You don’t need a realtor to sell your house. In fact, in today’s digital world, you could argue that you’re better off without one. Why? Because you have access to more information and tools than ever before. You can find buyers without paying a commission. And you can get your home listed in front of thousands of potential buyers with just a few clicks.
But selling your house without a realtor is not for everyone. It takes time, effort, and knowledge to do it right. And if you’re not prepared for the challenges, you could end up losing money on the sale. By following these simple steps, you can confidently sell your house without paying commission fees to a realtor.
Not quite ready to do it alone? Want the ease without the risk? Check out our side-by-side comparison of selling your home at auction vs. for sale by owner. Looper Auction provides the speed, security, and confidence you need as a seller.
1. Do your research
The first step to selling your house without a realtor is doing your research. You should have a firm understanding of your local market and what similar houses in your area are selling for. This will help you determine what price point to list your house at. Additionally, research any potential repairs or updates that need to be made before listing photos of your home online or hosting an open house. It’s also important to research the home selling process so that you are familiar with all of the paperwork involved.
Know your market
Research recent home sales in your neighborhood to get an idea of what buyers are willing to pay for a home like yours. This will also give you a ballpark estimate of the listing price you should expect, which brings us to our next tip…
Price it right
When buyers see a home that is overpriced, they automatically assume there’s something wrong with it and move on. If your home is priced too low, you could end up leaving money on the table. The best way to determine an accurate listing price is to hire a professional appraiser; most lenders require one anyway if you’re getting a mortgage. You can also ask a real estate agent to do a comparative market analysis (CMA), which is similar to an appraisal but gives you a range of prices rather than a single number. Keep in mind that an agent will likely be more conservative with their CMA since they want your listing, so take it with a grain of salt and use it as one piece of information in your pricing decision rather than the only deciding factor.
Choose the right time to list
The housing market ebbs and flows with the seasons, so it’s important to take that into consideration when you’re planning to list your home. In general, spring and summer are the best times to sell since there are more buyers looking for homes during those months. Families with children also tend to want to move during the summer so their kids can start the new school year in their new home. Of course, there are always exceptions to this rule – if you live in a college town, for example, you may get more buyers during the fall semester when students are looking for off-campus housing.
No matter what time of year you list, be prepared for a potential buyer to come along at any time. That means keeping your home clean and tidy at all times, just in case you get a call for a showing with only a few hours’ notice.
2. Get your house in order
Once you have a good understanding of the market and what needs to be done to prepare your house for sale, it’s time to get to work! If you have any repairs that need to be made, now is the time to take care of them. Once your repairs are made, it’s time to stage your home. Stagers can be expensive, but they don’t always know how to arrange furniture and décor to highlight your home’s best features and make it more appealing to buyers. Start by decluttering each room and arranging furniture in a way that makes the space look its best. You want potential buyers to be able to envision themselves living in your home, so getting rid of personal belongings and neutralizing each room is key.
3. List your house online
In order to reach the most buyers possible, you will want to list your home on as many websites as possible. Zillow, Redfin, and Trulia are all great options for this. Make sure to include plenty of high-quality photos and detailed descriptions of each room in your listing. Remember, you want potential buyers to be able to picture themselves living in your home, so make sure it looks its absolute best!
Choose the right listing platform
When it comes to listing your home without a realtor, there are a few different platforms you can use. For example, you can list your home on FSBO websites like Zillow Offers or Redfin Now. Or, you can use a flat-fee MLS service like Realtor.com. Whichever platform you choose, be sure to spend some time creating a standout listing with lots of photos and detailed information about your property.
Take great listing photos
In today’s digital world, potential buyers will likely see your home online before they ever step foot inside it. That’s why it’s so important to take good-quality listing photos that show off your home in its best light. Hire a professional photographer or, if you have a good eye for photography, take the photos yourself. Just be sure to use a wide-angle lens so that rooms appear larger than they are and use natural lighting whenever possible. Avoid using flash, as it can create unflattering shadows, and don’t forget to stage each room before taking photos.
Write a killer description
Once you have beautiful listing photos, it’s time to write a description that will entice buyers to come and take a look in person. Start by writing down all of the features and amenities that make your home special, then highlight the selling points that will be most appealing to your target buyer. Be sure to avoid using too much real estate jargon, as potential buyers may not be familiar with terms like “pre-war” or “cozy nook.” And finally, don’t forget to mention any unique selling points, such as a recent renovation or a desirable location.
Market your home effectively
In addition to choosing the right listing platform, you’ll also need to make sure you’re marketing your home effectively. This means letting everyone in your network know that your house is for sale and promoting your listing across social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. You may also want to consider hiring a professional photographer to take photos of your property. Professional photos can make a big difference when it comes to getting potential buyers interested in your property.
4. Hold an open house
Once your online listing is live, it’s time to start hosting open houses! Advertise your open houses widely (think: flyers around town and social media posts) so that as many people as possible are aware of them. During the open houses, make yourself scarce so that potential buyers feel comfortable exploring every nook and cranny of your home.
5. Negotiate with buyers
Once you start receiving offers from interested buyers, it’s time to start negotiating! If you receive an offer that is below your asking price, don’t be afraid to counter with a higher price. Remember, you are in control of this process and there is no shame in aiming high when negotiating the sale of your home.
6. Close the deal
After you have come to an agreement with the buyer on price, it’s time to start working on closing the deal! This process involves a lot of paperwork (deed transfer paperwork, mortgage paperwork, etc.), but as long as you have done your research ahead of time, it should be a relatively smooth process. Congrats – you just sold your house without paying a realtor!
Conclusion: Selling a house doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive – by following these simple steps, you can confidently sell your home without paying commission fees!
Selling without an agent comes with inherent risk, but it doesn’t have to
So, there you have it! Selling your house without a realtor is definitely possible, but it takes a lot of hard work and preparation. By understanding the market, staging your home properly, and marketing it effectively, you can successfully sell your house on your own. But if that is a little too far outside your wheelhouse, consider selling your home at auction to experience the benefits of a for sale by owner without the risk.
When you sell your home at auction with Looper Auction and Realty, you can be sure that your property will be seen by large numbers of potential buyers. Our marketing reach is unrivaled in the region, and we have a successful track record of selling homes fast and for top dollar. We take the hassle out of the process, so you can focus on what’s important – getting your home sold quickly and for the best price possible. Ready to get started? Contact us today to learn more about how our team can help you sell your house without a realtor.