You may know that if you want to sell your home, it will be a stressful process, but did you know you don’t have to use a realtor?
Many other options allow you to complete the sale on your own time and terms. In this guide, we’ll cover all the information you need to know about selling your home without a realtor, including how much it costs, what happens when you sell without a realtor, and why it can be beneficial for some homeowners. Ready? Let’s get started!
How Much Does it Cost to Sell Your Home Without a Realtor?
One of the first things you need to think about when deciding whether or not to sell your home without using a realtor is how much it will cost. The amount of money you pay to have your house sold without a realtor depends on how you plan to handle the sale. On average, homeowners can expect to spend up to $20,000 without using a realtor, which can be significantly lower than what you would pay in commissions to a realtor.
Is Selling Without a Realtor Right for You?
Selling your home without a realtor might seem like the best idea if you’re looking to save money, but there are certain circumstances in which hiring a professional is beneficial.
For example, if your property is difficult to sell and you don’t have time to wait for interested buyers to come forward, a realtor may be able to help you speed up the process. Likewise, if you’re new to this process and don’t know what steps you need to take, hiring an agent who knows the ins and outs of this type of transaction may be wise. That said, some homeowners choose not to use a realtor because they want the freedom that comes with making their own decisions about when and how they’ll complete the sale.
Create a Great Listing
You don’t need a realtor to sell your home, but you must take the time to create a compelling listing. Remember, your online presence is your first opportunity for potential buyers to see what you have to offer. When you write your listing, don’t leave anything of interest out. Talk about the neighborhood, the nearby shops, recent renovations or repairs, and more!
Advertise, Advertise, Advertise!
No matter how you decide to sell your home, you must market it. You want to make sure that the house is well-known in the area, so potential buyers know its existence. The first step is to get your property listed on as many websites as possible. You can also advertise through social media, make your website, and use the power of worth-of-mouth to spread the word that you are selling your place.
Navigating Florida’s mandatory disclosures
When you choose to sell without a realtor, you are personally responsible for being transparent about the home’s history. Florida law requires you to disclose any known facts that materially affect the value of the property and aren’t easily seen by a buyer. This includes “latent defects” like a history of sinkhole claims, foundation issues, or hidden water damage.
While you aren’t legally required to use a specific state-mandated form, using a comprehensive disclosure form is a smart practice to create a clear paper trail. In 2025, you must also provide specific statutory notifications, including:
- Radon Gas: A written statement describing the potential health risks.
- HOA Summary: If the home is in a governed community, you must provide details on fees and rules.
- Lead-Based Paint: A federal requirement for any home built before 1978.
- Property Taxes: A notice that the buyer’s future tax assessment may be higher than your current rate.
Handling the buyer’s agent commission in 2025
One of the biggest shifts in the 2025 real estate market involves how commissions are handled. While you save the listing agent’s realtor commission by selling on your own, you may still encounter potential buyers who are represented by a professional. Under current industry rules, these buyers must sign an agreement with their agent before touring your home, often outlining how that agent will be paid.
It is important to know that you are not required by law to pay a buyer’s agent commission. However, in many real estate transactions, it remains a negotiable point. You can choose to offer a commission to attract more traffic to your list your home efforts, or you can decline and let the buyer cover their own representation costs. For those who want to bypass this negotiation entirely, a direct sale to Joe Homebuyer of Palm Beach removes all agent fees from the equation, as we never charge a commission fee.
The Bottom Line
So, what’s the bottom line? Selling a home without a realtor has its benefits. It can be a cost-effective option for many people, and it allows you to control the process from beginning to end. But keep in mind that there are limitations to this strategy. Some homeowners might not have the time or skills to handle everything independently. Ensure you know what you’re getting into before proceeding with this method.
Skip the Selling Process, Sell to Joe Homebuyer of Palm Beach
Do you want to sell your home without a realtor but don’t have the time to dedicate yourself to the process? Then you’re in the right place! At Joe Homebuyer of Palm Beach, we buy qualifying homes for cash. There’s no need to hire a realtor with us! Just call us, answer a few questions, and receive a no-obligation cash offer on your Palm Beach, Florida property.
Are you ready to get started? Contact us now!