A lot of people wonder if they should just sell their house themselves instead of hiring a realtor. It sounds easy, skip the agent and maybe keep more money, right? Well, selling your home on your own (people call it FSBO) can save you on commission, but there’s more to it than that. You’ll need to be ready for certain costs, some you might not expect, and you should know how much time it can actually take. For anyone wanting a good starting point, https://www.ateambuyshomes.com/blog/understanding-fsbo-costs-in-chicago-il/ gives some extra info. Here’s what you should really think about.
What You’ll Pay Upfront
- Posting your house online usually costs something, especially if you want your ad to stand out.
- Most buyers these days expect nice photos, so paying a pro photographer is almost always a good idea (and that’s not free).
- Cleaning up, making repairs, or putting on a fresh coat of paint helps you sell, but adds more expenses.
Hidden Costs and Little Surprises
- Without an agent, you’ll probably want a lawyer or someone to check the contracts, and that’s not free either.
- Sometimes buyers want you to cover their inspection or appraisal costs just to keep them interested.
- Even with no realtor, you can’t avoid all the closing fees, title transfers, and random small charges at the end.
How Much Time Will You Spend?
- Be ready to answer calls and messages, schedule showings, and deal with no-shows.
- Negotiating and paperwork can get a bit overwhelming, especially if you’ve never done it before.
- You’ll need to read up on the process, and that takes a fair amount of time if you want to avoid mistakes.
So, Are You Really Saving?
- It’s true, skipping the agent’s cut can help, but sometimes you spend that savings elsewhere—on fees, fixes, or just your own time.
- Repairs and extra requests sometimes show up out of nowhere and eat into your profits.
- Want a checklist or a clearer picture? https://www.ateambuyshomes.com/blog/understanding-fsbo-costs-in-chicago-il/ breaks it down simply.
You may sell your house on your own, and for some people, it’s worth it. But it’s a good idea to be honest about the effort, the prices, and even the tiny problems that come up. Be aware of what you’re getting into, and if you need help, don’t be afraid to ask. You’ll be more prepared for whatever comes next.