Well, we haven’t officially closed yet — that will happen in mid-December (fingers crossed) — but here’s how we received an offer on our house.
We’re not real estate professionals, so this is simply a summary of what worked for us. If you’re trying to sell your home by owner, these practical steps may help. Interestingly, the buyers weren’t readers of our blog — they’d never heard of us — though we did disclose the blog to make sure they were comfortable with photos of the house with our furniture still in place. That confirmed that you don’t need a blog to find buyers. Here’s what we learned:
Tip #1: Pick the right asking price. This is critical. Initially we priced the house too high and only had two showings in the first two weeks. After we adjusted the price down by about $25,000 to align with comparable homes in the area, the response changed dramatically: fourteen showings in the next two weeks and an offer within two days of the price drop. Pricing to sell for your market and timeframe is essential.
Tip #2: Clean and declutter thoroughly. Now isn’t the time for piles of laundry or stacks of mail on the counter. Clean, decluttered spaces show better and imply the home has been well maintained. Pay attention to odors, dust, and small details that might signal neglect. We also made several small spruce-up efforts around the house to present it at its best.
Tip #3: Market aggressively. A realtor brings clients, connections, and MLS exposure, so FSBO sellers need to compensate with concentrated effort. We advertised in the paper, re-listed on Craigslist every few days, installed a for-sale sign and distributed yard fliers, and paid $295 to list on MLS via a flat-fee service. In total we spent roughly $500 on marketing, which was far less than the typical 6% commission we would have paid an agent.
Tip #4: Learn how to show the home. We discovered the most professional approach was for John to lead a quick tour while the rest of us left the house (we went for walks). After the initial tour he’d step outside and let buyers explore on their own so they could absorb the feel of the home without anyone hovering. When weather prevented walks, we waited in the car until showings finished.
Tip #5: Make a clear case for the home’s value. A well-crafted flier and thoughtful talking points during showings make a difference. We highlighted items that would convey with the sale — appliances, window treatments, light fixtures, dining room shelving, and even the master bedroom built-ins and bed frame — so buyers saw added value. We also called attention to unique features like our large 0.75-acre lot and two-car garage, plus upgrades such as the remodeled kitchen and baths, new roof, refinished hardwood floors, and new windows. These details helped set our home apart from comparable, less-updated properties.
Tip #6: Prepare for an offer and get professional help. Getting an offer is the goal, but you must know how to respond. Sharpen your negotiation skills and lean on experienced professionals. Even though we were selling by owner, we used help from a closing attorney and a lending agent we’d worked with before. Their guidance was invaluable for handling contracts, inspections, and closing logistics. Hiring a closing attorney is a modest expense and is necessary whether you sell FSBO or use an agent, so it’s smart to have one advising you.
You’ll usually receive offers on paper that you can modify and respond to, rather than starting from scratch. Make sure you have required legal disclosures on hand (for example, lead paint and residential property disclosure forms). If you can’t locate the right documents, your closing attorney can supply them and ensure the sale is conducted properly.
Tip #7: Expect buyer agents to show your home. In our experience, agents did not boycott our FSBO listing. Most showings were with buyers represented by agents, and the buyers who ultimately purchased our home came through a realtor. We paid a commission to the buyer’s agent, but by handling marketing, showings, and paperwork with our attorney we avoided paying a selling agent’s commission, which saved us thousands.
That’s what worked for us. We would have used an agent if we hadn’t had success after a few months, but as DIYers it felt right to try FSBO and share what we learned. If you’ve sold your house by owner, feel free to add tips — there’s always more to learn. Now we’re hoping for a smooth closing in about a month. Is it December yet?