Selling your home on your own sounds tempting, right? No commissions, full control, quick sale… what could go wrong? (Spoiler: a few things you might not expect.)
While the For Sale by Owner (FSBO) route can sometimes work, most people find out pretty quickly that it’s a lot more complicated (and time-consuming) than it looks. If you’re thinking about going solo, here are a few common missteps to watch out for—and why working with the right agent can save you a lot of stress, time, and maybe even put more money in your pocket.
We all love our homes—and it’s only natural to feel like yours is worth top dollar, especially after all the upgrades and memories you’ve poured into it. But buyers are looking at cold, hard comparisons, not the stories behind your home.
It’s also important to know that not every upgrade automatically boosts resale value. Some updates absolutely help with selling, but others—like custom features or specialized spaces—might have been done more for your lifestyle than for future buyers.
Pricing your home right from the start is one of the most important steps to getting strong interest and competitive offers. A good agent helps you find that sweet spot—not too high to scare buyers off, not too low to leave money on the table.
First impressions matter—especially online.
Today’s buyers usually scroll through listings long before they ever set foot inside a house. If your home doesn’t show well in photos, you might miss out on showings altogether.
The good news? You don’t have to spend a fortune to make a big difference. Simple things like decluttering, neutral staging, and professional photography can make your home stand out in the best way.
And here’s something else that can make a real impact: if you have the option to move out before listing, it’s worth considering.
Post-COVID, many buyers are more cautious about walking through occupied homes. Even if everything is spotless, buyers tend to move faster and feel less comfortable opening closets, exploring rooms, or really picturing themselves living there when it’s clear someone else still does.
A vacant and thoughtfully staged home helps buyers slow down, dream a little, and truly connect with the space—and that often leads to stronger offers.
When you work with an agent or better yet a team, we’ll help you figure out exactly what prep will make the biggest difference, based on your goals, timing, and budget.
Selling a home is a little like trying to juggle five things at once—legal paperwork, timelines, offers, inspections, repairs, negotiations… and every step matters. It’s a lot, even for people who have done it before.
And when it comes to marketing? The algorithms aren’t exactly on your side.
FSBO listings often get less visibility on major real estate sites, and without the right strategy behind your photos, pricing, and listing descriptions, your home might not even show up where buyers are looking.
There’s definitely an art (and a science) to making sure your home gets the attention it deserves—and just as importantly, to negotiating the best deal once the offers come in. Without the right plan and network, it’s really easy to leave money on the table without even realizing it.
Selling a home is a big commitment. Between coordinating showings, answering questions, keeping the house “show-ready,” and handling follow-ups, it can easily start to feel like a second full-time job.
Most showings happen between 8am and 8pm, seven days a week, and keeping up with all of that (while still living your life) gets exhausting fast.
And here’s something a lot of sellers don’t expect: not everyone who tours your home is truly ready to buy.
Some are curious neighbors, some are browsers, and some haven’t even started the loan process yet. That’s a lot of time spent for little return.
When you work with an agent, we set up private, secure showings for qualified buyers—people who’ve already spoken with a lender and are ready to take the next step. It saves you time, gives buyers a better experience, and keeps the process moving forward.
Because you don’t have to do it all alone—and honestly, you shouldn’t have to.
A good real estate agent brings more than just a sign in the yard. We bring a plan.
From smart pricing, wide-reaching marketing, and a strong local network to managing offers, timelines, inspections, and negotiations—we’re here to make sure you get the best outcome with the least amount of stress.
If you’re thinking about selling, even if you’re just exploring your options, we’d love to help.
You can grab a copy of our free Seller’s Guide — or just reach out for a no-pressure chat anytime.
Let’s make this next chapter a great one!
Hey there! I’m Maureen, a community blogger and Real Estate Broker at American Classic Homes Real Estate in the Pacific Northwest. Here to help you find your perfect home and share tips on living your best life in the PNW. Let’s come home together to the Pacific Northwest!
Unveiling Pacific NW Bests and Real Estate advice so you never miss a thing!
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