The Truth About For Sale By Owner (FSBO): Why Selling Without an Agent Often Costs You More

Dustin Overton, REALTOR, Blue Marlin Real Estate • June 20, 2025

If you’re thinking about selling your home on your own — as a For Sale By Owner (FSBO) — you’re not alone. Many homeowners consider it, hoping to save on commission fees. But before you put up that yard sign, it’s important to understand what FSBO really means for your bottom line, your time, your privacy, and your peace of mind.

๏ปฟ

Let’s break it down with facts, stats, and the hidden downsides most FSBO sellers don’t see coming.

๐Ÿ’ธ FSBO Homes Sell for Less — A Lot Less

The numbers don’t lie:

  • FSBO homes sold at a median of $310,000 in 2023.
  • Agent-assisted homes sold at a median of $405,000 in 2023.
    (Source: National Association of Realtors, 2023 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers)

That’s a $95,000 difference — far more than any commission you’d save.

๐Ÿ‘‰ Studies consistently show FSBO homes sell for 10-26% less than agent-represented properties.


๐Ÿ•ต๏ธ‍โ™‚๏ธ Most FSBO Sites Feed Leads to Agents — And Sell Your Data

Here’s the part FSBO platforms don’t advertise:

  • Sites like Zillow, FSBO.com, and Realtor.com generate revenue by selling your data and leads to agents. When you list your FSBO home, you’re not just marketing your property — you’re marketing yourself as a lead.
  • Expect spam calls, endless agent solicitations, and constant emails from agents who buy your information, hoping to convince you to list with them.
  • The platforms are built to benefit agents — not FSBO sellers. While you’re trying to do it on your own, these sites are selling your data to their real customers: agents.


๐Ÿค” Even the Owner of FSBO.com Used an Agent!

Here’s a fact that says it all:

๐Ÿ“Œ The owner of FSBO.com, one of the most well-known For Sale By Owner websites, didn’t sell his own home FSBO — he hired a professional real estate agent.

๐Ÿ‘‰ If the person who runs FSBO.com didn’t trust FSBO for his own property, what does that tell you?


โณ FSBO = More Work, More Risk

Selling a home isn’t just about posting an ad:

  • Pricing: FSBO sellers often misprice — either too high (leading to a stale listing) or too low (leaving money on the table).
  • Marketing: Without professional photos, MLS access, staging, and targeted advertising, you miss out on serious buyers.
  • Negotiation: You’re up against experienced agents representing buyers — and they’re trained to get the best deal for their client.
  • Contracts & compliance: One mistake on a contract or disclosure form could cost you thousands or open you up to legal risk.
  • Time drain: Fielding calls, scheduling showings, vetting buyers, managing inspections — FSBO becomes a second (or third!) full-time job.


๐Ÿ”‘ What You Get With a Professional Agent

When you list with me, you get:

โœ… Accurate, data-driven pricing that maximizes your profit
โœ…
Full MLS exposure + pro marketing to reach serious buyers fast
โœ…
Expert negotiation that protects your bottom line
โœ…
Legal and contract protection to keep the deal clean and safe
โœ…
Saved time, less stress, and a smoother transaction


๐Ÿ“ˆ The Bottom Line

๐Ÿšซ FSBO homes statistically sell for less.
๐Ÿšซ You’ll face more work, more risk, and more stress.
๐Ÿšซ FSBO sites sell your data — prepare for spam and endless agent pitches.
๐Ÿšซ Even the FSBO.com owner hired an agent!

โœ… Agent-assisted sales consistently net more — even after commission.
โœ… You’ll have an expert handling every detail and protecting your interests.


๐ŸŒŸ Ready to Sell Smarter?

Don’t leave your largest investment to chance. Let’s connect for:

โœ” A free, no-pressure home valuation
โœ”
A personalized pricing + marketing plan
โœ”
A smooth, professional sale that puts more in your pocket

๐Ÿ‘‰ Call/Text: (407) 864-4675
๐Ÿ‘‰
Email: therealtordustin@gmail.com

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