How to Sell a House By Owner in Des Moines: 9 Steps to Closing
Learn how to sell a house by owner in Des Moines with our 9-step seller's guide. See tips, FSBO pitfalls to avoid, and alternative selling options.
Learning how to sell a house by owner in Des Moines (FSBO) might seem like a great way to cut out real estate agent commissions and keep more of your profits. However, selling FSBO comes with challenges, including pricing missteps, marketing hurdles, and the risk of selling for less than a comparable agent-assisted sale.
According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), FSBO homes sell for a median price of around $380,000, while agent-assisted homes reach a median price of $435,000. That’s a potential $55,000 difference in proceeds for the sake of saving around $13,000 in commission costs.
Even so, for some Des Moines homeowners, the idea of selling without an agent is appealing. If you’re ready to take on the FSBO challenge, this guide walks you through the process. You’ll also find practical tips, common pitfalls to avoid, and alternative selling options to consider.
How Much Is Your Des Moines Home Worth?
Home values in Des Moines have increased significantly in recent years. How much is your home worth now? Get a ballpark estimate from HomeLight’s free Home Value Estimator.
Why sell a house by owner in Des Moines?
For some Iowans, selling FSBO is primarily about saving on commission costs. However, your actual savings might not be as high as you think.
Traditionally, sellers paid 5%–6% of the sale price to cover both the listing and buyer’s agent commissions. A landmark NAR court settlement clarifies that buyers are now responsible for covering their own agent commissions. This means that FSBO sellers in Des Moines might save around 2.5%–3% in Realtor fees.
