Selling Your Home Without a Realtor: The Honest Truth | Kat Moore The German Realtor®
- Kat Moore — The German Realtor®
- Oct 27
- 3 min read
Thinking of selling your home FSBO in Maryland? Realtor® Kat Moore shares the honest truth — from commission savings to pricing pitfalls, negotiation risks, and why most sellers net more with an agent.
💡 Pro Tip: Selling your home without a Realtor® might save you commission money… but it could also cost you a lot more in the long run.
Why Sellers Consider Going Solo (FSBO)
“FSBO” (For Sale By Owner) sounds simple enough: you put up a sign, list the house online, and wait for offers. And the appeal is obvious — sellers often think, “Why should I pay commission when I can do it myself?”
Other reasons people consider FSBO:
They believe selling a home is as easy as uploading some photos.
DIY listing platforms make it look like anyone can do it.
“Nobody knows my house better than me.”
They want complete control over the process.
It all sounds reasonable… until the reality sets in.
✅ The Possible Upsides of FSBO
To be fair, let’s start with the benefits.
1. Save on Commission (Maybe)
The biggest draw is saving the listing side of the commission. If the buyer doesn’t have an agent either, you might save even more.
2. Full Control
You set the price, choose the marketing strategy, and manage all showings. For some, that level of control feels empowering.
3. Direct Connection
Without a middleman, you deal with buyers directly. Some sellers like this personal interaction — until it comes time to talk price, inspections, and repairs.
⚠️ The Honest Downsides
Here’s where FSBO gets tricky.
1. Pricing Pitfalls
Price too high and your house sits. Price too low and you leave thousands on the table. Realtors® use detailed market analysis, local expertise, and buyer demand knowledge that online calculators can’t match.
2. Limited Exposure
Realtors® list homes on the MLS (Multiple Listing Service), which feeds into sites like Zillow and Realtor.com, and they market to networks of buyers and other agents. FSBO listings often don’t reach as many eyes — and fewer buyers usually means fewer offers.
3. Negotiation Headaches
Most buyers still have an agent, and that agent’s job is to get the lowest price for their client. As a FSBO seller, you’re negotiating with a professional who does this every day. It’s not exactly a level playing field.
4. Legal Risks
Selling a home isn’t just about signing a contract. Maryland requires specific disclosures and forms, and inspection or contingency issues can derail a sale. One mistake in the paperwork can cost you thousands — or even get you sued.
5. Time & Stress
From answering calls, scheduling showings, and hosting open houses to juggling inspectors, appraisers, and title companies, selling FSBO is basically a second full-time job.
6. Buyer Perception
Some buyers assume FSBO = desperate seller or discount opportunity. That often means more lowball offers — not exactly the bidding war you were hoping for.
What the Stats Say 📊
According to the National Association of Realtors®, FSBO homes typically sell for less than agent-assisted homes. Even after factoring in commission, sellers who use a Realtor® usually walk away with more money in their pocket.
In 2023, FSBO homes had a median sales price significantly lower than agent-assisted sales. That’s the hidden cost many sellers don’t realize until it’s too late.
The Middle Ground?
Some sellers start FSBO and eventually hire a Realtor® when things don’t go as planned. By that point, they may have wasted weeks or months — and sometimes their listing has already gone stale.
The better option? Consult with a Realtor® first (hi 👋, that’s me). Even if you still decide to go the FSBO route, you’ll at least have the right information about pricing, marketing, and legal requirements.
📌 Bottom Line
Yes, you can sell your house without a Realtor®. But the honest truth? Most sellers end up with more money (and way less stress) when they hire a professional.
A Realtor® brings:
Pricing expertise
Maximum market exposure
Negotiation skills
Legal knowledge
Stress management (because this process is a rollercoaster)
If you’re thinking about selling, talk to a pro before making a decision. It might just save you from a FSBO headache — and leave you with a bigger check at closing.
Kat Moore | Realtor | Advisor
Samson Properties
📞 410-414-5967 (cell), 443-975-7555 (office)
The Kat Walk To Homeownership
Disclaimer
This blog post is provided for general informational purposes only and reflects my perspective as a licensed real estate agent. It does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. Laws and regulations can change, and individual circumstances vary. Please consult a licensed tax professional, attorney, or other qualified advisor for advice specific to your situation.
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