Sell Your House Without an Agent?

🎤 So You Wanna Sell Your House Without an Agent?

Let’s be honest — saving $20,000 or more on commission? That’s a big deal. Anyone would want that.

But here's the thing they don’t tell you on those FSBO ( For Sale By Owner) websites: selling a home isn't just throwing up a listing and waiting for buyers to show up. It’s a process. A big one. And if you’re not ready for it, you could end up losing more than you save.

Now I’m not here to scare you. I’m here to break it down , plain and simple. No fluff. I’ll walk you through exactly what an agent does, and how you can either do it yourself or find smart ways to outsource just what you need.

🏷️ Step 1 – Price It Like a Boss (Not Like a Hopeful Seller)

Here’s the biggest mistake FSBO sellers make: they price based on emotion.
“I put in a new fridge, so I want $500K.”
Cool. But the market doesn’t care about your fridge. It cares about comps.

💡 What to actually do:

• Pull up recent sales in your zip code — not list prices, sold prices
  

• Check what those homes had: square footage, age, upgrades
  

• Pay $400 for an appraisal if you want real numbers — this is your ammo
  
  

You want to price to attract, not repel. Price too high? You’ll sit. Price right? You’ll spark competition.

📸 Step 2 – Marketing: Be Everywhere. Look Legit.

Let’s keep it real — a blurry iPhone pic and a “FOR SALE” sign on your lawn? That ain’t it.

You need to look like a professional seller, even if you’re not. That means:

• Pro photos (yes, pay for it — it’s $150 well spent)
  

• Video tour (smartphone works if done right)
  

• Post on Zillow FSBO, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist
  

• Pay $99–$500 for flat-fee MLS listing. That’s where the serious buyers are
  

And don’t forget — your listing is your storefront. If it looks basic, buyers will assume the house is too.

🚪 Step 3 – Showings: You’re Now in Sales

Buyers don’t just want to see the house. They want a vibe. They want a feeling.

So when they walk in:

• Make it smell good (clean, fresh — not “trying too hard” candles)
  

• Light it up — open the blinds, turn on all the lights
  

• Have a script ready: “Here’s what I love about this space…”
  

• Be cool. Be informative. Don’t oversell.
  

Every showing is a job interview. You’re the product and the presenter.

💬 Step 4 – Offers: This Is Where Most FSBOs Get Wrecked

Someone sends you an offer — maybe it’s $25K under asking. You panic. You second guess.

Pause.

Here’s what to do:

• Respond with confidence: “Thanks for the offer. I’ve had a lot of interest and I’d like to see something closer to X.”
  

• Be ready to counter.
  
  

• Understand the terms: not just price, but closing date, contingencies, financing type
  
  

Negotiation is a skill. Be calm, not desperate. And remember — you can always walk away.

📄 Step 5 – Paperwork & Closing: The Not-So-Fun Stuff

Here’s where most people go: “Wait… what forms do I need?”

Let’s make it simple:

• Download a purchase agreement for your state (some are free online)
  

• Disclosures? Yup, they’re required. Especially lead paint and known issues.
  

• Title company? Call one. They’ll guide the process and usually handle a lot of it.
  

• Need legal help? Hire a real estate attorney for a flat fee — it’s worth the peace of mind.
  

🧠 Final Thoughts: You Can 100% Do This — But Know What You’re Getting Into

Here’s what nobody says: FSBO works best when you treat it like a business.

You need:

• Time
  

• Hustle
  

• Patience
  

• Thick skin
  

If you’re just trying to save commission and wing it? You’re going to stress yourself out. But if you’re willing to learn, prep, and execute? You can crush it.

You’re the CEO of this transaction. Run it like one.

🔑 Need help figuring out your FSBO game plan? Have questions about pricing, paperwork, or how to handle buyer offers?

I’ve helped tons of sellers walk through the FSBO process — and I’d be happy to help you too. Whether you just need a quick tip or want someone to review your next step, I’m here for it

Charley Narcomey
REALTOR® | Realty ONE Group Mountain Desert
Lake Havasu City, AZ
📞 808-250-0155
💻 www.charleyhavasuhomes.com
📧 [email protected]

Disclaimer: I am not acting as your real estate agent unless we enter into a signed agreement. Any advice provided is general and should be reviewed with your legal or financial advisors when needed.