Selling FSBO? These 7 Realtor Secrets Could Change Your Mind

Thinking of selling your home yourself? You’re not alone. Many homeowners consider the “For Sale by Owner” (FSBO) route in hopes of saving on commission. But while the idea of keeping more money sounds good, the reality is often very different.

According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), FSBO sales have dropped to just 7 percent of all home sales, the lowest level ever recorded. The reason is simple: more sellers are realizing the value a professional real estate agent brings to the table.

Here are 7 key secrets Realtors use to help sellers get better results. These are strategies most FSBO sellers, and even some agents, don’t know.

1. Pricing Based on Data, Not Emotion or Zillow

One of the most common FSBO mistakes is relying on online tools like Zillow’s Zestimate to price a home. While Zillow is a popular name, its algorithm can be wildly inaccurate because it doesn’t account for unique upgrades, location-specific nuances, or market timing.

Most FSBO sellers start with a number based on emotion or whatever Zillow tells them. But that’s not how real estate works in the real world. A professional Realtor uses detailed pricing models, local comps, and firsthand knowledge of the neighborhood to land on the right number from the start. That pricing strategy alone can make the difference between a stale listing and a bidding war.

2. Marketing Isn’t Just a Sign and a Post

Many FSBO sellers think putting a sign in the yard and uploading a few photos online is enough. But in today's competitive market, serious buyers expect more.

Realtors use a multi-channel marketing approach that includes:

• High-resolution photography that highlights your home’s best features
• Professionally written descriptions that sell the lifestyle, not just the square footage
• Virtual tours and video walkthroughs to attract remote and local buyers

The result? More visibility, more engagement, and better-qualified buyers walking through your door.

3. Social Media and Digital Ads That Actually Work

Today’s buyers are on their phones. The best Realtors know how to create effective marketing campaigns on Google, Instagram, and Facebook that target the right audience with the right message at the right time.

That includes boosted posts, paid campaigns, and custom audience targeting that puts your home in front of thousands of buyers who are actively looking. Most FSBO sellers and even many agents don’t know how to do this well. Done right, it drives traffic, creates urgency, and generates higher offers.

4. Handling Showings and Open Houses (So You Don’t Have To)

Most FSBO sellers don’t realize just how time-consuming it is to coordinate showings and open houses. You have to answer calls, manage last-minute requests, and make your home available at inconvenient times. Hosting an open house? That’s an entirely different level of effort and planning.

A Realtor takes all of that off your plate. We coordinate with buyers and agents, schedule showings efficiently, host open houses with a strategy, and ensure your home is always presented in the best light. You can keep your daily routine without constantly being interrupted or overwhelmed.

5. Skilled Negotiation Backed by Experience

Buyers and their agents are trained to negotiate. If you’re selling on your own, it’s easy to get emotional, agree to the wrong terms, or miss opportunities to protect your bottom line.

A Realtor brings objectivity and expertise. We understand buyer psychology and know how to handle objections, counteroffers, and inspection credits. Our goal is always to maximize your net proceeds, not just get the deal done.

6. A Trusted Team of Professionals Behind You

Selling a home takes more than just a contract. It takes the right team. While your real estate attorney will handle the legal documents, your Realtor plays a key role in coordinating everything from start to finish.

I’ve built long-standing relationships with local professionals, including attorneys, inspectors, photographers, and stagers, who have proven track records and share one goal: protecting you and helping your home sell smoothly and successfully.

7. Life Is Stressful Enough — Don’t Add Selling to the List

Most people don’t sell a home just because. It’s usually tied to a life event — a new job, a growing family, retirement, or downsizing. These are exciting but often stressful transitions. Taking on the added burden of selling your home alone only adds more to your plate.

Hiring a Realtor means having someone in your corner who handles the heavy lifting so you can focus on what really matters: your next chapter. You don’t have to do it all yourself, and you shouldn’t have to. Let a professional guide the process and help you get the outcome you deserve.

Still Considering FSBO?

Selling your home yourself is possible. But the difference in price, stress level, and final outcome can be huge. The right Realtor can make that difference.

If you’re even thinking about selling, I offer a no-pressure, free consultation. I’ll walk you through how I market homes, what your home might sell for, and whether FSBO is truly in your best interest.