How to Sell a Home Without a Realtor

So, you want to sell your home, but you don't want to pay a high real estate agent's fee. Selling a home without a realtor isn't easy. You'll have to do all the footwork and find the time to be home when potential buyers call.

Instructions

1. Research the competition. Real estate agents know how to price a home. They look at other properties for sale and review recently sold homes. Before pricing your home, conduct a comparative analysis and learn the average sale price for the neighborhood.

2. Make the home appeal to buyers. If you want to sell a home quickly without a realtor, you've got to make the home look appealing. This includes removing clutter, staging the property, making a few improvements and enhancing the exterior. The "wow factor" attracts bids.

3. Market the home for sale. Putting a sign in your front yard isn't enough. You've got to promote and market the home. Place classified ads in realtor magazines and include the property on FSBO websites.

4. Have an open house. Since you likely have a full-time job and other responsibilities, it can be difficult to arrange showings. However, if you want to sell the home fast, you have to make time. Take advantage of the weekends and plan to host open houses, in which potential buyers can view the home and ask questions.

5. Be prepared to negotiate. Negotiations are a part of the buying process. The buyer may want to reduce the asking price or ask for closing cost assistance. Keep an open mind and meet them halfway.

6. Get your paperwork in order. Once you and the buyer have agreed on a purchase price, it's time to write a contract. Include the final sale price, contingencies and other negotiated items.

7. Pick a title company. A title company typically handles the escrow. Once you choose a title company, they'll oversee the final process, which involves gathering the loan documents, obtaining title insurance, recording the deed and closing the loan.