What is FSBO? An Objective Overview of For Sale By Owner
What is FSBO? “For Sale By Owner,” or FSBO (pronounced “fizz-bo”), is when a homeowner sells their home on the market without a real estate agent. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), only 7% of sellers sold via For Sale By Owner in 2023.
As with any home sale method, FSBO comes with unique pros and cons. We caught up with top agent Shawna Smith to bring you an overview of FSBO and shed some light on the process, the perks, and common misconceptions.
What does the FSBO process look like for the seller?
If you’re considering selling FSBO, familiarize yourself with the process before you dive in. Without a real estate agent, you’re responsible for preparing your home for sale, marketing, negotiating, and navigating legal and financial documents.
“There’s a lot of work that goes behind it,” notes Smith, who works with over 75% more single-family homes than the average agent in Louisville, KY.
While every sale is unique, here’s an overview of a FSBO seller’s responsibilities:
