FSBO vs Traditional Sales

FSBO vs. Traditional Sales: Which Puts More in Your Pocket? 💰🏡

Selling your home is more than just slapping on a price tag. It’s about strategy. Timing. Negotiation.

But the biggest decision?

Go FSBO and skip the agent commissions, or take the traditional route and pay 5–6%?

Let’s ditch the guesswork and drop some real numbers—so you can see what actually maximizes your bottom line.

What FSBO Actually Means for Your Wallet 💼

FSBO (For Sale By Owner) means you call the shots.

No listing agent commission (typically 2.5%–3%)

No required buyer’s agent commission under the new NAR settlement.

It’s like selling your car privately instead of through a dealer—you control the price, the marketing, and the deal.

But does that control equal bigger profits?

Let’s compare FSBO with traditional sales, backed by real market data.

The Numbers: FSBO vs. Agent Sales 📊

According to the NAR 2023 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers:

• FSBO homes sold for a median price of $310,000

• Agent-assisted homes? $405,000

That’s a gap—but averages can be misleading.

Now let’s drop the theory and run some real-world math.

Real Example: Selling a 3-Bedroom Home in Tampa, FL 🌴

Imagine you’re selling a $400,000 home in Tampa.

Scenario 1: No Buyer’s Agent Commission

• FSBO Sale Price: $390,000

• Commissions Paid: $0

• Net Earnings: $390,000

• Traditional Agent Sale: $400,000

• Commissions Paid (5%): -$20,000

• Net Earnings: $380,000

🔥 FSBO puts $10,000 more in your pocket—even with a slightly lower price.

Scenario 2: Offering a 2% Buyer’s Agent Commission

• FSBO Sale Price: $392,000

• Buyer Agent Commission (2%): -$7,840

• Net Earnings: $384,160

• Traditional Agent Sale: $400,000

• Commissions Paid (5%): -$20,000

• Net Earnings: $380,000

Even when you offer a commission, FSBO still wins.

Why the Price Gap Exists—And How to Close It ✍️

FSBO homes sometimes sell for less because:

• Sellers underprice out of fear or lack of data

• Agents are trained negotiators

• MLS listings get more exposure

But here’s the good news:

The playing field is more level than ever.

And savvy FSBO sellers close that gap with smart strategy:

✅ Professional photos & curb appeal

✅ Smart pricing using comps or an appraisal

✅ Multi-channel marketing (Realtor.com, Craigslist, email blasts, yard signs)

✅ Bulletproof paperwork

✅ Help from a Transaction Coordinator for offers & contracts

FSBO or Traditional—Which Wins? 🏆

If you’re willing to prepare, market, and price like a pro,

FSBO can absolutely out-earn a traditional sale.

✨ More money in your pocket

✨ Full control over the process

✨ Freedom to negotiate—or let a Transaction Coordinator handle it

Want to Sell FSBO Like a Pro? 🎯

My FSBO Power Play course walks you step-by-step through every part of the sale:

📄 Pricing guides

💬 Negotiation scripts

📑 Customizable documents

💼 Optional Transaction Coordinator service

Sell smart. Sell strong. Sell FSBO.

👉 [Check out the course here]

FSBO vs. Traditional: Your Questions Answered ❓

Is FSBO only for experienced sellers?

👉 Not at all. First-timers can crush it—with the right guidance.

What if I mess up the paperwork?

👉 That’s why I built in Transaction Coordinator support—so you’re never alone.

Do FSBO homes sit longer on the market?

👉 Not if priced right. In some Florida markets, FSBOs sell just as fast as agent listings.