FSBO Pros and Cons – Is Selling Without a Realtor Worth It?

Thinking about selling your home without a Realtor? Choosing the For Sale By Owner (FSBO) route can save you thousands in commission and give you full control over your sale — but it’s not without challenges. This guide breaks down the biggest FSBO pros and cons, from saving money and setting your own schedule to handling negotiations and paperwork on your own. Whether you want to list on the MLS for maximum exposure or avoid paying 6% in agent fees, this overview will help you decide if FSBO is right for you.

Thinking about selling your home yourself? Here’s a clear look at the benefits and trade-offs of For Sale By Owner (FSBO), plus how to get MLS exposure without paying a 3% listing commission.

✅ FSBO Pros

  • Save thousands on listing commission. Keeping the 3% listing side can mean $10,000+ in savings.
  • Full control. You decide price, showings, terms, and timing.
  • Direct negotiation. Talk to buyers (and agents) without a middle layer.
  • Flexible marketing. Move fast on photos, open houses, and price updates.
  • Flat Fee MLS option. Pair FSBO with a Flat Fee MLS service to appear on the MLS, Realtor.com, Zillow, and broker sites—without hiring a listing agent.

⚠️ FSBO Cons

  • Limited exposure if you skip the MLS. Most buyers (and agents) search the MLS first.
  • Time & workload. You’ll manage inquiries, showings, negotiations, and follow-ups.
  • Pricing risk. Overpricing or underpricing can cost you—use comps and market data.
  • Paperwork responsibility. Disclosures, contracts, and timelines need to be right.
  • Negotiation pressure. Expect buyers’ agents to push for concessions or credits.

Most of these cons shrink when you leverage the MLS and use clean processes. Start with our Flat Fee MLS pricing to keep control and save commission.

🌟 The Hybrid: FSBO + Flat Fee MLS

You don’t need a full-service listing agent to get full MLS reach. With Brokerless, your FSBO listing is posted to your local MLS and syndicated to Realtor.com, Zillow, Trulia, and broker IDX sites—without a 3% listing commission.

  1. Pick a Flat Fee MLS package.
  2. Upload property details, photos, and disclosures.
  3. We activate your MLS listing; inquiries come to you.
  4. You manage showings, offers, and closing — and buyers contact you directly.

FSBO FAQs

Is FSBO worth it?

It can be—especially if you use the MLS for exposure. Many sellers net more by avoiding the 3% listing commission and handling showings and negotiations themselves.

Can I still offer a buyer’s agent commission?

Yes. You set the amount. Offering a buyer-agent commission can increase showings while you still avoid paying a listing commission.

How do I get on the MLS without a Realtor?

Use a Flat Fee MLS service. Your home is listed on the local MLS, syndicated to major sites, and inquiries come directly to you.

Ready to Save with FSBO?

See packages, pick your plan, and go live on the MLS fast.

View Flat Fee MLS Pricing