How to Sell a House Without a Realtor in Washington (5 Easy Steps to Sell Your Home)
If you’re thinking about selling your house but don’t want to deal with realtor fees, there’s good news. You can sell your home without a real estate agent and save a lot of money.
Normally, realtors take a 5-6% commission, which on a $400,000 house is roughly $20,000 to $24,000. Just imagine saving that much by selling your home by yourself!
In this guide, we’ll break down why selling without a real estate agent is an attractive option for many. You’ll also learn about three different ways to do it and five simple steps to help you sell your house in Washington state.
Reasons to Sell Your House Without a Realtor
Deciding to sell your house without a realtor is a big decision, but for many homeowners, it can be a smart one. Here are some reasons why you should consider it:
- Save on commission fees: Realtors usually charge a 5-6% fee. If you decide to sell on your own, you get to keep more of the money from the sale.
- Faster sale to cash buyers: If you’re in a hurry, you have the choice to sell to a cash buyer like Sell My House. This speeds up the process since you don’t have to wait for financing to go through.
- No need for repairs: Cash buyers buy homes in any condition, so you don’t need to worry about fixing anything before selling.
- Full control of the process: Selling without a realtor means you’re in charge of everything—pricing, marketing, and negotiating. This means you can handle the sale the way you want.
- Direct connection with buyers: By working directly with buyers, you can answer their questions and provide information yourself, which can make the process smoother.
While selling without a realtor can save you money and give you more control, it can also be a lot of work if you’re not sure where to start. Luckily, this guide will walk you through the whole process step by step.
3 Ways to Sell a House Without a Realtor
When selling your house, you have three main options: hire a real estate attorney to help with the legal details, sell it yourself using the FSBO method, or choose the easiest route—selling to a cash buyer. Here’s a closer look at how to sell a house without a realtor in Washington:
Safe and Secure: Hire a Real Estate Attorney
If you’re unsure about the legal side of selling your home without a realtor, hiring an attorney is a smart choice. They handle the paperwork, like contracts and title transfers, and make sure everything is done legally and smoothly.
This option is best if you already have a buyer and just need help with the legal details.
Real estate attorneys do charge fees, typically between $150 and $600 per hour, depending on how experienced they are and where they are located. However, you’ll still save a lot of money with this method compared to hiring a real estate agent.
Full Control: Sell via the FSBO Method
The “For Sale By Owner” (FSBO) method gives you complete control over the sale. You’ll handle everything, from setting the price to talking to buyers and closing the deal.
While this saves you money on realtor fees, it does mean you’ll have to do everything a realtor would normally handle.
One challenge with the FSBO method is that many sellers find pricing their home to be the hardest part.
According to the National Association of Realtors, about 15% of FSBO sellers struggle with setting the right price. Handling paperwork can also be tricky, with 7% of sellers facing difficulties.
As a rule of thumb, FSBO is a good option if you’re prepared to take on the extra responsibilities.
Fast and Easy: Sell Directly to a Cash Buyer
If you need to sell quickly, try selling to a cash buyer. It is the fastest and easiest route. Cash buyers purchase homes “as-is,” meaning you don’t have to worry about making repairs or fixing things up.
It’s a simple, stress-free option if you need to sell fast and don’t want to deal with too much hassle.
Cash sales are becoming quite common. In January 2023, about 29% of home sales were all-cash deals.
The big advantage is speed—cash deals often close in just one or two weeks, compared to the 30 to 60 days it typically takes with traditional sales.
Step 1: Get Your Home Ready
The first thing you need to do when selling your home without a realtor is to get it ready for buyers. This means tidying up, making small repairs, and improving its overall appearance.
Start by cleaning up the yard, fixing any broken fixtures, and decluttering the inside. A well-maintained home not only looks better but also helps buyers easily picture themselves living in the space.
Staging your home can make a big difference, too. Reports show that staged homes tend to receive higher offers and sell quicker, with 48% of sellers’ agents reporting faster sales for staged properties.
However, if you’re selling to a cash buyer, you won’t need to do as much, as cash buyers buy homes “as-is.” This can save you both time and money.
Step 2: Set a Fair Price for Your Home
Setting the right price is important to attract buyers and make sure you don’t lose money. If you price your home too high, it may sit on the market too long. Price it too low and you could miss out on potential profit.
To find the right price, here is a simple step-by-step guide:
- Use online home estimators like Zillow or Redfin to get a rough estimate of your home’s value.
- Look up recent sales of similar properties in your area through sites like Realtor.com to see how much similar homes are selling for.
- Try a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) by comparing your home to similar properties in the area.
- Check the current market conditions to see if it’s a buyer’s or seller’s market. You can use resources like Zillow Market Trends or Realtor.com.
- If you want a more reliable value, consider hiring a professional appraiser to get a detailed report on your home’s worth.
When selling a house by owner in Washington, pricing is something you’ll handle yourself, so it’s important to research well and use all available resources.
Step 3: Market Your Property to Washington Buyers
Now that your home is ready and priced right, it’s time to let people know it’s for sale. The easiest way to do this is by listing your house on popular real estate websites. You can also advertise it on social media to reach more potential buyers.
For even more exposure, consider using a flat fee MLS service to list your property on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS).
The MLS platform is a database used by top real estate agents to list and find homes for sale. It’s where people searching for houses in Washington will see it, giving your property access to a larger audience of potential buyers.
Be sure to include high-quality photos in your listing. Clear, bright pictures help catch the eye of buyers. Also, write a simple, engaging description of your house that talks about its best features.
Step 4: Manage Inquiries and Showings
Once your listing is up, you’ll start receiving questions from potential buyers. It’s important to respond quickly and schedule showings at times that work for both you and the buyer.
Before each showing, make sure your home is clean, smells fresh, and feels inviting. Turn on the lights, open the windows for fresh air, and tidy up every room.
If you’re selling to a cash buyer, you might not need many showings. Most cash buyers purchase homes as-is and make quick decisions without needing to visit the property several times.
Step 5: Negotiate Offers and Close the Deal
After the showings, offers will begin to come in. Take your time to review each one carefully. If you feel comfortable negotiating, you can try to get a better price or request terms that work for you.
After accepting an offer, it’s time to handle the paperwork and officially close the deal. Here are some important documents you may need to prepare:
- Purchase Agreement: This contract outlines the terms of the sale, such as price, contingencies, and the closing date.
- Home Appraisal Documents: These estimate your home’s value to ensure the buyer isn’t overpaying.
- Closing Statement: Provided by the title company, the closing statement shows all fees and credits for both the seller and the buyer.
- Home Inspection Documents: This report shows the condition of your home, including any issues.
- Property Deed: This document transfers ownership from the seller to the buyer.
- Title Search and Insurance: A title search ensures no disputes over ownership, while title insurance protects against any title defects.
- Disclosure Forms: These forms are required under WA law. It is meant to indicate any known issues with the property.
- Proof of Homeowners Insurance: Buyers need to show they have insurance before taking ownership.
- Government-Issued ID: You’ll need this to verify your identity during the closing process.
If you’re unsure about any of the legal aspects, it’s a good idea to hire a real estate attorney. They can ensure everything is handled according to Washington state law and help with any necessary paperwork.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of selling without an agent in Washington?
Selling your home without a realtor in Washington has a lot of perks, especially saving money. You won’t have to pay the usual 5% to 6% commission fees that real estate agents charge. So, if your house sells for $400,000, you could save up to $24,000.
Moreover, you get to have full control over the process. You decide how to price your home, how to negotiate, and when to sell.
How do I price my house correctly?
Pricing your home right is crucial to attract potential buyers. Start by checking the local real estate market to see what similar properties are going for in your area. You can also use online tools to get an idea of your home’s value or hire an appraiser for a professional opinion.
Is it legal to sell a house without a realtor in Washington?
Yes, it’s legal to sell a house in Washington without a realtor. A lot of homeowners choose this option to avoid paying high commission fees. As long as you handle all the legal stuff correctly, like the documents and contracts, you’re good to go.
Do I need to hire a lawyer to sell my house?
You don’t have to hire a lawyer, but it’s a good idea, especially if you want to make sure everything’s done correctly. A lawyer can help with the legal paperwork and ensure all contracts are done by the book and meet Washington state regulations. They can also help if there are any litigation or title issues that pop up.
What’s the difference between FSBO and selling to a cash buyer?
When you sell For Sale By Owner (FSBO), you’re in charge of everything—pricing, marketing, handling showings, and closing the deal.
On the other hand, when you sell to a cash buyer, they assess your home, make an offer, and pay in cash. Cash buyers also purchase homes “as-is,” so there’s no need for renovations.
Final Thoughts: Selling Your Home Without a Realtor in Washington
This article has provided a clear breakdown of how to sell a house by owner in Washington, from setting the right price to closing the deal. To sum it up, if you want to save money and manage the process yourself, the FSBO route might be the best option for you.
However, if you still want some legal help but don’t want to pay realtor fees, hiring a real estate attorney can guide you through contracts and closing the deal.
But if you’re looking for a faster sale and don’t want to deal with repairs or showings, selling to a cash buyer is an easier option. For more information on the simplest way to sell, contact Sell My House Company for a cash offer today!