Should You Sell Your House With or Without a Realtor?

It’s one of the most common questions homeowners ask: Do I need a real estate agent to sell my home, or can I do it myself? There’s no single right answer, but understanding the pros and cons of each path can help you make the decision that best fits your time, money, and stress tolerance.

One of the first questions most homeowners ask is whether they really need to hire a Realtor or if they can handle it themselves.

The idea of saving thousands in commission fees sounds tempting, especially with so many websites promising that you can sell by owner in just a few clicks. But before you put that “For Sale By Owner” sign in your yard, it’s worth understanding what you’re signing up for.

Selling a home is more than sticking a price on it and waiting for offers. From pricing strategy and marketing exposure to negotiations and legal paperwork, there’s a lot that happens behind the scenes.

In this article, we’ll break down the pros and cons of selling your house yourself vs. working with a real estate agent, highlight common pitfalls, and share what you’ll need to do if you decide to go solo. By the end, you’ll be equipped to decide which path fits your goals, timeline, and comfort level.

Selling By Owner (FSBO) – What It Really Means

When you hear people talk about “FSBO,” they’re talking about For Sale By Owner.

This means you handle the entire selling process yourself, without hiring a listing agent. Instead of paying a Realtor to market your home, coordinate showings, negotiate with buyers, and handle contracts, you take on those responsibilities directly.

Most homeowners consider FSBO for one main reason: saving money. A real estate commission can run anywhere from 5% to 6% of your sale price. On a $400,000 home, that’s $20,000–$24,000. Selling by owner can feel like an easy way to keep more of your profit.

Pros of Selling By Owner

Let’s start with why so many homeowners think about going the FSBO route.

Here are some of the main advantages:

• You keep more of your money.
  The biggest draw is obvious; you don’t have to pay the listing agent’s commission. Depending on your price point, that can mean thousands of dollars saved.
• You control pricing strategy.
  You set your own asking price and decide how to handle negotiations, without outside influence.
• You manage your schedule.
  Instead of working around an agent’s calendar, you set showing times that work best for you.
• You handle communication directly.
  Every call, text, and email goes straight to you. For some sellers, this feels more personal and transparent.
• You have flexibility in marketing.
  You can try creative ways to promote your home—social media ads, flyers, word of mouth—without waiting for someone else to get it done.

Cons and Caveats of Selling By Owner

While selling by owner can save money, it also comes with real challenges. Many FSBO listings end up hiring an agent later because of these common pitfalls:

• Limited exposure to buyers.
  Without a Realtor, your home usually won’t appear on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), which is the main database agents use to find properties. Less visibility often means fewer offers.
• Pricing mistakes.
  Most homeowners either price too high (scaring away buyers) or too low (leaving money on the table). Realtors have market data to help set a competitive price.
• Time commitment.
  Showing your home, screening buyers, and answering questions takes a lot of hours; it’s going to feel like a second job!
• Negotiation challenges.
  Negotiating directly can get emotional. An agent acts as a buffer to keep things professional and focused on the facts.
• Paperwork and legal risk.
  Real estate transactions require disclosures, contracts, and strict timelines. Missing something important can lead to disputes or even lawsuits later.
• Buyers often still have agents.
  Even if you don’t hire a Realtor, many buyers will be working with one and they’ll expect you to pay their commission anyway.

Before you decide to go FSBO, it’s important to think through whether you have the time, patience, and resources to handle all of this yourself.

What You Must Do If You Sell By Owner

If you decide to sell your house without a Realtor, you’ll need to take on several important responsibilities to protect yourself and attract serious buyers. First, spend time researching comparable sales in your neighborhood so you can price your home realistically—this is critical to avoid sitting on the market or leaving money behind. Plan to hire a real estate attorney to help you prepare and review contracts, disclosures, and other legal documents. Professional-quality photos and a well-written description are must-haves; blurry cellphone pictures won’t cut it. You’ll also need to decide how you’ll market the listing. Many FSBO sellers pay a flat fee to have their property posted on the MLS or use dedicated FSBO websites, social media, and yard signs to get attention. Be prepared to answer inquiries quickly, schedule showings, and handle negotiations directly. It’s smart to educate yourself on contingencies, repair requests, and closing timelines so you can respond confidently. Finally, make sure you understand all state and local disclosure requirements—especially in Florida, where rules about property condition reports and lead paint disclosures are strict.

Selling by owner can be rewarding, but success depends on thorough preparation, a realistic plan, and a willingness to put in the work.

@tampa_bre realtor gone wild #stpete #saintpetersburg #florida ♬ original sound – Breanna Banaciski

Benefits of Using a Realtor

There’s a reason most homeowners still choose to work with a real estate agent when they sell. A good Realtor brings experience, resources, and a network that can make the process faster, smoother, and often more profitable.

One of the biggest advantages is marketing reach. Realtors can list your home on the MLS, which syndicates to sites like Zillow, Realtor.com, and hundreds of brokerage websites. This visibility means more potential buyers will see your listing, which can lead to stronger offers.

Agents also offer pricing expertise. They use up-to-date market data and local trends to recommend a competitive price that attracts buyers while protecting your equity. If you’re unsure how to stage your home or which repairs to tackle, your Realtor can guide you on what matters most and what you can skip.

Negotiation is another area where an agent adds value. Most buyers expect to negotiate over price, repairs, and closing costs. Having someone in your corner who knows how to structure offers, counteroffers, and contingencies can save you money and headaches.

Finally, Realtors help keep the transaction on track. From coordinating showings and managing paperwork to ensuring deadlines are met, your agent handles the details so you don’t have to. For many sellers, the peace of mind alone is worth the commission.

When a professional focuses their expertise in one industry without diversifying, it often leads to high rewards and specialized benefits.

Potential Downsides of Using a Realtor

While working with a Realtor has clear advantages, it’s not the right fit for everyone. The most obvious drawback is, of course, the commission cost. Listing agents typically charge around 3% of the sale price, and you may also pay the buyer’s agent commission, bringing the total to 5–6%. For many sellers, this is still worth it for the expertise and convenience.

Some homeowners also feel they lose a bit of control over the process. Your agent will advise you on pricing, marketing, and negotiations, and while you always have the final say, you may feel pressured to make decisions you wouldn’t have made on your own.

There’s also the question of timing and availability. You’ll need to coordinate showings around your Realtor’s schedule as well as potential buyers’ calendars. While many agents are flexible, some sellers prefer handling everything themselves so they can respond immediately.

Finally, a few people simply don’t like the idea of bringing in an outside professional. If you prefer total privacy and hands-on involvement, using a Realtor might feel less appealing.

These downsides don’t mean hiring an agent is a bad idea, it just means you should think carefully about your priorities before you decide.

Which Is Better for You?

Is It Worth Paying a Realtor or Should You Sell Yourself?

If you’re wondering “should I sell my house myself or hire a Realtor?”, it really comes down to your goals and comfort level.

Choose FSBO if: you’re confident in pricing, have time to manage the process, and want to maximize your profit by avoiding commission.

Choose a Realtor if: you value expert help, wide marketing exposure, smoother negotiations, and peace of mind through closing.

Still unsure? You can always start FSBO and switch later – but know that most homes still sell faster and for more money with a professional’s help.

So, should you sell your house yourself or hire a Realtor? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer – it depends on your comfort level, timeline, and goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do real estate agents charge in Florida?
In Florida, the total commission is usually around 5–6% of the sale price. This amount is typically split between your listing agent and the buyer’s agent.

Can I start as For Sale By Owner and then hire a Realtor later?
Yes. Many homeowners try FSBO first and then decide to list with an agent if they’re not seeing enough interest or offers. Keep in mind that switching can sometimes delay momentum, so be prepared to adjust your strategy if needed.

Do I still need a real estate attorney if I use a Realtor?
While your agent will handle most paperwork, it’s still smart (and sometimes required) to have an attorney review contracts and disclosures, especially in complex sales.

How do I know if I’m pricing my home correctly without an agent?
Start by researching comparable sales (called “comps”) in your neighborhood. Look for homes similar in size, age, and condition that sold recently. You can also pay for an appraisal to get a professional opinion on value.

What paperwork is required to sell a house by owner in Florida?
At minimum, you’ll need a purchase and sale agreement, property disclosures (like lead paint and known defects), and closing documents. It’s wise to consult an attorney to make sure you’re meeting all legal requirements.

Will buyers still expect me to pay a commission if I sell by owner?
Often, yes. Many buyers work with agents who expect you to pay their commission, usually around 2.5–3%. This is something you can negotiate, but be prepared that it’s common.

Is it cheaper to sell a house without a Realtor?
Yes – you can save thousands in commission fees. But keep in mind you may face legal risks, limited exposure, and pricing mistakes that could cost you more in the long run.

What are the risks of selling a house without a real estate agent?
The biggest risks include pricing errors, legal oversights, lack of exposure to buyers, and emotional negotiations. If you’re not prepared for these, working with a Realtor may be the safer bet.