FSBO

For Sale By Owner: Selling a house without an agent is called a FSBO (pronounced "fizzbo")

If you sell your home yourself, without the assistance of a real estate agent, you can save a bundle on commissions. However, make sure you know what you're getting into first. Learn about what the process entails, whether it's a good idea for your situation, and where to get help if you do decide to go it alone. Above all, get to know the market well enough that you don't end up selling the home for less than it's worth.

Are Real Estate Agents Required?

No law requires you to hire a real estate agent when you sell a house. Some states, however, particularly in the eastern half of the country, require a real estate attorney to handle the transfer documents and closing.

What Tasks Are Involved in Selling a Home?

The closer you look, the more little tasks are revealed as crucial in preparing, marketing, and successfully selling your home.

The most important tasks that a real estate agent will normally perform for you include, but are not limited to:

Evaluating the local market, suggesting an appropriate listing price, advising you on how best to present your home, including providing referrals to painters, repair persons. Helping coordinate preparation of disclosure and other needed forms and documents. Advertising materials, placing ads on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), sending out postcards to potentially interested buyers on the agent's mailing list and the list continues.

Sound like a lot? Indeed, it can be a full-time, nights and weekends job in the days and weeks while your house is on the market.