Roughly two-thirds of FSBO sellers already knew the buyer (e.g., friend, family member, neighbor). 2. The Financial Reality: Savings vs. Costs

You manage the timeline, pricing, and who views your home.

You will need a legally binding purchase agreement, a property deed, tax bills, and HOA documents (if applicable).

Only 5% of homes sold as FSBO over the last year, a historic low compared to 21% in 1985.

High-quality visuals are "non-negotiable" for online visibility. $299 – $999 Essential to appear on Zillow, Realtor.com, and Redfin. Legal / Attorney Review $500 – $2,000

Most states require a Property Disclosure Statement detailing known defects like mold, lead paint (required federally for homes built before 1978), or structural issues.

FSBO can be a viable strategy if you already have a buyer or deep experience in real estate. However, for most, the between FSBO and agent-assisted sales often makes professional representation more profitable, even after paying commissions.