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.
Selling Without a REALTOR® at a Glance
- The sellers: Dan and Alison, in February 2020
- How they listed: on their own, through Facebook Marketplace and Zillow
- The catch: they sold over asking but still paid the buyer’s agent about 1%
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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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Selling Without a REALTOR®
How much do you save by selling without a REALTOR®? You can save 2% to 3% in listing commission. Dan and Alison estimate they saved about $5,000, but they still paid the buyer’s agent about 1% to close the deal.
Do FSBO homes sell for less? According to the National Association of Realtors, homes sold without an agent sold for a median of $60,000 to $95,000 less than homes sold with an agent, which often outweighs the commission saved.
Do I still pay a buyer’s agent if I sell FSBO? Often, yes. Many buyers bring their own agent, and sellers frequently agree to cover that commission to keep the sale moving.
What are the biggest risks of selling FSBO? You lose negotiating power, take on more stress, and face after-sale disputes on your own. Dan and Alison relied on the buyer’s agent and later faced legal threats over small repair issues.
Is there a middle ground between FSBO and a full-service agent? Some sellers pay a flat-fee service for an MLS listing, hire a real estate photographer and consult an attorney or broker on paperwork. You’re still doing much of the work yourself.
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.
