What Does “Sell Without a Realtor” Really Mean?
Many FSBO sellers search for how to sell “without a Realtor.” But what they really want is to sell without paying a Realtor commission. Here’s what that means for you.
📌 Without a Realtor vs. Without a Realtor Commission
The phrase “without a Realtor” is everywhere online. In practice, it doesn’t mean that no Realtors will be involved in your sale — after all, your listing goes into the MLS, which is managed by licensed brokers.
What it really means is you don’t have to hire and pay a traditional listing agent who charges a 6% commission. Instead, you control your sale while saving thousands.
👥 Will Buyer Agents Still Show My House?
Yes. Buyer agents continue to show homes listed in the MLS every day. Your property appears in the same MLS searches they use for their clients, giving you full exposure to active buyers in your market.
Under the new NAR settlement rules, sellers are not allowed to pre-offer compensation in the MLS. Buyer agents now arrange their compensation directly with their clients, not through the MLS listing.
As the seller, you remain in control — you can review each offer on its own terms and decide whether to accept, counter, or negotiate. This means agents will still show your home, but you are never obligated to commit to upfront commission offers.
Learn more about how buyers contact FSBO sellers.
💵 Why Sellers Choose Brokerless
- List on your local MLS for one flat fee
- Exposure on Realtor.com, Zillow, and IDX websites
- No 6% listing commission — keep more equity
- Stay in control of pricing, showings, and negotiations
📍 Example: Texas Without a Realtor
If you’ve seen guides like How to List on MLS in Texas Without a Realtor, the phrase really means without paying a listing agent commission. You still get full MLS coverage and Realtor.com/Zillow exposure — but you stay in charge of your FSBO sale.
📌 FAQ
Q: Will Buyer Agents Show My House?
Yes. Buyer agents continue to show properties listed in the MLS every day. Even though sellers are not allowed to pre-offer compensation in the MLS under the new rules, many agents still show homes and address their compensation separately with their clients. Your home will appear in the same MLS searches buyer agents use for all their clients.
Q: Does “without a Realtor” mean no agents are involved?
No. It means you aren’t hiring a traditional listing agent or paying a 6% listing commission. Buyer agents may still bring buyers — you control how to handle offers.
Q: Will my home still show on Realtor.com and Zillow?
Yes. Brokerless listings appear on major platforms and IDX websites automatically.
Q: What does the word “Realtor” mean?
“Realtor” is a trademarked term that refers to a licensed real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR). Not all real estate agents are Realtors — only those who join the association and follow its Code of Ethics may use the title.
In everyday language, many people use “Realtor” to mean any real estate agent. But technically, a Realtor is a specific type of agent affiliated with NAR.