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If you're thinking about selling your home, you’ve probably asked yourself:
Do people still sell homes without a real estate agent?
Or maybe a friend told you, “Don’t even try it without a pro,” and now you’re wondering if that’s actually true.
The short answer?
Yes — people absolutely still sell homes without an agent.
And with the tools available today, it's more doable than ever.
Let’s walk through how FSBO (For Sale By Owner) works in the real world, why people still go this route, and whether it could be the right fit for you.
What Is FSBO, Again?
FSBO stands for “For Sale By Owner.” It means you, the homeowner, are taking the reins and handling the sale of your house yourself — without hiring a listing agent.
You decide the price, market the home, negotiate with buyers, and guide the sale all the way to closing.
And sure, that might sound like a lot. But many sellers find that with the right tools and support, it’s totally manageable — and worth it.
So… Are People Really Still Doing This?
They are — and in bigger numbers than you might expect.
According to data from the National Association of Realtors, around 7-10% of home sales in recent years have been FSBO. And that doesn’t even include sellers who start FSBO and later bring in limited help (like a flat fee service or contract support).
Some sellers do FSBO because they’ve sold homes before and feel confident.
Others already have a buyer lined up — a friend, a family member, or someone from their community.
And then there’s a growing group of sellers who simply don’t want to pay a massive 5–6% commission when they know there are other options.
Why FSBO Still Makes Sense
There’s a reason FSBO is still around — it works. Here’s why people continue to choose it:
1. You Keep More of Your Equity
This is the big one.
Selling your home through a traditional real estate agent usually means losing tens of thousands to commissions. On a $500,000 sale, a 6% commission is $30,000 gone.
FSBO means that money stays with you.
2. You’re in Control
You set the price.
You manage showings around your schedule.
You communicate directly with interested buyers and make decisions on your terms.
If you like the idea of being hands-on and not relying on someone else to “handle everything,” FSBO puts you in the driver’s seat.
3. You Can Still Get Help — Just Where You Need It
Going FSBO doesn’t mean going it alone.
There are modern services (like ListLean) that let you pick and choose the kind of help you want — without committing to a full commission model.
Whether you need just a listing platform, or a little assistance with paperwork or pricing, you can get support without paying for the stuff you don’t need.
What FSBO Sellers Should Be Prepared For
FSBO isn’t the perfect fit for everyone — and that’s okay. It helps to go in with your eyes open.
Here are a few things to be ready for:
- You’ll need to do some homework. Pricing, marketing, and understanding buyer questions all take a little prep.
- You may be negotiating directly. That can feel intimidating at first, but it also gives you full visibility and control.
- You’ll be responsible for disclosures and paperwork. But don’t worry — there’s help for that if you want it.
The key is knowing that you don’t have to be an expert to do FSBO. You just need access to good information and tools.
What About the Market Today?
Even in today’s shifting market, FSBO is still viable. In fact, some sellers find it easier than ever — thanks to the internet.
Buyers are already searching online. Your home can be listed, found, and shown with just a few clicks.
You don’t need a big name behind the sale. You just need to be visible, priced well, and responsive to interested buyers.
And in places with low inventory, sellers often have the upper hand — with or without an agent.
How ListLean Makes FSBO Easier
At ListLean, we believe sellers should have the option to sell smart — and save big.
We created ListLean to give you the tools to confidently list your home without paying traditional commissions.
- Just need a simple, affordable way to list your home? Our Lean Plan is only $95 one-time.
- Want a little more help with contracts or buyer communication? Our Boost and Elite Plans give you extra support — still for a flat fee.
You're never locked into a commission, and you’re never left in the dark.
Final Thoughts
So… do people still sell homes without a real estate agent?
Yes. And you can, too.
Whether you’re a first-time FSBO seller or just tired of paying big fees, there are real, affordable options out there. With a little effort — and the right partner — you can take control of your sale, keep more money in your pocket, and move on to your next chapter with confidence.
Want to try FSBO without the stress?
Check out ListLean plans and see how easy and affordable it can be to sell your home your way.
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