Selling your home as a "For Sale By Owner" (FSBO) can be a rewarding way to save money, but it also comes with a lot of responsibilities. To help you navigate the process, we’ve created a comprehensive FSBO checklist to guide you every step of the way. From boosting your curb appeal and preparing your home for showings, to handling marketing, negotiations, and the legal aspects of closing, this checklist covers all the essential tasks. You’ll find tips on getting professional photography, staging, and even guidance on what products to have on hand for open houses. We’ve also included information on how to list your home on popular platforms like Zillow, Craigslist, and FSBO.com, and steps for closing day—including what to expect when handing over keys and possession. If you need help along the way, we offer services such as contract preparation and paperwork handling. Following this guide can minimize your stress and help you sell your home successfully.
FSBO Checklist for Home Sellers
Preparing to Sell
- Understand the Selling Process: Read books, articles, and do online research to fully understand what’s involved in selling your home yourself.
- Prepare a Moving Timeline: Set a timeline for moving out of your home and into your new place, making sure all logistics are planned.
- Know Your Market: Is it a buyer’s market or a seller’s market? Research similar homes in your area to understand pricing.
Preparing Your House
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Curb Appeal:
- Assess your landscaping and exterior. Does your front door or entryway need painting?
- Make updates that give the highest return—simple touches like fresh plants, a mowed lawn, and a clean exterior make a big difference.
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Interior Updates:
- Paint rooms if necessary, especially in neutral tones to appeal to more buyers.
- Check the condition of flooring (carpet, wood, vinyl, tile). Replace or professionally clean as needed.
- Ensure all appliances, faucets, and toilets are in working order.
- Replace burnt-out light bulbs with bright white bulbs to make rooms feel more inviting.
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Declutter and Clean:
- Reduce clutter in every room. Consider donating, selling, or storing unnecessary items.
- Clean all windows, inside and out. Make sure every room is spotless and organized.
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Consider Staging:
- Homes that are professionally staged sell faster and for up to 20% more. Even minimal staging can help highlight key features of your home.
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Professional Photography:
- Hire a photographer to capture high-quality images. Great photos are critical in attracting buyers online.
Products and Supplies
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Order Signage and Directionals:
- Purchase "For Sale" signs, directional signs, and flyer boxes to guide buyers to your property.
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Essential Products:
- Avoid plug-in air fresheners (many are sensitive to these) and instead use natural diffusers.
- Have shoe covers and holders ready for buyers during showings.
- Print signs highlighting key features throughout your home for open houses.
Marketing Your Home
- Advertise Online:
- List your home on Zillow, Craigslist, FSBO.com, and other real estate platforms.
- Consider running targeted PPC ads and promoting on social media to reach a larger audience.
- Create professional real estate flyers, including photos and key features of your home.
Pricing Your Home
- Research:
- Conduct your own research on neighborhood homes.
- Set both an asking price and a final price you're willing to accept.
Negotiating and Legalities
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Review Offers and Counter-Offers:
- Consider hiring a real estate broker to handle all the paperwork and legal details. We offer this service to help you navigate the process smoothly. Contact us to schedule a consultation and discuss this in more detail.
- Carefully read the buyer’s offer. Present a counter-offer if necessary and ensure the buyer is pre-qualified for a loan.
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Home Inspection:
- The buyer may hire and pay for a home inspection. Be prepared for the possibility of renegotiating based on the findings, whether that’s addressing repairs or adjusting the sale price.
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Contracts & Disclosures:
- Ensure you’re using the correct legal documents, like residential property disclosures and, if applicable, lead-based paint disclosures.
Closing Process
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Final Walk-Through:
- Conduct a final walk-through with the buyer to ensure everything is in order.
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Closing Day:
- Typically, contracts state that the buyer is to receive keys and possession of the property at 5 PM on the day of closing, unless a seller rent-back agreement has been negotiated. Be prepared to hand over all copies of keys, mailbox keys, garage door openers, door codes for electronic locks, and alarm system codes to the buyer.
