FSBO Marketing Statistics: Why MLS Exposure Still Wins

📊 FSBO Marketing Snapshot

According to recent NAR data, many FSBO sellers still rely on outdated or limited marketing methods. Here's how homeowners advertised their properties:

• 36% – Did not actively market their home
• 31% – Used a yard sign
• 24% – Hosted an open house
• 21% – Spread the word to friends or family
• 20% – Listed on an MLS website
• 13% – Used online classifieds
• 11% – Promoted via social media
• 5% – Used FSBO websites
• 4% – Sent mailers or postcards
• 1% – Posted a video tour
• <1% – Advertised in print newspapers

Source: National Association of REALTORS® – Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers

🚫 36% of FSBO Sellers Don’t Market at All

More than one-third of homeowners trying to sell “by owner” never market their home. Without exposure on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), these listings are nearly invisible to buyer agents and serious shoppers. Brokerless solves this by automatically placing your property in front of buyers on MLS, Realtor.com, and Zillow.

🏡 Traditional FSBO Tactics Still Matter—Just Less

Yard signs, open houses, and word of mouth help locally—but they only reach a small fraction of buyers. Today’s market is digital, and visibility across MLS feeds and national search sites delivers the traffic sellers need to compete with full-service listings.

💻 Digital Marketing Helps—But MLS Dominates Reach

Posting on Facebook or Craigslist is a good start, but those platforms don’t syndicate to licensed agents or verified buyers. Brokerless listings go directly into the MLS system, giving sellers full exposure on professional sites like Realtor.com, Zillow, Trulia, and Redfin automatically.

⭐ Why MLS Exposure Still Wins

• MLS listings appear on every major real estate platform within 24 hours.
• Buyer’s agents automatically match clients to your home through their local MLS feed.
• Properties listed on the MLS sell faster and closer to list price than unlisted FSBOs.
• Brokerless gives FSBO sellers affordable access to this same professional network—without paying 6% commission.

Some agents promote homes privately through pocket listings, but these off-market approaches often limit visibility and reduce offers. MLS exposure through Brokerless ensures your property reaches every serious buyer and agent across all major platforms.

📋 Ready to List Smarter?

Skip the risky “no-marketing” route. List on the MLS through Brokerless and reach millions of buyers while keeping control of your sale.

❓ FSBO Marketing FAQ

1. What’s the most common FSBO marketing method?

Yard signs remain the most common, used by about one-third of FSBO sellers, but MLS listings outperform all other channels in visibility and buyer engagement.

2. Why do some FSBO sellers fail to sell?

Most failures come from limited exposure—especially sellers who skip MLS marketing or rely only on local advertising.

3. How does MLS exposure help FSBO sellers?

MLS listings are syndicated to major sites and viewed by thousands of agents, giving sellers instant nationwide visibility while maintaining control.

4. Can I list on the MLS without hiring a full-service agent?

Yes. Flat-fee MLS services like Brokerless let sellers access the same MLS used by agents for one low upfront price, without paying traditional commissions.

5. Does Brokerless list on Realtor.com and Zillow?

Yes. Every Brokerless MLS listing automatically appears on Realtor.com, Zillow, Trulia, and hundreds of local MLS partner sites for maximum reach.