Introduction:
For many homeowners, paying 5–6% in realtor commissions feels like giving away too much of their hard-earned equity. That’s why more sellers are asking: “Can I sell my house without a realtor?”
The short answer is yes but it comes with trade-offs. Selling without an agent, known as For Sale By Owner (FSBO), means you take on pricing, marketing, negotiations, and legal paperwork yourself. For some, this control is empowering. For others, it’s overwhelming.
At We Buy Real Estate, we’ve seen countless homeowners in Tennessee, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island start FSBO but later turn to cash buyers for simplicity. Let’s break down the pros, cons, and smarter alternatives.
The Pros of Selling Without an Agent
The Cons of Selling Without an Agent
- Limited Market Exposure
Agents list homes on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), where most buyers search. Without MLS, FSBO homes rely on sites like Zillow or Facebook Marketplace, which draw fewer qualified buyers compared to when you sell your house fast for cash through an investor network. - Pricing Mistakes
FSBO sellers often misprice homes—either too high (scaring buyers off) or too low (leaving money on the table). Agents have access to more accurate local sales data. - Legal & Paperwork Burden
Real estate sales require state-specific contracts, disclosures, and title paperwork. Errors can create delays or worse, legal disputes. - Tough Negotiations
Buyers often bring experienced agents to negotiations. Without guidance, FSBO sellers risk being outmaneuvered. - Time & Stress
FSBO is essentially a second job: marketing, answering calls, hosting showings, managing inspections, and coordinating closing. For busy families, this can be exhausting.
- Limited Market Exposure
Alternatives to Selling Without an Agent
1. FSBO with Flat-Fee MLS Listing
For a few hundred dollars, you can pay a company to post your property on MLS. This gives you more exposure while keeping control.
2. Discount or Hybrid Brokerages
Some brokerages charge reduced commissions (2–3%) or offer à la carte services—marketing help, paperwork review, or pricing advice—without full-service fees.
3. Selling to a Cash Buyer
Cash buyers like We Buy Real Estate are the simplest option. We purchase properties as-is, with no repairs, no commissions, and closings in as little as 7 days. This eliminates most FSBO headaches while still avoiding agent costs.
4. iBuyer Programs
Some online companies make instant offers using algorithms. These sales can be fast but often come with hidden service fees and strict repair requirements.
Why Cash Buyers Are a Strong FSBO Alternative
• No repairs or staging required. We buy houses in any condition.
• No commissions or closing costs. What we offer is what you get.
• Fast closings. Most deals finish in 7–30 days.
• Certainty. No risk of financing falling through.
• Flexible timelines. Move on your schedule, not the buyer’s.
Real-Life Seller Stories
• Nashville, TN: A couple tried FSBO to save $18,000 in commissions. After six weeks without serious offers, they accepted a cash offer and closed in 10 days.
• Fall River, MA: Three siblings inherited a home and attempted a flat-fee MLS listing. Disagreements and paperwork confusion stalled progress. We purchased it for cash and closed in two weeks.
• Bristol, RI: A retiree wanted privacy and didn’t want strangers touring their home. A direct cash sale provided funds in 12 days without the stress of showings.
Financial Comparison: FSBO vs. Cash Offer vs. Agent Listing
Category
- Commissions
- Timeline
- Repairs Required
- Legal/Paperwork Burden
- Certainty of Closing
- Stress Level
FSBO
- None
- 60–120+ days (avg)
- Yes, to attract buyers
- High (DIY)
- Moderate
- High
Cash Offer
- None
- 7–30 days
- None (as-is)
- Low (buyer/title handles)
- Very High
- Very Low
Agent Listing
- 5–6% of sale price
- 60–120+ days
- Often required
- Low (agent handles)
- Moderate
- Moderate to High
👉 On paper, FSBO may look best financially. But once you factor in hidden costs (repairs, carrying costs, paperwork risks), many sellers find a cash offer nets nearly the same with far less stress.
FAQs About Selling Without an Agent
Yes, FSBO is legal in every state. You just need to complete contracts and disclosures correctly.
Possibly. You’ll avoid commissions, but you may net less if you misprice the property or struggle to find buyers.
Yes, but MLS listings usually attract more qualified buyers.
Cash buyers. They purchase as-is and close in weeks, not months.
In some states like Massachusetts, yes. Always check local laws.
Final Thoughts: Which Option Fits Best?
Selling a house without an agent can save thousands in commissions, but it comes with challenges: limited exposure, paperwork risks, and the stress of doing everything yourself. FSBO works for some, but many sellers discover that a cash buyer is the best alternative—offering speed, certainty, and simplicity without the hidden costs of a traditional sale.
At We Buy Real Estate, we’ve worked with homeowners in Tennessee, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island who started FSBO but chose a direct cash offer for peace of mind.
Want to skip realtor fees and still sell fast? At We Buy Real Estate, we buy houses as-is, no repairs, no commissions, and close in as little as 7 days.
Request your free cash offer today and discover how easy it is to sell without an agent.
