Selling your house on your own can seem very tempting. You might be thinking about saving on agent commissions, setting your own schedule, and even having more flexibility during negotiations. While those benefits sound good, selling your house without an agent—commonly called FSBO (For Sale By Owner)—comes with serious downsides. Before deciding to go it alone in South Florida , here are some important factors you should consider.
You Might Not Make as Much Money
One of the biggest reasons sellers try FSBO is to avoid paying up to 6 percent in real estate commissions. But in reality, you may still need to pay a buyer’s agent their typical 3 percent. Many buyer’s agents will not reduce their fees, especially because they often end up doing much of the heavy lifting in FSBO transactions. More importantly, without an agent’s expertise, you might price your home incorrectly—either too high or too low—causing you to lose potential profit or sit on the market longer than necessary.
Marketing Will Be a Challenge
Real estate agents have access to powerful marketing tools and professional networks that help sell homes faster. Without an agent, your home won’t be listed on major MLS platforms, which means far fewer buyers will see it. FSBO sellers also often underestimate the importance of professional photography, staging, and advertising. Cutting corners on marketing could make your home much less appealing online, where most buyers start their search.
Legal Mistakes Can Be Expensive
Handling real estate contracts, disclosures, and escrow instructions requires a strong understanding of the law. If you are not familiar with the required paperwork and timelines, you could make mistakes that cost you the sale or create legal liability later. You might need to hire a real estate attorney, which adds to your costs and can still leave you exposed if you overlook a critical requirement.
You Could Miss Important Deadlines
Home sales involve many important deadlines, such as inspection periods, appraisal timelines, and disclosure submissions. Missing just one deadline could allow the buyer to walk away without penalty, wasting weeks of your time. An experienced real estate agent manages the transaction timeline carefully, helping you stay on track and avoiding unnecessary delays.
Screening Buyers Can Be Tricky
Attracting buyers is only part of the job—you also need to make sure they are financially qualified. FSBO sellers often deal with bargain hunters or unqualified buyers. Without experience evaluating proof of funds or loan pre-approvals, you risk accepting an offer from someone who ultimately cannot close the deal. This can cause your home to sit on the market longer, losing momentum and interest from serious buyers.
Think Twice Before Selling FSBO
Although FSBO might seem like a good way to save money, it often leads to more problems, delays, and lower profits. Hiring an experienced agent means you get professional marketing, qualified buyers, strong legal protection, and expert negotiation on your side.
If you are thinking about selling your home in South Florida and want to make sure you get the best results, reach out to me today. Visit www.michelstephaneleys.com or call 786-721-2381. Let’s work together to make your sale smooth, profitable, and stress-free.