Selling your house without a realtor might sound intimidating, but for many homeowners, it’s the smarter, more cost-effective choice. Whether you're trying to avoid paying hefty agent commissions, speed up the sale, or take more control of the process, going the for-sale-by-owner (FSBO) route is becoming more common than ever.

In fact, according to the National Association of Realtors, roughly 10% of recent home sales were completed without the help of an agent. Thanks to online listing platforms, flat-fee MLS services, and cash buyers, homeowners now have more tools than ever to navigate the process solo.

In this guide, we’ll break down the exact steps to sell your house without a realtor, including your selling options, legal must-knows, and when it might make sense to work with a direct cash buyer instead.

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Why Homeowners Skip Realtors

For decades, hiring a real estate agent was considered the default, but that’s quickly changing. Today’s sellers are more informed, tech-savvy, and financially aware. With agent commission fees averaging 5–6% of the home’s sale price, many homeowners are deciding to cut out the middleman.

Here are the most common reasons people choose to sell without a realtor:

• Avoiding Expensive Commissions
  Selling a $300,000 home could mean paying up to $18,000 in combined agent fees. Skipping the realtor can save you a significant chunk of that money, especially if you already have a buyer lined up or plan to sell to an investor.
  
  
• Faster, More Flexible Timelines
  When you’re not waiting on an agent’s schedule or multiple open houses, you control the pace. Whether you want to sell in a week or take your time, FSBO or cash sales allow more flexibility.
  
  
• Privacy and Fewer People in Your Home
  Some sellers prefer to avoid the constant flow of showings, agents, and curious neighbors. Selling on your own means you choose who sees the home– and when.
  
  
• Direct Negotiation and Control
  Without a third party involved, you can negotiate directly with buyers, handle offers in real time, and avoid misunderstandings or delays.

Your Main Options Without a Realtor

If you’ve decided to sell your house without a realtor, you’re not limited to one approach. There are a few popular and very different ways to go about it. 

The best choice depends on your timeline, your home’s condition, and how much legwork you’re willing to do.

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1. Sell Your Home FSBO (For Sale By Owner)

This is the most traditional way to sell without an agent. With FSBO, you manage the entire sale yourself, from pricing the property and marketing it, to hosting showings and negotiating with buyers.

Pros: You save on commissions and retain full control of the process.
Cons: You’ll need to invest time into marketing, screening buyers, managing paperwork, and understanding your legal responsibilities.

Sites like Zillow and FSBO.com allow homeowners to list properties without a realtor.

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2. Sell to a Cash Buyer or Investor

If speed and simplicity are your top priorities, selling to a cash buyer may be your best option. These buyers typically purchase homes as-is, meaning no repairs, no inspections, and no financing delays. It’s ideal for people who need to move quickly or don’t want to spend time fixing up the property.

According to ATTOM, investor purchases made up 8% of all home sales in recent quarters, showing that more sellers are opting for this fast-cash approach.

Pros: Fast closings (often within 7–14 days), no commissions, no prep work.
Cons: You might receive a lower offer than on the open market, but for many, the speed and certainty are worth it.

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3. Use a Flat Fee MLS Service

Flat-fee MLS services are a hybrid approach. For a one-time payment (usually $200–$500), your home gets listed on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), the same database realtors use, but you still manage the sale yourself.

This gives you access to more buyers while still saving thousands in agent commissions.

Pros: Professional-level exposure without the full agent cost.
‍Cons: You still have to handle negotiations, showings, and legal paperwork.

Key Steps to Selling Without a Realtor

Once you've chosen your method, whether FSBO, cash buyer, or flat-fee MLS, it’s time to take action. 

Selling without a realtor doesn’t have to be overwhelming, but you’ll need to stay organized and informed. Here’s a breakdown of the steps you’ll need to follow:

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1. Know Your Home’s Market Value

Before you list your property or accept an offer, you need a clear sense of what your home is worth.
Use online tools like Zillow, Redfin, or get a licensed appraiser for a more accurate estimate.

Pricing too high will scare buyers off; pricing too low could cost you thousands.

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2. Get Your Documents Ready

Even without an agent, real estate is still a legal transaction, so paperwork matters. You’ll likely need:

• A property deed or title
  
  
• Recent utility bills and tax records
  
  
• Seller disclosures (required in most states)
  
  
• HOA documents (if applicable)
  
  
• A real estate attorney (required in some states for closing)

Having everything in order from the start helps prevent delays once you're under contract.

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3. Market the Property Smartly

You don’t need a realtor to make your home look its best, but you do need great presentation.
Take high-resolution photos in good lighting, write a clear and compelling description, and post your listing on high-traffic platforms like:

• Zillow
  
  
• Craigslist
  
  
• Facebook Marketplace
  
  
• FSBO.com
  
  
• Local real estate Facebook groups

Your goal is to drive as many eyes and offers, as possible.

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4. Handle Showings and Offers

Be responsive to showing requests and make your home easy to access. If you’re not comfortable hosting open houses, you can offer private walkthroughs by appointment.

When offers come in, review each one carefully and don’t be afraid to negotiate on price, contingencies, or timelines.

Just because you’re not using an agent doesn’t mean you can’t advocate for your best outcome.

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5. Close With a Title Company or Real Estate Attorney

The final step is closing, and you don’t need a realtor to get there. Most sellers work with a title company or real estate attorney to:

• Review and finalize the contract
  
  
• Handle escrow
  
  
• Transfer the title
  
  
• Ensure all state-specific requirements are met

This protects both you and the buyer, and ensures everything is handled legally and securely.

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When It Makes Sense to Sell to a Cash Buyer

While selling your home FSBO or through a flat-fee MLS can work for some sellers, others simply don’t have the time, energy, or resources to go that route. That’s where selling to a reputable cash home buyer like Hungry Home Offers can be a smart move.

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You Need to Sell Fast

Maybe you're behind on mortgage payments, relocating for a new job, or facing a personal emergency. A traditional sale can take weeks or even months. Cash buyers can close in as little as 7 days, helping you skip the delays and move forward quickly.

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Your Home Needs Major Repairs

If your house has water damage, outdated systems, structural issues, or just hasn’t been updated in years, you could spend thousands getting it market-ready, or none at all.

Companies like Hungry Home Offers buy houses as-is, so you don’t need to fix a thing.

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You’re Dealing with a Difficult Situation

Inherited properties, divorce, bad tenants, or pending foreclosure can all add layers of stress. Cash buyers offer a private, low-pressure solution that keeps your situation off the open market and lets you close discreetly.

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You Just Want a Simple, No-Hassle Sale

No open houses. No showings. No waiting on buyer financing to go through.

If you're looking for certainty, Hungry Home Offers can give you a guaranteed offer and a timeline you control.

According to Zillow research, 67% of sellers say they would consider an all-cash offer for speed and convenience, especially when facing uncertainty.

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Final Thoughts

Selling your house without a realtor can feel like a big step, but with the right strategy, tools, and support, it’s absolutely doable. Whether you go the FSBO route, list through a flat-fee MLS, or sell directly to a cash buyer, the key is understanding what works best for your situation.

If you have time, energy, and market knowledge, managing the sale yourself can save thousands. But if you want to skip the hassle and sell fast, as-is, and without paying any commissions, a trusted local buyer might be the better option.

At Hungry Home Offers, we help Pennsylvania homeowners sell their homes quickly and simply, with no agents, no showings, and no repair costs. It’s the stress-free way to move on with your life.

Want to know what your home is worth right now?
Fill out our quick form and get your no-obligation cash offer today.

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