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What to Do If Your For Sale By Owner Home Isn’t Getting Any Offers

Steph Sanchez
August 14, 2025
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Selling your home For Sale By Owner (FSBO) can be a smart way to save money on commission and maintain control over your sale. But sometimes, even with a great property, offers dont come in as quickly as you expect.

If your FSBO home is not getting offers, it can feel frustrating and stressful. The good news is there are strategies you can use to increase visibility, attract buyers, and sell faster.

Here is what you need to know.

Review Your Listing Price

One of the most common reasons FSBO homes do not receive offers is pricing that does not match the market. Overpricing can push away buyers, while underpricing can leave money on the table.

What to do:

  • Check recent sales of comparable homes in your neighborhood.
  • Use online valuation tools like Zillow Zestimate, Redfin Home Value Estimator, or Ownerly.
  • Consider a professional appraisal for an accurate market value.

Adjusting your price to match current market trends can make your home more competitive.

Improve Your Online Presence

Homeowner updating FSBO property listing on computer using Flat Fee MLS service in California

Homeowner updating FSBO property listing on computer using Flat Fee MLS service in California. Most buyers start their home search online. If your listing does not look appealing or is hard to find, you may get very few inquiries.

Steps to enhance your listing:

  • Update or add professional-quality photos of your home.
  • Write a detailed and engaging property description.
  • Highlight key features such as recent upgrades, school district, and neighborhood amenities.

Even small improvements like brightening photos or adding virtual tours could increase interest.

Make Your Home Show-Ready

A home that does not look clean, decluttered, or inviting can turn buyers away.

Tips to attract buyers:

  • Deep clean every room and remove personal items.
  • Stage the home with neutral decor so buyers can imagine living there.
  • Consider minor repairs, fresh paint, or landscaping improvements.

First impressions matter, and a well-presented home is more likely to generate offers.

Market Your Home Beyond Your Local Network

Relying only on yard signs or word-of-mouth may not bring enough exposure. To reach serious buyers, you need broader visibility.

How to increase exposure:

  • Promote your listing on social media and local Facebook groups.
  • Advertise on sites like Craigslist or Nextdoor.
  • Encourage friends and neighbors to share your listing.

The more buyers who see your home, the higher the chances of recieving offers.

Use a Flat Fee MLS Service

One of the most effective ways FSBO sellers can attract more offers is by using a Flat Fee MLS service like ListLean.

Benefits:

  • Access to the MLS – Your home is visible to thousands of agents and buyers searching the MLS.
  • Syndication to top real estate websites – Your listing appears automatically on Zillow, Trulia, Realtor.com, Redfin, and more.
  • Cost-effective – You can list on the MLS without paying full commission to a traditional agent.
  • Optional support services – Add-ons like transaction coordination and marketing help streamline your sale.

By using a Flat Fee MLS service, your FSBO listing gains professional-level exposure and credibility, which often results in faster offers.

Evaluate Buyer Feedback

If buyers are touring your home but not making offers, their feedback can reveal obstacles.

How to use feedback:

  • Ask buyers or their agents for comments after showings.
  • Look for patterns such as price concerns, condition issues, or staging improvements.
  • Adjust your listing, price, or presentation based on constructive feedback.

Listening to prospective buyers can help you make changes that increase the likelihood of offers.

Consider Incentives

Sold sign in front of a California home for sale by owner FSBO

Sometimes a small incentive can motivate buyers to act.

Examples:

  • Cover closing costs or offer a home warranty.
  • Offer flexible move-in dates.
  • Include certain appliances or upgrades.

Even small perks can make your property stand out in a competitive market.

Conclusion

If your FSBO home is not getting any offers, it does not mean it will not sell. By reviewing your price, improving your marketing, making your home show-ready, and leveraging tools like a Flat Fee MLS service, you can attract serious buyers and generate offers more quickly.

ListLean helps FSBO sellers in California list on the MLS, reach thousands of buyers, and manage their sale efficiently, all while keeping control and saving money on commissions.

Selling your home FSBO is possible, and with the right strategy, you can get the offers you want.

Visit www.listlean.com to learn more about listing your home on the MLS without an agent.

Selling a home FSBO (For Sale By Owner) can be an attractive option for homeowners looking to save on realtor commissions and retain control over the selling process. However, navigating the complexities of a real estate transaction without professional guidance can be challenging. To help you avoid common pitfalls and achieve a successful sale, let's explore some of the top FSBO mistakes to avoid when selling your home.

1. Pricing it Wrong:

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2. Neglecting Legal Requirements:

Selling a home involves adhering to various legal requirements and disclosures. Failure to comply with state and local regulations can lead to legal issues and jeopardize the sale. Make sure you familiarize yourself with California's real estate laws, including disclosure requirements, contract terms, and any local ordinances that may affect the sale of your home.

3. Poor Marketing Strategy:

Effective marketing is essential for attracting potential buyers and generating interest in your property. Many FSBO sellers make the mistake of neglecting marketing efforts or relying solely on traditional methods such as yard signs and classified ads. Take advantage of online platforms, social media channels, and professional photography to showcase your home to a wider audience and maximize its exposure.

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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.

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.

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.

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.

You can read Zillow's official policy here:
https://www.zillow.com/c/about-linking-and-claiming-listings/

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.