Should You Try Selling Your Home Yourself First? A Smarter FSBO Strategy That Protects Your Profit

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Many homeowners ask the same question when preparing to sell: Should I try selling my house myself before hiring a real estate agent? 

While this idea may surprise some, the answer is yes—with the right strategy and professional protection in place. In certain situations, starting with a For Sale By Owner (FSBO) approach can save money and even increase your final profit. However, doing it alone without guidance can be costly.

This guide explains when selling your home yourself makes sense, why most FSBO attempts fail, and how to protect your money while keeping control of the process.

Why Selling Your Home Yourself Sometimes Works

According to the National Association of Realtors, 38% of successful FSBO transactions happen because the seller already knew the buyer. These buyers are often:

• Friends or family

• Neighbors

• Coworkers

• Members of the same church or community

This makes sense. Homeowners understand their personal networks better than any real estate agent. Someone already familiar with your neighborhood, schools, or lifestyle may already be waiting for the right opportunity.

Pro Tip: Before listing your home, reach out to your network through conversations, texts, and social media. Many successful private home sales begin this way.

The Biggest FSBO Mistake Homeowners Make

The most common FSBO mistake happens after a buyer is found.

Many sellers assume that once a friend or family member wants to buy the home, they can skip professional representation entirely. Unfortunately, this is where deals often fall apart—or cost sellers significant money.

Even when selling to someone you trust, professional protection still matters.

Three Critical Risks of Selling Without an Agent

Pricing Your Home Incorrectly

Online estimates and automated tools can’t replace a comparative market analysis (CMA). Without proper pricing:

• Sellers may underprice and lose tens of thousands of dollars

• Buyers may overpay, leading to tension or failed appraisals

Correct pricing protects both sides.

Buyer Qualification Issues

Interest does not equal approval. Without verifying financing early, sellers may discover weeks into the process that the buyer can’t qualify for a mortgage—wasting time and creating stress.

Legal and Contractual Exposure

Real estate contracts are legally binding. Errors in:

• Disclosures

• Contingencies

• Inspection negotiations

• Title issues

• Appraisal disputes

can delay closing—or kill the deal entirely. One mistake can cost far more than an agent’s fee.

Why FSBO Sales Are Declining Nationwide

In 2024, only 6% of all home sales were For Sale By Owner, the lowest percentage on record.

Even more concerning: FSBO homes sold for an average of $55,000 less than agent-assisted sales, according to national data.

Why?

• Incorrect pricing

• Weak negotiation

• Limited buyer exposure

• Unqualified buyers

Plus, 75% of FSBO sellers still pay a buyer’s agent commission, meaning the expected savings often disappear.

Why “Saving on Commission” Can Cost More

Buyers who actively search for FSBO listings are often:

• Unqualified to work with agents

• Deal-hunters seeking below-market prices

Without representation, sellers frequently give up more during inspections, appraisals, and repair negotiations—reducing their net proceeds significantly.

In some cases, selling without guidance has led to damaged relationships, legal disputes, and emotional stress—especially when selling to friends or family.

A Smarter FSBO Approach: Partner Without Fully Listing

There’s a better alternative than choosing between doing it alone or fully listing right away.

If you find your own buyer, a real estate professional can step in as a transaction partner, helping with:

• Accurate pricing analysis

• Buyer qualification verification

• Contract preparation and compliance

• Inspection and repair negotiations

• Title and closing coordination

This approach protects your interests while preserving relationships—and ensures the deal actually closes.

If no buyer emerges from your network, the process can seamlessly shift into full marketing mode using professional systems that maximize exposure and value.

Final Takeaway: Should You Sell Your Home Yourself?

Selling your home yourself can be a smart first step—when done strategically and with professional oversight.

You’re wise to tap into your personal network. You’re even wiser to protect the largest financial transaction of your life with expert guidance.

Every home sale involves a partnership. The key is choosing one that safeguards your money, your relationships, and your peace of mind.

Thinking About Selling?

If you’re considering selling your home and want to understand:

• Your home’s true market value

• How to safely sell to a private buyer

• Whether FSBO or full marketing makes sense

Professional guidance early can help you avoid costly mistakes and maximize your results.

Written By: Nate Johnson & Shawn Derrick

The 1245 Team – Keller Williams Realty

Serving Northern Virginia, Fredericksburg & Maryland 

(571) 477-1245

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