How to Sell Your House Without a Realtor (And Keep More of Your Profits!)

Last Updated: September 1, 2024

Selling your house is one of the most significant financial decisions you’ll ever make, but does that mean you need to hand over a hefty commission to a realtor? Not necessarily. While using a real estate agent can make the process easier, there are plenty of ways to sell your house without one, keeping thousands of dollars in your pocket.

In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps to sell your home without a realtor, introduce you to tools like VELfixi, and even suggest strategies for negotiating with local agents to get the best of both worlds.

1. Why Skip the Realtor?

The main reason homeowners avoid hiring a realtor is cost. Typically, real estate agents charge a commission of 5-6% of the home’s sale price. On a $400,000 home, that’s $20,000 to $24,000 in fees! By choosing to sell your house yourself, also known as “For Sale By Owner” (FSBO), you can retain a significant portion of that money.

However, skipping the realtor means you take on more responsibility, from setting the right price to marketing your home effectively. Don’t worry—there are ways to handle this process while still getting professional support without paying full commission.

2. How to Sell Your Home Without a Realtor

Step 1: Price Your Home Competitively

Setting the right price is crucial. Price it too high, and your home will sit on the market. Price it too low, and you might leave money on the table. Here are some ways to get a competitive price:

Do Your Own Market Research: Look at recently sold homes in your area and compare similar properties to get a sense of the current market value.
Use Online Tools: Websites like Zillow and Redfin offer free tools to help estimate your home’s value based on recent sales data.

Want a more accurate assessment? VELfixi provides professional appraisal services at a fraction of the cost. With our AI-driven pricing tools, you can set the right price without hiring a full-time realtor.

Step 2: Market Your Home Like a Pro

Without a realtor, you’ll need to create your own marketing strategy to attract buyers. Here’s how to do it:

Professional Photography: First impressions matter! High-quality photos will showcase your home in the best light. Hiring a photographer doesn’t have to be expensive and is well worth the investment.
List Your Property Online: Leverage websites like FSBO.com, Zillow, Craigslist, and even social media to promote your property. Most buyers start their search online, so visibility is key.
Yard Signs and Flyers: Traditional marketing techniques like yard signs and flyers still work! Make sure your signage is clear and professional.

Pro Tip: VELfixi.com offers premium listing packages that include professional photography and online advertising to get your home in front of the right buyers. You can even get your home listed on the MLS for maximum exposure and marketed directly to the buyers’ agents which is something that other companies do not offer.

Step 3: Host Your Own Open Houses

Realtors typically handle open houses, but there’s no reason you can’t do it yourself. Prepare your home by decluttering and cleaning. Set specific days and times for showings and be prepared to answer questions from potential buyers.

Need help organizing? VELfixi can guide you through the process with detailed checklists and tips to make your home shine during open houses.

Step 4: Negotiate Like a Pro

When offers start coming in, be ready to negotiate. Without a realtor, you'll need to handle this yourself, but it doesn't have to be intimidating. Focus on understanding buyer needs, and be willing to counteroffer.

Don’t want to handle negotiations alone? VELfixi offers professional negotiation support services, giving you expert advice while still saving on commissions.

3. Can’t Do It All? Talk to a Realtor for a Discounted Service

While selling your house FSBO can save you money, some sellers prefer a hybrid approach. If you want some professional help but don’t want to pay full commission, consider negotiating with a local realtor. Many real estate agents are open to offering discounted services—for example, you could hire them just to list your home on the MLS or handle contract negotiations.

How to Negotiate with a Realtor:

Be Clear About What You Want: Explain upfront that you’re only looking for specific services (e.g., MLS listing, contract help) and would like to discuss a reduced commission or flat fee for those tasks.
Shop Around: Don’t settle on the first realtor you talk to. Some agents are more flexible than others, so get quotes from a few before making a decision.
Leverage Your Own Efforts: Let the realtor know you’re handling most of the marketing and showings. Since this reduces their workload, they may be willing to negotiate a lower rate.

If you decide to work with a realtor, VELfixi can help you find local agents who offer discounted services to FSBO sellers. That way, you get the best of both worlds—professional support without the full price tag.

Conclusion: Selling FSBO is Easier with the Right Tools

Selling your house without a realtor doesn’t mean you’re on your own. With the right approach, you can manage the process while keeping more of your hard-earned money. Platforms like VELfixi make it easier than ever by providing access to premium services—without the hefty commission fees.

Whether you choose to sell completely FSBO or work with a realtor for discounted services, the key is having a plan and the right resources at your fingertips. Ready to get started? VELfixi is here to support you every step of the way. From pricing tools to marketing services, we make FSBO simple, affordable, and effective.

Need help selling your home? Visit VELfixi.com today and explore our FSBO packages to save time, stress, and money!

This article not only provides valuable advice to FSBO sellers but also upsells VELfixi services while offering flexibility for those who might still want a realtor's help at a discounted rate. It highlights the benefits of using VELfixi as a comprehensive, low-cost alternative without overselling it, thus building trust and encouraging conversions.

About the Author

Arsen Nikiforouk is the founder of VELfixi Real Estate LLC, established in 2023. Based in Eastern Pennsylvania, Arsen is an experienced real estate agent and investor who has earned recognition as a Platinum Circle achiever at KWRE. With a background in high-stakes negotiations with Fortune 500 companies, Arsen has developed a unique blend of real estate expertise and marketing acumen, which led to his Amazon best-seller, "Break Limits, Make Millions."

Known for delivering outstanding results for his clients, Arsen consistently secures highest sold prices for sellers and discounts for buyers in competitive markets, while maintaining a transparent and ethical approach. His strong industry connections, local market knowledge, and dedication ensure that clients receive deals exceeding their expectations.

Arsen proudly serves and welcomes his clients to Pennsylvania, where they can enjoy a rich array of activities.