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Thinking about going FSBO for my first home sale

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Aleksandar_K
Joined:
25.09.2023
Posts: 817
Topic Starter
23.01.2025 05:15
I'm currently preparing to sell my house and I'm strongly considering listing it as FSBO to avoid those hefty agent commissions. I’ve done some research on pricing and staging, but I'm honestly nervous about the legal paperwork and how to actually get it on the MLS without an agent. Has anyone here successfully sold their home on their own recently? I'd love to hear about any major pitfalls you ran into or if you think the savings are actually worth the extra stress. Any advice on the best platforms to list on would be greatly appreciated.
20 replies in this topic
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Nadiya_D
Joined:
21.10.2021
Posts: 616
02.02.2025 23:23
Honestly, the commission savings are great, but the legal headache is real. Make sure you at least hire a real estate attorney to review your contracts.
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Maks_D
Joined:
30.06.2023
Posts: 1353
21.02.2025 22:51
In reply to a previous post
I tried FSBO last year. It was a nightmare. Ended up hiring an agent after three weeks of lowball offers from people who didn't even have pre-approval letters.
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kris_1982
Joined:
04.06.2020
Posts: 437
16.03.2025 12:52
In reply to a previous post
Look into flat-fee MLS services. They basically just put your listing on the local MLS for a couple hundred bucks so you don't have to pay the full 6%.
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bai_ivan
Joined:
24.01.2022
Posts: 348
07.06.2025 23:48
It's doable, but you need to be thick-skinned. People will try to negotiate you down just because you don't have an agent representing you.
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Oli_S
Joined:
31.01.2024
Posts: 421
23.07.2025 06:56
In reply to a previous post
Totally agree with the flat-fee idea. I used one for my condo and saved about $12k. Just make sure you get professional photos taken!
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Marius_C
Joined:
12.08.2024
Posts: 1296
06.09.2025 02:53
Don't underestimate the power of professional staging. Even if you sell FSBO, a house that looks good sells itself.
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Martin_85
Joined:
04.03.2025
Posts: 1280
22.09.2025 04:58
In reply to a previous post
What about the paperwork? I'm worried about missing a disclosure form and getting sued later.
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Yana_P
Joined:
02.12.2022
Posts: 1166
26.09.2025 18:23
In reply to a previous post
If you're worried about the paperwork, just pay a transaction coordinator. They handle all the forms for a flat fee, usually around $500.
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Leni_C
Joined:
31.08.2020
Posts: 1731
08.10.2025 00:37
In reply to a previous post
I sold my home FSBO in 2022. It wasn't that hard, but you have to be ready to host every open house yourself.
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BqlaVrana
Joined:
08.08.2025
Posts: 266
08.10.2025 10:55
Make sure you research your local market comps thoroughly. Overpricing because you think you're 'saving' money is a rookie mistake.
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Zuzi_P
Joined:
16.03.2023
Posts: 836
11.10.2025 05:52
Has anyone used Zillow's 'Make Me Sell' feature? Any luck there?
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Simeon_W
Joined:
06.10.2023
Posts: 2438
18.12.2025 00:08
In reply to a previous post
Tried Zillow for a bit, but honestly, 90% of the inquiries were just agents trying to get me to list with them. It was exhausting.
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iztrit_potrebitel
Joined:
02.10.2022
Posts: 368
18.12.2025 15:12
I think it's worth the stress if your market is hot. If it's a slow market, you'll want an agent's network to find a buyer.
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kamilo
Joined:
08.05.2021
Posts: 1551
17.02.2026 12:43
In reply to a previous post
Exactly what I was thinking. In this market, houses are flying off the shelves anyway, so why pay 6%?
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Brayan_Z
Joined:
24.01.2025
Posts: 1732
17.02.2026 23:48
In reply to a previous post
Just remember that even if you don't have an agent, the buyer will almost certainly have one. You'll still have to pay their commission if you want the deal to close.
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Marius_C
Joined:
29.07.2025
Posts: 2347
18.02.2026 03:19
In reply to a previous post
Good point. Is it common to refuse to pay the buyer's agent commission?
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misho_777
Joined:
30.03.2024
Posts: 2296
06.03.2026 20:16
In reply to a previous post
You can try, but you'll severely limit your buyer pool. Most agents won't show their clients a house where they aren't getting paid.
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Oli_S
Joined:
01.05.2022
Posts: 2412
18.03.2026 15:08
I'm currently in the middle of a FSBO sale. The hardest part so far has been vetting the buyers. Agents really do filter out the tire-kickers.
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Kevi_M
Joined:
23.10.2025
Posts: 729
31.03.2026 10:42
Get a lockbox that allows remote access. It makes showing the house much easier since you don't have to be there for every single viewing.
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tech_geek_bg
Joined:
07.08.2023
Posts: 2194
02.04.2026 19:26
I wouldn't risk it for a first-time sale. The stress of getting the legal stuff wrong isn't worth the commission savings for me.

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