Best ways to sell your house without a realtor?

February 19, 2025

To sell a house as-is by owner is an interesting option for many homeowners. But, what does it actually mean? Well, FSBO or For Sale by Owner is an approach of home-selling where the seller independently manages the entire process, from listing to closing, without a real estate agent. 

Given the benefits - flexibility to sell on your own terms and timeline, the freedom to decide what repairs or upgrades to make (or skip altogether), and, most importantly, the ability to avoid paying extra bucks to realtors and middlemen - which generally take up to 10% of your selling.

Let’s take it by an example- for a $300,000 home, this could mean saving up to $30,000! 

Now the big question: if this saves so much money, why not a lot of people are doing it? Same reason why you get your groceries delivered by a quick-sell app and rather than going to a farmer's market by yourself? This means time and effort you need to put into this. By the end of the blog- I will also tell you how you can do it easily and even for free. 

How to sell your home without a realtor?

Selling a house on your own also depends on the condition of your home and your expectations for the sale. To get started, you must know your home’s market value to set a competitive listing price. Here are the steps which will help you to proceed with the process of selling your home:

Step 1: Know your Home's Market Value

Finding the right property value is a bit tricky-only if you don’t know the right factors. Usually, these 5 things matter the most- The construction quality of your house, plumbing system’s condition, amenities in the property (extra storage room or a cool jacuzzi- all count), locality and surrounding. 

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Now there are two parts of market valuation- you can control the selling price of the property. However, property taxes, stamp duty, circle rates etc- all are set by the State government. 

Start setting home’s market value by setting the most realistic price. You can assess your home’s worth in several ways:

  • Get a professional appraisal – This provides the most accurate and unbiased valuation but can cost an average up to $500.
  • Research comparable homes- Study similar properties in your area and their selling prices. Look at interiors to see which homes have the same upgrades as yours. Factor in special features or repairs which could impact your home’s value.

Step 2: Prepare for the Market

With a pricing strategy in place, it's time to prepare your home for listing. Assess what needs to be fixed, updated, or improved to make it market-ready with minor changes as that will add value or are essential for buyer interest.

Avoid unnecessary expenses unless they’re important for safety or compliance, such as fixing mold issues, leaks, or faulty wiring.

Additionally, make sure your home looks visually appealing. Clean the space, declutter, and enhance curb appeal by sprucing up the landscaping and exterior.

Step 3: Market Your Home

Once your home is ready, you need to get the word out. Marketing is often the most challenging aspect of selling a house by owner. Here are some effective strategies:

  • Word of mouth – Share details with friends, family, and on social media to expand your reach.
  • Print advertising – Create brochures or flyers and distribute them in high-traffic areas.
  • For-sale sign – A visible sign in front of your home is a simple but effective marketing tool.

Step 4: Wait and Negotiate for Offers

After listing your home, the waiting game begins. If your property doesn’t receive much interest, you may need to adjust the price or make improvements to increase its appeal.

Receiving an offer is amazing. If a buyer’s offer is lower than expected, you can counteroffer. Buyers may also request repairs or ask you to cover closing costs.

Without a realtor, you have to handle the negotiations on your own. But, you can consider hiring a real estate attorney at an hourly rate to draft or review your contract. Many non-AZ Association of Realtors contracts lack essential protections, leaving you at risk if something goes wrong. You may want to consult an attorney to assist you with this.

Step 5: Finalize the Sale

After the agreement, a written sales contract is drawn up and signed. This contract outlines the final sale price, conditions, and closing details. A closing agent will oversee the legal process, and you must provide necessary documentation to close the deal.

How to sell house without replairs?

There are many platforms where you can list your home online, such as Zillow, Trulia,etc; but most of them come with hefty fees that can put a strain on your budget. These charges often vary depending on how long you choose to list your property.

The truth is, you don’t need to pay these high fees. Your goal is to maximize your profits while minimizing expenses—that goes without saying.

The choice depends on you, as to which route you need to take but a list of pros and cons will help you to make better decisions. 

Aspect

Pros

Cons

Sales Process

Faster sale - no repair delays

Lower sale price due to needed repairs

Buyer Pool

Simpler - avoid contractor dealings

Limited buyer pool, fewer interested parties

Negotiation 

Often cash offers, quick closing

May still face price reduction requests


At The District PHX, we offer a better, faster, and completely free way to sell your home. You can sell your house as-is—no costly repairs, no staging, and no waiting for the right buyer. Unlike traditional listings that can sit on the market for weeks or even months, we provide a quick and stress-free process, putting cash in your hands sooner.

With us, you skip the headaches of showings, agent commissions, and unpredictable offers. Whether you’re facing foreclosure, relocating, or simply want to sell without the stress, The District PHX makes it easy.

Selling your house off-market has several advantages over the traditional route. Learn more here. 


I hope this blog helps you understand the nuances of selling your home as-is. If as a homeowner you are facing the challenges of foreclosures, inherited, distressed property and or selling your home as-is, then it's important to take action fast. At The District PHX, we help homeowners who are ready to sell their house for home equity.

We’d be happy to jump on a call and walk you through your options. Whether you’re ready to move forward or just exploring possibilities, don’t hesitate to reach out. 

So, are you ready to sell your home for cash?