Selling a house used to mean one thing: hire a realtor, list it on the market, and hope for the best. But today, homeowners have more options than ever, from traditional listings and FSBO sales to direct cash offers and hybrid services.

Your decision depends on what matters most to you. 

Do you want top dollar, or do you need to sell quickly? Is the house in perfect shape, or does it need major repairs? Are you comfortable managing the sale yourself, or would you rather hand it off?

In this guide, we’ll break down the most common ways to sell a home; their pros, cons, and which might be right for your situation. 

Whether you’re planning ahead or facing a time crunch, this article will help you move forward with clarity.

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Option 1 – Sell With a Real Estate Agent

Working with a licensed real estate agent is still the most popular way to sell a home. An agent handles pricing, marketing, paperwork, showings, and negotiations, making the process smoother for sellers who want full-service support.

Pros:

• You benefit from your agent’s market expertise.
  
  
• Your home is listed on the MLS and syndicated across major sites like Zillow and Realtor.com.
  
  
• Agents can often negotiate higher offers and handle buyer objections.

Cons:

• You’ll pay a commission, typically 5–6% of the sale price.
  
  
• You may need to stage, clean, and repair the home before listing.
  
  
• The timeline can be unpredictable.

According to Realtor.com, the average home spent 45 days on the market in June 2023, and that doesn’t include the additional time needed to prepare for listing and complete closing paperwork.

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Option 2 – Sell Your Home FSBO (For Sale By Owner)

For homeowners who want full control and to avoid paying commission fees, selling your home FSBO (For Sale By Owner) is a popular alternative. You handle every part of the sale, from pricing and marketing to showings, offers, and paperwork.

Pros:

• You save thousands on commission by skipping the listing agent.
  
  
• You control the schedule, price, and negotiation strategy.
  
  
• It can work well if you already have a buyer lined up (e.g., a family member or neighbor).

Cons:

• You’re responsible for marketing, legal documents, disclosures, and negotiating offers
  
  
• Your listing may get less exposure without access to the MLS.
  
  
• Mistakes can be costly, especially in pricing or contract terms.

While FSBO sales made up only 7% of home sales in 2023, according to the National Association of Realtors, they’re still a viable option for sellers with time, confidence, and basic real estate knowledge.

If you're comfortable rolling up your sleeves and doing the legwork, FSBO could help you maximize your net proceeds, but it does come with more risk and responsibility.

This option is best if your home is in good condition, you're not in a hurry, and you’re comfortable paying agent fees in exchange for support.

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Option 3 – Use a Flat Fee MLS Service

A flat fee MLS service is a smart middle ground for sellers who want broad exposure but don’t want to pay full agent commissions. 

These services let you list your home on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), the same platform realtors use, for a one-time fee, typically between $200–$500.

This approach is popular among FSBO sellers who still want visibility on major sites like Zillow, Realtor.com, and Redfin.

Pros:

• Your listing gets maximum exposure without paying 5–6% commission.
  
  
• You can still sell the home FSBO, but with the added benefit of MLS syndication.
  
  
• Some packages offer optional add-ons like photography, pricing advice, or contract templates.

Cons:

• You still have to handle everything else, marketing, showings, negotiations, and legal documents.
  
  
• Some buyers’ agents may avoid FSBO listings or try to negotiate a commission.
  
  
• If you’re unfamiliar with real estate contracts, you may still need an attorney or transaction coordinator.

Flat fee MLS services are offered by companies like Houzeo and FSBO.com, making it easier than ever to go semi-DIY without completely sacrificing exposure.

If you want the reach of a traditional listing without paying for full representation, this is a great compromise.

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Option 4 – Sell to a Cash Buyer or Investor

If your top priority is speed, simplicity, and certainty, selling your home to a cash buyer might be your best option. These buyers are often real estate investors or home-buying companies that specialize in purchasing properties as-is, with no need for repairs, listings, or long negotiations.

Pros:

• Fast closings, often within 7 to 14 days.
  
  
• No inspections, repairs, staging, or open houses.
  
  
• You avoid agent commissions and hidden fees.
  
  
• Ideal for homes in poor condition, inherited properties, or urgent relocations.

Cons:

• You may receive a lower offer than on the open market.
  
  
• Less room for negotiation compared to traditional buyers.
  
  

According to Zillow’s 2023 Consumer Housing Trends Report, nearly 67% of sellers said they’d consider a cash offer, with convenience being a top motivator.

Companies like Hungry Home Offers specialize in this exact scenario, helping homeowners sell quickly, with no surprises and no closing costs.

If you’re dealing with a difficult situation, like foreclosure, probate, or a home that needs major work, a direct cash sale can save time, stress, and money.

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Option 5 – Consider a Lease-to-Own Agreement

A lease-to-own, or rent-to-own agreement, is a creative option that allows a tenant to rent your property with the intention (or obligation) to purchase it later. This can be a win-win if you're not in a rush to sell but still want steady income and a potential buyer in place.

Pros:

• You generate monthly rental income while moving toward a future sale.
  
  
• Attracts buyers who may not currently qualify for a mortgage.
  
  
• Often includes an upfront “option fee,” giving you some immediate cash.

Cons:

• The buyer might not follow through, delaying your sale.
  
  
• Legal complexity, a strong contract is essential.
  
  
• You remain responsible for the property until the sale finalizes.

This strategy can work well in slower markets or if you’re targeting renters who need time to build credit or savings. Just be sure to consult a real estate attorney to structure the agreement properly and protect both sides.

Lease-to-own is best suited for sellers with flexibility, patience, and the ability to manage a longer-term deal.

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Comparing Your Options at a Glance

There’s no single “best” way to sell a house. It depends on your priorities. Use this quick comparison to help decide which method makes the most sense for your timeline, home condition, and comfort level.
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