The Tale of the FSBO Gamble: Why Selling Your Home Alone Might Cost You More Than You Think

realtrjules
Feb 7
3 min read

Selling your home is one of the most significant financial decisions you'll ever make. For some, the idea of a For Sale By Owner (FSBO) transaction seems tempting. Why pay commission fees when you can handle it yourself, right?

That’s exactly what Linda thought. Here’s her story—and what it can teach you about the hidden challenges of going at it alone.

Linda’s FSBO Journey

Linda was determined to sell her home without a real estate agent. She had read a few articles online about the money she could save and figured, “How hard can it be?” Armed with a “For Sale” sign, a handful of online tools, and a lot of optimism, she listed her house and began showing it to potential buyers.

The calls came in quickly, and soon she received an offer. Linda was thrilled and eager to move forward, but things started to get complicated as the process unfolded.

The buyers requested a laundry list of repairs after the inspection, included contingencies in the contract, and asked for closing cost assistance. Linda wasn’t sure which requests were reasonable or when to push back. She felt pressured to agree, thinking it was the best way to keep the deal alive.

After weeks of back-and-forth, the buyers abruptly backed out, leaving Linda with an unsold home and mounting frustration. She had spent weeks navigating contracts, scheduling showings, and negotiating—only to end up back at square one. Exhausted and unsure of her next steps, Linda finally decided to call me.

How We Turned Things Around

When Linda and I sat down, it became clear that she had unknowingly undervalued her home and given away too much in negotiations. Together, we revamped her listing with professional photos, accurate pricing, and a targeted marketing strategy.

When offers came in, I used my experience to navigate negotiations—knowing when to push for better terms and when to hold firm. Within just two weeks, Linda had a full-price offer with far fewer contingencies, and she didn’t have to lift a finger.

At closing, Linda told me, “I thought I’d save money doing this myself, but I didn’t realize how much I didn’t know. I wish I had called you sooner.”

The Key Lesson: Timing and Expertise Matter

Selling a home is more than just listing it and waiting for offers. It’s about understanding the market, knowing how to negotiate, and being able to read the room—skills that come with experience. Timing is everything in real estate, and knowing when to negotiate, when to compromise, and when to hold firm can make all the difference. Without the right expertise, even the smallest misstep can cost you time, money, and peace of mind.

Is FSBO Right for You?

For some homeowners, selling on their own might seem like a gamble worth taking. And if you’re confident in your ability to navigate the market, contracts, and negotiations, go ahead and give it a whirl. Check out my video here to get started. But for those who want to maximize their investment and avoid the stress of trial and error, partnering with a professional is the smart choice. As your real estate agent, I’m here to handle every detail—from marketing your home to negotiating the best possible deal—so you can focus on what matters most.

Thinking of selling your home? Let’s talk. Whether you’re just exploring your options or ready to list, I’m here to guide you through the process and ensure you get the results you deserve. Don’t risk leaving money on the table—let’s work together to make your sale a success.