If you're thinking about selling your home, you're probably wondering…
“Do I really need a real estate agent?”
It’s a fair question — and honestly, the answer isn’t the same for everyone.
In our last blog, we talked about how to buy a FSBO home, and now we’re flipping the conversation to the seller’s side.
So let’s break it down. You’ve got options — and it starts with knowing what kind of help you actually need.
What a Traditional Agent Does
First, let’s talk about what a real estate agent typically handles:
- Pricing your home based on comps
- Staging and photography
- Listing it on the MLS
- Hosting showings and open houses
- Negotiating offers
- Coordinating escrow and paperwork
Sounds like a lot, right? It is. But here’s the thing — it comes at a cost.
The standard commission is 5-6% of your sale price. On a $500,000 home, that’s $25,000–$30,000 gone. That’s why more homeowners are asking if it’s worth it.
What Is FSBO, and Is It Really Doable?
FSBO (For Sale By Owner) means selling your home without a listing agent.
You’re in the driver’s seat — setting the price, handling inquiries, and negotiating the sale.
It’s totally doable — and in fact, we’ve already written about the pros and cons of FSBO in a recent post. The short version?
✅ You save thousands in commissions
✅ You’re in full control
❌ You’ll need to put in more effort
❌ You may miss out on MLS exposure without help
When You Might Still Want an Agent
Now, FSBO isn't for everyone. You might want to consider a full-service agent if:
- You're selling a luxury or complex property
- You’re in a hot market with high-stakes negotiations
- You don’t have time to handle showings and paperwork
- You feel totally overwhelmed by the process
No shame in that — the key is knowing what works best for you.
So… What’s the Middle Ground?
That’s exactly where ListLean comes in.
We created ListLean for people like you — sellers who want to keep more equity, but still want some guidance along the way.
With our Lean Plan, you can list your home on the MLS for just $95 one-time — no commissions, no hidden fees.
Want more help? Our Boost and Elite Plans offer extras like professional photos, contract support, and more — still for a flat fee.
It’s real estate, modernized.
No pressure. No middlemen. Just tools that let you sell your way.
Final Thoughts
So, do you need a real estate agent to sell your home?
Maybe. But maybe not.
And that’s the power of having options.
Whether you’re confident going FSBO or just dipping your toes in, ListLean gives you the flexibility to decide. No commissions. No strings attached.
Ready to see what selling on your terms feels like?
Explore our plans and find the right fit for your home sale.
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