Can I Sell My House Without an Agent, and Is It Worth It?

Yes, you can sell without an agent. It's legal, and some people do it successfully, especially when they already know the buyer. Whether it's worth it depends on how much of the work you want to take on and whether the savings outweigh the risks. I'm an agent, so I have a bias. I'll give you the facts and let you decide.

What the data says

NAR's 2025 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers found that only 5% of home sales were for sale by owner, an all-time low, and 91% of sellers used an agent. FSBO homes sold for a median of $360,000, compared with $425,000 for agent-assisted homes. That gap doesn't prove an agent adds that much to every sale. NAR notes 30% of FSBO sellers sold to a friend, relative, or neighbor, and those homes can differ from typical listings. It does show that FSBO is less common and that pricing is a challenge.

What you take on

1. Pricing. You set it without a professional comparison, and online estimates can be off.
2. Marketing. Photos, listing copy, and getting on the MLS so buyers' agents can find the home. Most buyers search online first.
3. Showings and screening. Scheduling, safety, and qualifying buyers.
4. Negotiation. Offers, inspection requests, appraisal issues, and credits.
5. Contracts and disclosure. Maryland sellers must provide a disclosure or disclaimer, and the contract has deadlines that matter.
6. Closing coordination. Title, lender, and deadlines through settlement.

What you might save

Mainly the listing agent's commission. Buyer agent compensation is now negotiated and shown in the contract, and a buyer with an agent may still ask you to cover some of it. So selling on your own may not eliminate that cost. Compare your realistic net, not the headline number.

A simple net comparison

Estimate two scenarios with the same costs for repairs, closing, and any flat-fee MLS listing.

• FSBO: your sale price minus costs, minus any buyer agent compensation you agree to.
• With an agent: a price that reflects professional pricing and marketing, minus commission and costs.

If you think an agent's marketing and negotiation will bring a better price or fewer problems, the extra cost may be worth it. If you have a buyer lined up and a simple deal, FSBO may make sense.

Middle options

Flat-fee MLS listings, limited-service agents, or negotiating the commission. Commissions are negotiable, and I'm happy to explain what I'd do for you and the cost.

FAQ

Is it legal in Maryland?

Yes. You still need the required disclosure or disclaimer and a valid contract.

Do I need an attorney?

Not required, but some FSBO sellers hire one for contract review. Title companies handle settlement.

Will buyers' agents show my house?

Often, if it's on the MLS and compensation is clear. Without the MLS, you may get fewer showings.

What's the biggest FSBO mistake?

Mispricing. It can cost time and money.

Can I switch to an agent later?

Yes, but the market will have seen the listing and its history.

Next step

Thinking about selling? See how I price and market homes on my sell page, or request a pricing analysis. Want to talk it through? Grab a free 15-minute call at calendly.com/michaelwaderealtor/15min. No pressure.