How to Sell Your Home Privately and Quickly Without a Real Estate Agent

Rupi Azrot

May 10, 2025

Selling your house without a real estate agent used to sound complicated.
Now, thanks to new tools and changing buyer habits, it's not just possible — it’s actually very common.

Maybe you want to save on commissions. Maybe you already have a buyer. Maybe you just want more control over your sale.

Whatever your reason is, selling privately (also called FSBO, or For Sale By Owner) could be a great option.
The key is knowing your options, setting the right expectations, and following a simple plan.

Let’s walk through how to sell your home privately, how to sell quickly without a realtor, and what steps you’ll need to take.

Ways to Sell Your Home Privately Without Using an Agent

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to selling on your own.
Here are a few common ways people sell privately today:

1. List Your Home as For Sale By Owner (FSBO)

This is the classic DIY method. You handle everything yourself — pricing, marketing, showings, negotiating, and paperwork.

According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), about 7% of recent home sales in 2023 were FSBO transactions.
While that number may sound small, it's thousands of homeowners choosing control over commission fees.

2. Sell to a Cash Buyer or Investor

If you need a super quick sale, selling to an investor could be an option.
Investors often buy homes as-is, pay cash, and close fast.
You might take a lower price, but you gain speed and simplicity.

3. Use a Flat-Fee Listing Service (Like ListLean)

Flat-fee services give you access to the MLS (where most buyers look) without locking you into a 6% commission.

At ListLean.com, you can list your home professionally for as little as $95 one-time, stay in control, and attract buyers who search online.

This gives you the best of both worlds — visibility and savings.

4. Sell to Someone You Know

If a neighbor, friend, or family member is interested, selling privately can be even easier.
You just need to agree on price, terms, and work together through the paperwork and escrow process.

Some of the easiest FSBO deals happen this way.

How to Sell Your Home Quickly Without a Realtor

Even when selling privately, speed still matters.
Buyers today are scrolling online listings daily, and they can spot homes that are priced right and look move-in ready.

Here’s how to sell faster:

1. Price It Realistically From Day One

Overpricing is the number one reason homes sit.
According to Zillow’s 2024 Consumer Housing Trends Report, 61% of buyers say price is the biggest factor when deciding which homes to tour.

Look at nearby sold homes, factor in your home's condition, and be honest about value.

2. Focus on First Impressions

Clean, declutter, and touch up small repairs.
A neat home looks move-in ready, even if it’s not perfect.

Spend a weekend:

Deep cleaning floors and windows
Trimming landscaping
Painting scuffed walls in neutral colors

First impressions sell homes way faster than people think.

3. Use Professional-Level Photos

Buyers shop visually.
Invest in great photos even if you’re selling by yourself — or use a service that includes them.

Listings with professional photography sell 32% faster than listings without, according to Redfin research.

Good photos get more clicks. More clicks means more showings. And more showings means faster offers.

4. Be Flexible for Showings

It’s annoying sometimes, but the more available you are, the faster your home will sell.
Try to say yes to weekday evening or weekend showings if possible.

5. Offer Flexible Terms

If you can offer things like:

A fast closing
Help with closing costs
Allow the buyer to choose inspection times

You make your listing more attractive, especially in a crowded market.

Steps to Sell Your Home Privately Without an Agent

Selling privately is just a series of manageable steps. Here’s how it typically flows:

Step 1: Prepare Your Home

Clean, fix small issues, stage lightly if needed.

Step 2: Price Your Home

Use comps, FSBO tools, or get an appraisal.

Step 3: List and Market

Post online, use a yard sign (if allowed), and share on social.

Step 4: Handle Inquiries and Showings

Respond quickly and make scheduling easy.

Step 5: Negotiate Offers

Review price, contingencies, and terms carefully. Don’t rush.

Step 6: Open Escrow and Complete Paperwork

Disclosures, title, and closing forms — this is where you may want help from a transaction coordinator.

Step 7: Close and Celebrate

Congrats — you sold your home yourself.

Final Thoughts

Selling your home privately without an agent is not just possible — it’s smart if you want more control and to keep more of your hard-earned equity.

Whether you go full FSBO, list with a flat-fee service like ListLean, or sell to someone you already know, the process is simpler than ever.

The key is knowing the steps, staying organized, and getting the right support when you need it.

Want to sell without giving up thousands in commission?
Check out ListLean’s flat fee plans and take the first step toward a smarter, more affordable sale.

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FAQs

Frequently asked questions

What is the MLS?

The Multiple Listing Service, or MLS, is a database used by real estate brokers to share information about properties for sale by sellers they represent to brokers who represent potential buyers.

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What is a Flat Fee MLS listing?

A Flat Fee MLS listing is a service that allows homeowners like you to list their property on the local MLS for a flat fee rather than paying a traditional real estate agent's commission, which is typically a percentage of the sale price.

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How does a Flat Fee MLS listing work?

You pay a one-time fee to have your property listed on the MLS database. This fee usually covers the cost of listing your property on the MLS for a specified period, often ranging from 6 months to a year. You retain the right to sell your home FSBO and handle the selling process yourself.

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Why can’t I edit my Zillow listing after my property goes live on the MLS?

Once your home is listed on the MLS, websites like Zillow, Redfin, and Realtor.com automatically pull your listing data directly from the MLS.

Because of this MLS connection, Zillow removes homeowner editing access to avoid conflicting information online. This is a Zillow policy that applies to any home listed through the MLS — regardless of which agent or company lists it.
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You can read Zillow's official policy here:
https://www.zillow.com/c/about-linking-and-claiming-listings/

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Am I signing a listing agreement with ListLean?

No, you are not signing a traditional listing agreement with us. ListLean does not represent you as an agent. Instead, you are signing an MLS Entry Agreement, which is required to list your property on the MLS while staying compliant with board and MLS regulations. This agreement allows us to post your listing but does not establish an agent-client relationship. You still remain a For Sale By Owner (FSBO) seller, maintaining full control over your sale.

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Do I need to provide photos and descriptions for my listing?

Yes. Try to provide high-quality photos and a detailed description of your property for the MLS listing. Remember, you want to get the best price for your home, so clear, well-lit photos and an accurate (non-puffed) description will go a long way towards generating interest for your house. We offer professional photography for an extra $250 because we know first impressions are the only ones that matter online in the age of swiping left.

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Can I change the listing price or details after it's posted on the MLS?

Absolutely! Just email us anytime at team@listlean.com for any updates, changes, or open house requests.

For Open Houses, please send us:

Property Address (in the email subject line)
Open House Day(s)
Start & End Time

We ask for at least 48 hours’ notice so we can update the MLS properly. Once updated, Zillow and other websites will reflect those changes automatically within 24-48 hours.

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How do showings and negotiations work with a Flat Fee MLS listing?

As the FSBO homeowner, you'll be responsible for scheduling and conducting showings with potential buyers. When you receive offers, you'll negotiate directly with the buyer or their agent. It's advisable to seek legal counsel or hire a real estate attorney to review any offers or contracts to ensure they're in your best interest.

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What happens if my property doesn't sell during the listing period?

If your property doesn't sell during the initial listing period, you may have the option to renew your Flat Fee MLS listing for an additional fee.

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Is ListLean a Licensed Broker?

Absolutely. ListLean LLC operates under Offercity Brokerage Inc, holding California CalBRE #02185966. As a licensed broker, we’re authorized to list your home on local MLS databases throughout California.

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