How to Sell Your House Without a Realtor: Benefits, Drawbacks, and a Step-by-Step Guide
When Carla inherited her father’s house in Los Angeles, she didn’t expect the emotional weight—and financial stress—that came with it. The roof leaked. The kitchen hadn’t been touched since the ’80s. And her siblings were pressuring her to “just sell it fast.” Listing with an agent meant cleaning, staging, and waiting. But time wasn’t on her side. Like many homeowners in distress, Carla needed a solution that made sense now. If you’re dealing with foreclosure, divorce, inherited property, job relocation, or expensive repairs, you’re not alone. Thousands of homeowners each year choose to skip the traditional real estate route. Selling your house without a realtor can be faster, cheaper, and less stressful—if you know how to do it right.
The Pros of Selling Without a Realtor
✓ No commission fees. Realtors typically charge 5–6% in commission. On a $500,000 home, that’s $25,000–$30,000 saved.
✓ More control. You choose the price, terms, and timeline.
✓ Faster process. Without an agent, you can work directly with buyers who are ready to move quickly—especially cash buyers.
✓ Privacy. No open houses, no constant foot traffic through your home.
The Cons to Consider
You do the work. Marketing, showings, paperwork—it’s all on you. Selling a home involves numerous tasks typically handled by real estate agents, such as marketing, staging, scheduling showings, and managing paperwork. Opting for a For Sale By Owner (FSBO) approach means the homeowner assumes all these responsibilities.
Limited reach. Without an agent’s network and MLS access, you might get fewer offers. Real estate agents have extensive networks and access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), which significantly broadens the exposure of a property. FSBO sellers often lack this reach, potentially resulting in fewer offers.
Pricing mistakes. Price too high and your property sits. Too low and you leave money on the table.
Accurately pricing a home is crucial. Overpricing can deter potential buyers, causing the property to linger on the market, while underpricing may lead to financial loss. FSBO sellers may struggle with setting the right price without professional guidance.
Risk of scams. FSBO sellers are often targeted by fraudulent buyers.
FSBO transactions can be susceptible to scams, as fraudulent buyers may exploit the lack of professional oversight. Sellers need to be vigilant and take steps to protect themselves during the process.
Step 2: Get Legal Documents Ready. You’ll need the purchase agreement, disclosures, and title paperwork.
Step 3: Decide How You’ll Market It. Yard sign? Craigslist? Facebook Marketplace? Photos matter—use good lighting.
Step 4: Show the Home. Set up appointments and screen buyers.
Step 5: Negotiate and Accept an Offer. Be ready to counter or walk away.
Step 6: Close the Sale. Hire a title company or real estate attorney to finalize paperwork.
Why Many Homeowners Choose Local Home Buyer Companies?
Selling a house in Los Angeles the traditional way can be time-consuming and expensive.
That’s why many LA homeowners are turning to local cash buyers like MaxNet Homes.
We buy houses as-is, pay cash, and charge zero fees or commissions.
No repairs, no cleaning, no showings — and you pick the closing date that works for you.
This route is ideal for:
| Inherited Properties: | A survey by Charles Schwab revealed that nearly 70% of individuals expecting to inherit a home from their parents plan to sell it. |
| Homes Needing Major Repairs: | Nationally, 35.8% of occupied housing units reported at least one repair need, according to the 2017 American Housing Survey. |
| Foreclosure Situations: | In Q3 2024, there were 87,108 U.S. properties with foreclosure filings, down 13% from the previous year. |
| Divorce or Financial Hardship | Approximately 61% of divorces result in the family home being sold. |
MaxNet Homes makes the process simple for Los Angeles homeowners.
You don’t deal with showings, cleaning, or drawn-out timelines.
You get a fair cash offer with no pressure, no commissions, and zero obligations.
Selling your house is free, fast, and on your terms.
We’re here to help — never to haggle.
Why lock yourself into a listing agreement before seeing your options? Get your MaxNet Offer first.
According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), only 7% of homeowners sold FSBO in 2023, and most did so to someone they already knew. But when homeowners sold to investors or cash buyers, over 70% said speed and convenience were their top reasons (NAR 2023 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers).
The Bottom Line
Selling without a realtor isn’t for everyone—but if you need speed, flexibility, and a stress-free option, it can be a smart move. Whether you go FSBO or work with a local buyer like MaxNet Homes, understanding your options puts the power back in your hands.
Are you ready to take control of your home sale?
“Couldn’t have asked for more!”
Hear from a happy home seller in Buena Park, CA who had an amazing experience working with MaxNet Homes. From start to finish, our team made the process smooth, professional, and stress-free
– Karen⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Can I sell my house without a realtor?
Yes, you can legally sell your home without a realtor in every U.S. state, but the process and paperwork requirements vary by location.
You’ll need to handle disclosures, contracts, and possibly hire a real estate attorney, especially in attorney-required states like New York or Georgia.
Research your state’s FSBO laws or consult a local professional to avoid legal pitfalls.
What paperwork do I need to sell my house without a realtor?
You’ll typically need:
- A purchase agreement
- Property disclosure forms
- Title and deed documents
- Settlement statement (HUD-1)
- Closing instructions
Some states may also require well or septic disclosures, HOA documents, or local compliance reports.
A real estate attorney can help you prepare everything correctly.
How do I price my home when selling without a realtor?
Use tools like Zillow, Redfin, or Realtor.com to check comparable sales in your neighborhood (comps).
You can also hire a licensed appraiser or use an online valuation tool as a guide.
Don’t rely solely on your property tax assessment—it’s not market-based.
What are the pros and cons of selling a house without a real estate agent?
Pros:
- No listing agent commission
- Full control over negotiations and pricing
- Potential for faster decisions
Cons:
- Limited exposure without MLS access
- Legal and paperwork responsibilities fall on you
- Emotional stress and time commitment
If you’re in a stressful situation like foreclosure or divorce, a FSBO sale can be empowering—but also risky without support.
How do I market my home without a real estate agent?
List on sites like Zillow, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and FSBO.com.
Use high-quality photos, a compelling description, and yard signs to draw attention.
You can also pay a flat fee to get listed on the MLS for wider exposure.
Do I need a lawyer to sell my house without a realtor?
Not always, but it’s highly recommended—especially for distressed sellers.
A real estate attorney can:
- Draft or review your purchase agreement
- Handle the title search and closing process
- Protect you from legal issues post-sale
Some states legally require attorney involvement in real estate closings.
Can I sell my house fast without a realtor?
Yes, especially if you price it competitively and work with a cash buyer or investor.
To speed up the process:
- Make minor repairs or sell “as-is” to investors
- Prepare your paperwork in advance
- Be ready to negotiate directly
Cash home-buying companies can often close in 7–10 days with no inspections or contingencies.
What are the biggest mistakes to avoid when selling your home without an agent?
- Overpricing your home
- Not disclosing property issues
- Skipping the home inspection
- Using vague or outdated contracts
- Ignoring buyer pre-approval
These mistakes can lead to legal trouble or failed deals. Prepare thoroughly and consider professional support when needed.
Is FSBO a good idea during foreclosure or financial hardship?
It can be, but timing is critical.
If you’re behind on mortgage payments, a FSBO sale might give you time to avoid foreclosure—but only if you act fast.
Consider working with a cash buyer or real estate attorney to ensure a quick and legal closing before auction deadlines.
What are my options if my FSBO listing isn’t getting offers?
- Reevaluate your price against comparable sales
- Improve your listing photos or description
- Offer a buyer’s agent commission
- Consider listing with a flat-fee MLS service
- Talk to a cash buyer for a no-hassle offer
If the market is cold or you’re on a deadline, you may want to switch strategies to avoid further delays.