Selling by owner

Selling your home without an agent

Some people sell their own home and it goes well. If you're thinking about it, here's an honest look at what's involved, so you can decide with your eyes open.

Free, no-strings guidance: even if you sell it yourself, you're welcome to call or text Bill on 352-988-4900 for free, helpful advice on pricing, offers or paperwork. Ask Bill a question.

What you'll be doing yourself

Pricing. Research recent sales of similar homes nearby. Overpricing is the most common reason a home sits unsold. Get a free home value report.
Preparing the home. Repairs, cleaning, decluttering and good photos.
Marketing. Most buyers search the MLS-fed sites. Without an agent you'll use by-owner sites, social media, a yard sign or a flat-fee MLS listing service.
Showings. Answering calls, checking buyers are genuine and pre-approved, and showing the home safely.
Offers and negotiation. Comparing price, financing, deposit, inspection period, closing date and any credits the buyer asks for.
The contract and disclosures. Using a proper Florida contract with the required notices, and disclosing known defects.
Managing deadlines. Inspection and repair requests, the appraisal, the buyer's loan approval and the closing.
Closing. A title company or attorney handles the paperwork, pays off your loan and sends you your money.

Possible upsides

You save the listing side of the commission.
You control showings and the timetable.
It can work well if you already have a buyer, such as a neighbor, tenant or relative.

Risks to weigh

Fewer buyers may see your home, which can mean a lower price or a longer wait.
Mistakes in the contract or disclosures can lead to disputes after closing.
Many buyers' agents expect their fee to be discussed, so savings may be smaller than you expect.
Buyers often assume they can pay less for a by-owner home.
Your time: calls, showings and paperwork add up.

When an agent usually helps

The market is slow, or your home is unusual and hard to price.
You need to sell and buy at the same time, and line up both closings.
You have a deadline (a job move, a divorce, an estate or a pending foreclosure).
The buyer's inspection or appraisal brings problems you need to negotiate.

There's no pressure here. Bill is happy to give free guidance either way, and if you later decide you'd like help, you'll already know each other.

Estimate what you'll walk away with The selling roadmap

Common questions

Can I sell my house without a Realtor in Florida?

Yes. Florida doesn't require you to use an agent. A title company or real estate attorney can handle the closing. You take on the pricing, marketing, showings, negotiation, contract and deadlines yourself.

Do I still pay a commission if I sell it myself?

Not to a listing agent. But many buyers have their own agent, and they may ask you to pay some or all of their agent's fee as part of the offer. You can say yes, no, or negotiate.

What must a Florida seller disclose?

Florida sellers must tell buyers about known defects that materially affect the home's value and aren't easy to see. Contracts also need certain notices (such as the radon and property tax notices), and homes built before 1978 need a lead-based paint disclosure. An attorney can check your paperwork.

How much does it cost to sell by owner?

You still pay the Florida deed stamps (usually $0.70 per $100 of the price), title and closing fees, your loan payoff, any repairs or credits you agree to, and often the buyer's agent fee. You save the listing side of the commission.

General information only, not legal advice. For contracts and disclosures, a Florida real estate attorney can review your documents.

Educational information only. This page gives general information to help you learn and plan. It is not legal, tax, financial or other professional advice, or an offer to lend. For advice on your situation, talk to a licensed professional. Terms of use