Selling without a realtor might seem like a great way to pocket more cash—but is it really worth it?
For homeowners Dan and Alison, going the FSBO (For Sale By Owner) route came with unexpected surprises, serious stress, and a few hard-earned lessons. Their story, along with national data and advice from real sellers, helps paint a full picture of what you gain—and what you risk—when selling your home without professional help.
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Why We Chose to Sell Without a Realtor
In February 2020, Dan and Alison listed their starter home without an agent. The market was hot, inventory was low, and they knew their home was priced competitively.
“We staged it ourselves, cleaned it ourselves, took our own pictures, listed it on Facebook Marketplace and Zillow,” said Alison. “Within minutes of posting it, we were flooded with offers.”
Their home was one of only a handful in their price range, which gave them a huge advantage. They ultimately accepted an offer over asking price from a buyer who brought their own agent to the table. Dan and Alison agreed to pay the agent’s commission—around 1%—just to move the sale forward.
So, What Did They Actually Save?
“We probably saved about $5,000,” Alison said. “But that savings came at a cost.”
While the sale went through, it wasn’t without drama. Due to COVID-related job furloughs, they had to scramble to close fast enough to secure financing on their next home. They also ended up doing a rent-back agreement—first renting from the new owner, then renting their new place to the seller in turn. That’s when the issues really started.
“The realtor who was supposedly helping us started blowing up our phones—about missing screws in the TV mount, clogged plumbing, all kinds of petty stuff,” Dan shared. “He eventually threatened to sue us.”
The stress took a toll. They had to block the agent and the new homeowner just to get peace.
What the Data Says About Selling Without a Realtor
Stories like Dan and Alison’s are not uncommon. According to the National Association of Realtors, homes sold without an agent went for a median of $60,000–$95,000 less than those sold with professional representation. That difference alone often outweighs the commission you’d pay to an agent.
Even Reddit users who support FSBO listings often suggest a hybrid approach:
- Paying for an MLS listing via a flat-fee service
- Hiring a real estate photographer
- Being constantly available for showings
- Consulting with a real estate attorney or broker for paperwork
In other words, selling without a realtor is never truly DIY—it’s just DIFY (Do It For Yourself, not By Yourself).
Hidden Risks of Selling FSBO
While Dan and Alison made it through, the downsides were clear:
- Lack of negotiation power: “We had to rely on the buyer’s agent,” Alison said. “It would’ve been nice to have a professional in our corner.”
- Stress overload: “It probably would’ve been less stressful with our own realtor,” Dan admitted.
- After-sale headaches: Legal threats and blame for small issues took away from the joy of moving into a new home.
So Should You Sell Without a Realtor?
It depends. If you’re in a hot market, have plenty of time, legal know-how, and nerves of steel—you might pull it off. But if you want top dollar and less stress, working with a trusted realtor might just be the better long-term investment.
Remember: selling without a realtor can save you 2–3% in commission…
…but cost you tens of thousands in sale price—plus your peace of mind.
Final Thoughts from Alison
“The good news was we saved a few thousand dollars. The bad news was the stress. It would’ve been nice to have a professional actually helping us instead of working against us.”
Thinking about selling without a realtor? Get advice from someone who’s on your side. Reach out to Justin Ogburn today for a no-pressure conversation about what your home could actually sell for—with the right support.
