If you’re preparing to sell your home, one of the first questions that comes up is also one of the most important:
“Will I make more money selling it myself, or should I hire a real estate agent?”
It’s a question worth exploring. After all, the difference can mean thousands — even tens of thousands — of dollars in your pocket. Many homeowners assume that using a real estate agent is the only way to maximize profit, but that’s not always the case. With the rise of online tools and platforms like ReadySetSold.com, selling your home “For Sale By Owner” (FSBO) has become a realistic — and often more profitable — alternative.
In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences between FSBO and traditional listings and help you understand which option might leave you with the most money at the end of the sale.
💰 The Traditional Listing Model: How It Works (and What It Costs)
When you list with a real estate agent, you’re hiring a licensed professional to handle most aspects of the sale — pricing, marketing, showings, negotiations, paperwork, and closing coordination. In exchange for that service, you’ll pay a commission, typically 5% to 6% of the final sale price, split between your agent and the buyer’s agent.
For example:
- Home sale price: $450,000
- 6% commission: $27,000
- Net proceeds: $423,000 (before taxes and other closing costs)
For many homeowners, that commission is worth it. A good agent can bring expertise, handle negotiations, and streamline the process. But for others — especially those who are willing to do some of the work themselves — that $27,000 savings is too big to ignore.
🏡 The FSBO Model: What It Really Means
Selling your home “For Sale By Owner” means you’re taking the lead. You’re responsible for:
- Pricing the home
- Staging and preparing it for sale
- Marketing and listing it online
- Scheduling showings and responding to buyer inquiries
- Negotiating offers
- Coordinating inspections, appraisals, and closing
While that may sound like a lot, many sellers are surprised by how manageable it becomes — especially with support from online platforms like ReadySetSold.com, which provide tools, templates, pricing guides, and marketing resources to simplify the process.
The biggest advantage of FSBO is clear: you save thousands in commission. Even if you decide to offer a smaller buyer’s agent fee (2.5–3%), you’re still saving a significant chunk of money.
📊 Comparing the Numbers: FSBO vs. Traditional
Let’s look at a realistic side-by-side example to see how the numbers shake out:
| Scenario | Traditional Agent | FSBO |
|---|---|---|
| Sale Price | $450,000 | $445,000 |
| Commission (6%) | -$27,000 | -$0 (or -$13,350 if offering 3% to buyer’s agent) |
| Net Proceeds | $423,000 | $431,650 |
Even if the FSBO sale price is slightly lower, the seller still nets $8,650 more than they would have with an agent.
And in many cases, FSBO homes don’t sell for less. According to multiple market studies, when sellers price their homes accurately and market them well, the difference in sale price is often minimal — and the commission savings can make FSBO the more profitable route.
🧠 Why FSBO Sellers Often Net More
Here’s why FSBO can put more money in your pocket:
1. No (or Lower) Commission Fees
This is the biggest and most obvious reason. Saving 5%–6% on a six-figure transaction can mean tens of thousands of dollars in additional equity for you.
2. You Control Pricing and Negotiations
When you’re in charge, you decide the listing price, how much you’re willing to negotiate, and what concessions (if any) you’ll offer. This control can prevent unnecessary price reductions or giveaways that might happen under agent pressure.
3. You Can Offer Creative Terms
As a FSBO seller, you’re free to get creative with financing, closing dates, or other incentives that attract buyers — often without sacrificing price. For example, you might offer to cover closing costs or include certain upgrades rather than cutting the sale price.
4. Modern Tools Level the Playing Field
In the past, agents had exclusive access to marketing channels and buyer networks. Today, tools like ReadySetSold.com make it easy to list your property, create professional marketing materials, and reach a wide audience — all without a middleman.
⚠️ When a Traditional Agent Might Net You More
While FSBO often wins financially, there are scenarios where hiring an agent might make sense — or at least be worth considering:
1. You’re in a Complex or Slow Market
In a slow-moving market or one with complicated legal requirements, an experienced agent’s negotiation skills and buyer network could help you secure a higher price or close faster.
2. You’re Short on Time
FSBO requires a time commitment. If you’re juggling a job, a move, or other priorities, you may not have the bandwidth to handle showings, calls, and paperwork.
3. You’re Not Comfortable Negotiating
If you’re uneasy about negotiation — especially against experienced buyers’ agents — you might leave money on the table without professional representation. However, hiring a real estate attorney for a flat fee is often a cost-effective middle ground.
📉 Common Mistakes That Hurt FSBO Profits (and How to Avoid Them)
FSBO sellers can absolutely earn more money, but only if they approach the process strategically. Here are a few mistakes to watch for — and how to avoid them:
❌ Overpricing or Underpricing
Accurate pricing is critical. Overpricing leads to stale listings; underpricing leaves money on the table. Use comparable sales data, online pricing tools, or a professional appraisal to get it right.
❌ Skimping on Marketing
A simple listing and a yard sign won’t cut it. Use high-quality photos, write compelling listing descriptions, and promote your property across multiple platforms. ReadySetSold.com can help with templates and marketing guides to boost visibility.
❌ Mishandling Paperwork
Errors in contracts or disclosures can delay closing — or worse, lead to legal issues. Hire a real estate attorney or transaction coordinator if you’re unsure about the paperwork.
❌ Ignoring Buyer Perception
Buyers expect a polished presentation. Clean, stage, and maintain the property throughout the selling process to maximize offers.
🏁 Final Verdict: Which One Gets You More?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but here’s the general rule:
- If you’re willing to put in the time, do your homework, and use the right tools, FSBO often results in more money in your pocket.
- If you prefer convenience over control or your market is especially competitive, a traditional agent might help you achieve a slightly higher price — though likely at a cost.
The good news? You don’t have to choose one extreme or the other. Many sellers use a hybrid approach — managing most of the process themselves while hiring professionals for specific tasks (like photography, legal review, or flat-fee MLS listings).
💡 Final Thoughts
The idea that you need a realtor to make the most money is outdated. In today’s market, sellers have more options — and more control — than ever before. With careful pricing, effective marketing, and support from resources like ReadySetSold.com, you can confidently sell your home yourself and walk away with more of your equity intact.
At the end of the day, selling a home is about more than just the price — it’s about what you keep. And for many homeowners, FSBO is the smartest way to maximize that bottom line.
