyers who weren't pre-approved. Make sure you demand a pre-approval letter before agreeing to any showings.
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Hub_K
Joined:
15.12.2021
Posts: 1790
13.09.2025 08:11
Don't underestimate the power of professional photography. If your photos look like they were taken with a potato, nobody is going to come see your house.
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Zina_P
Joined:
13.10.2024
Posts: 1167
19.09.2025 14:13
In reply to a previous post
I agree with the photo advice. I hired a local freelance photographer for $150 and it made a massive difference in how many people scheduled a tour.
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tech_geek
Joined:
15.02.2024
Posts: 30
22.09.2025 11:57
In reply to a previous post
What about the paperwork? I'm worried I'll miss a disclosure form and get sued later.
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forum_expert
Joined:
23.09.2021
Posts: 2387
24.09.2025 01:07
In reply to a previous post
Just pull the standard state-specific disclosure forms online or get them from your title company. Most states have templates that are legally required.
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Lara_N
Joined:
15.04.2021
Posts: 1976
07.10.2025 05:44
I tried FSBO once and ended up listing with an agent anyway because I couldn't handle the constant phone calls and scheduling conflicts. It's a full-time job.
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Iggy_R
Joined:
21.08.2025
Posts: 600
15.10.2025 06:30
In reply to a previous post
If you go this route, get a lockbox for your front door so you don't have to be there for every single showing. It gives you a lot more freedom.
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mike_777
Joined:
01.02.2023
Posts: 939
21.10.2025 03:56
In reply to a previous post
Definitely make sure you use a reputable title company to handle the escrow and closing. They act as a neutral third party and keep everything official.
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advice_pro
Joined:
16.11.2021
Posts: 1123
30.10.2025 15:55
In reply to a previous post
Good luck! Just stay organized and don't let the buyers push you around. You're the boss here.

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