Yes, you can do it yourself—but you need to understand who you’re really dealing with.

We’re not going to sit here and tell you that you can’t sell your home on your own. You absolutely can. There’s plenty of information on the internet if you’ve got the time, patience, and interest to learn the ins and outs of real estate. The truth is, the author of this very guide has sold plenty of properties on his own, without an agent—but he’s also been a broker for over 30 years.

So yes—it’s possible. But here’s the reality:

It’s rarely the money-saving move most sellers think it is.

You may save on commissions, sure—but the buyers you attract? They know you’re trying to avoid paying commission. And guess what? They don’t want to pay it either. That’s the real kicker.

Let’s break that down:

• FSBO buyers know you’re not paying a listing agent.
• So they assume there’s more wiggle room in the price.
• They typically subtract 5–6% right off the top when they make an offer.
• And then they start negotiating from there.

So you end up doing all the work—marketing, showings, disclosures, negotiating, paperwork—and still may walk away with less than if you’d just listed with a solid agent.

And there’s more:
Without an agent, your exposure is limited, your legal risk goes up, and your negotiation power drops—especially if the buyer is working with a professional and you’re not.

House Karma Tip:

If you’re thinking about going FSBO, we’re not here to scare you—we’re here to support you. Reach out to a House Karma rep and we’ll happily answer your questions, give you advice, and help you understand the process—even if you still decide to go it alone.

But before you do, take a good hard look at who you’re really attracting as a FSBO seller. More often than not, they’re trying to save the same commission you are—and you may end up doing all the heavy lifting just to break even.

It’s not just about skipping the agent—it’s about understanding the real trade-offs.