Thursday, May 8, 2025

Selling a Home "For Sale By Owner" (FSBO) isn't for Everyone. Here's Why


Totally understandable and honestly, I admire the initiative. But let me ask you this...Aren't there plenty of things in life we can do ourselves, but choose not to, and hire someone to do said task.

Sure, most of us can change our own tires on our vehicles, groom our own pets, possibly change an old fenceline, or heck (God forbid we ever end up in the situation) but, we can actually represent ourselves in the court of law!

Selling a home "For Sale By Owner" (FSBO) can save a little money on commission (you will still pay an agent fee in some way), but it requires the homeowner to handle every part of the transaction. 



Sometimes partnering with a pro isn't about whether you can do it----its about doing it smarter, and most importantly, saving time and headache for yourself.

Your Current Home Value

Here’s a comprehensive list of responsibilities and tasks a homeowner will likely face:

1. Pricing the Home

  • Researching comparable sales (comps)

  • Possibly hiring an appraiser for accurate valuation

2. Preparing the Home for Sale

  • Decluttering, cleaning, and staging

  • Making necessary repairs or updates

  • Improving curb appeal (landscaping, exterior cleaning)

3. Marketing the Property

  • Taking high-quality photos and videos

  • Writing an effective listing description

  • Posting the home on FSBO websites, Zillow, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, etc.

  • Creating flyers or yard signs

  • Hosting open houses or private showings

4. Managing Communications

  • Answering inquiries from potential buyers

  • Scheduling and conducting showings

  • Following up with interested parties

5. Handling Legal and Paperwork

  • Providing and reviewing disclosure forms (required in most states)

  • Drafting or obtaining a real estate purchase agreement

  • Understanding contingencies and offer terms

  • Possibly hiring a real estate attorney for legal guidance

6. Negotiating the Sale

  • Evaluating offers and counteroffers

  • Negotiating price, closing costs, and contingencies

  • Handling multiple offers (if applicable)

7. Dealing with Inspections and Appraisals

  • Coordinating home inspections and responding to repair requests

  • Allowing access for the buyer’s appraiser and lender

8. Navigating the Buyer’s Financing Process

  • Understanding how to respond if the buyer’s financing falls through

  • Keeping the sale on track despite delays

9. Working with Title and Escrow Companies

  • Ordering title search and ensuring clear title

  • Coordinating with escrow agent to handle deposits and closing documents

10. Closing the Sale

  • Reviewing and signing final documents

  • Understanding and paying closing costs

  • Transferring ownership and keys


If all of the above just doesn't sound appealing, sounds like a lot...because it is.
 If you're interested in letting a professional do the heavy lifting, shield you from directly dealing with the public, and wearing all the hats....consider hiring someone like
Tyler Terrebonne Realtor in the Greater Baton Rouge Louisiana area.


He's a licensed agent in Louisiana, a top producer in his office Engel & Volkers Baton Rouge, and is the friendliest!

FUN FACT: In 2024, homes sold with the assistance of a real estate agent achieved a median sale price of $435,000, whereas For Sale By Owner (FSBO) homes sold for a median of $380,000, resulting in a $55,000 difference!

Would you swap $10,000 for $55,000 if someone wanted to trade with you?
Hire the professional and pay the agent fee.
This isn't a trust me bro scenario, these are facts!


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