Did you know that half of buyers found the home[1] they purchased online? A strong digital presence is non-negotiable if you want to sell your house relatively fast and for a good price.
But not all approaches to selling your home online are created equal. We’ll walk you through the most common online selling strategies so you can decide which one fits your goals and timeline.
Overview: 4 ways to sell a house online
| Method | Description | Average cost* | Best for | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| For Sale By Owner (FSBO) | Seller handles everything, from staging and marketing to paperwork and negotiating | None | Experienced, hands-on sellers | Fast if selling to a friend or family member; takes longer than with an agent[2] if selling on open market |
| Flat-fee/Discount MLS | Seller pays a flat fee for an MLS listing and extra for additional services | $100-1,000 | Cost-conscious sellers ready to commit time and effort | 1+ months |
| Full-service agent | Agent oversees entire process | 5-6% average commission (less if working with companies like Clever) | Sellers seeking maximum price and minimal effort | ~3 weeks[1] until signing a purchase agreement |
| Cash offer/iBuyer | Owner sells directly for a quick cash offer | 5-8% fee, potential charges for repairs, lower sale price | Sellers in a rush who can sacrifice some profit | 7-14 days |
| * Not taking into consideration the services of other professionals such as real estate attorneys, photographers, etc. | ||||
Do it yourself (For Sale By Owner)
Selling your home as a For Sale By Owner (FSBO) listing gives you full control over the process and the potential to save thousands on agent commissions. However, if you decide to go this route, you must understand that selling your home without professional help is a big undertaking.
If you want to sell a house online as the owner, you’ll need to use the right tools, price the property wisely, and understand the risks.
Top FSBO tools and platforms
Zillow FSBO
Zillow allows free FSBO listings. Some sellers claim that FSBO properties are less visible than agent-listed homes and that buyer inquiries were directed towards realtors instead of sellers.
Facebook Marketplace
Free and easy to use, Facebook Marketplace exposes your listing to a large audience. However, the platform is not designed for selling real estate and is more prone to scams.
FSBO.com
This platform offers listing packages, marketing advice, and other resources FSBO sellers may need, but it has a smaller audience than Zillow.
Listing on the MLS and marketing
Exposure to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) is essential for reaching serious buyers. If you work with a realtor, they list your home on the MLS.
A workaround for FSBO sellers is to use a flat-fee MLS service, which enables you to list their property on the MLS for a fee that ranges from $100 to $1,000 if you purchase additional services.
Additionally, you’d need to actively promote your listing using social media, physical “for sale” signs, and open houses.
Risks of selling FSBO
Selling your home online without professional help may come with significant risks, such as:
- Legal paperwork: Unless you decide to work with a real estate attorney, you would be responsible for drafting contracts and ensuring compliance. Mistakes can be costly.
- Scams: You may encounter fake buyers with no intention of purchasing your property, overpriced service fees, and title fraud.
- Limited buyer pool: Without using agent networks, the buyer pool can be limited, which could lead to a lower sales price or a longer time on the market.
Bottom line
Selling a home online via the FSBO route requires a significant time commitment, knowledge of the process, and a comprehensive understanding of real estate and your local market. It is not advisable for first-time sellers or those who are unable to oversee every aspect of the process.
Flat-fee or discount listing services
Flat-fee listing services are designed for sellers who want assistance with online exposure and marketing while retaining control over showings, negotiations, and much of the sales process.
Here’s how the process might look:
- Research and select a reputable flat-fee listing service in your area.
- Choose a package (costs typically range from $100 to $1,000). Note that many services might come with additional fees.
- Sign a listing agreement.
- Submit your property details and photos.
Flat-fee listing service offering
While every platform is different, here’s a rough overview of what could be included in a basic package vs. one that costs extra.
- Included: MLS exposure, syndication to real estate websites such as Zillow or Redfin, and a limited number of photos.
- Add-ons: Professional photos, contract templates, yard signs, negotiation assistance, unlimited listing changes, and remote broker support.
Bottom line
Using a flat-fee or discount listing service is best for sellers who are comfortable managing showings, negotiations, paperwork, and other aspects of the home-selling process. This approach helps get broad online exposure and MLS access without a real estate agent.
With the help of a full-service agent
If you want to sell your home online fast and for the highest price, a full-service agent is usually your best bet. Real estate professionals will manage most aspects of the sale, from staging your home to supporting you during the negotiation process.
Here’s what to expect from a typical real estate agent:
- Coordinating staging
- Arranging professional real estate photos
- Creating a listing and uploading it to the MLS
- Managing online and traditional marketing
- Helping with showings
- Scheduling and hosting open houses
- Fielding offers and negotiations
- Handling paperwork
- Closing coordination
- Connecting you with professionals, such as real estate attorneys and home inspectors
The cost of working with a realtor averages around 5-6%, usually split between the buyer’s and listing agents. Typically, the seller is expected to cover both the buyer’s agent and the listing agent fees, though these are always negotiable.
Alternatively, you can find a discount real estate agent using services like Clever, which pre-negotiates a 1.5% listing fee with realtors who offer the same full-service experience for a fraction of the cost.
Take a quick quiz to find top-rated local agents from major brands or regional brokerages and receive professional support every step of the way without overpaying.
Sell to a cash buyer or iBuyer
Homeowners who want to sell their property online also have the option to work with a cash buyer or an iBuyer, such as Opendoor or Offerpad. These companies offer to buy a home quickly with no need for repairs or staging (as-is).
In many cases, sellers can get an instant offer on their home by submitting their property details directly on the website. It is possible to close on a house in as little as a week, which can be a good option to consider for those who need to sell quickly.
However, selling your home to a cash buyer or an iBuyer comes with some nuances to consider:
- Initial offers are usually significantly below market value — expect to receive 5-15% less than you would from a traditional buyer. Some cash buyers pay even less than that.
- iBuyers charge service fees of 5-8%.
- In some cases, an iBuyer may charge you for repairs if an inspection uncovers any issues.
- Not all homes are eligible for iBuyer purchase. iBuyers have specific requirements that they list on their websites and tend to operate in metro areas.
Bottom line
Selling a home online to a cash buyer or an iBuyer may be a good option for those who need to sell their house quickly and don’t want to deal with the hassle of traditional home selling. However, look elsewhere if you want to maximize your profits or are selling a property that doesn’t fit iBuyer parameters.
If you’re interested in selling your home as-is, Clever Offers can help you find cash buyers or connect you with iBuyers active in your area. A short quiz can help you find out how much cash buyers or iBuyers might pay for your house before deciding if it’s right for you.
How to use online tools to sell faster
Home sellers have plenty of online tools available that can help them facilitate the process.
Here are some ideas on how to help your property stand out online.
Use professional photography
High-quality photos are the foundation of every listing. According to the National Association of Realtors, 83% of all buyers state that it’s the most valuable feature of real estate websites.[1] Invest in pictures that will make your home look bright, spacious, and inviting.
Consider virtual staging
Virtual staging adds furniture and decor to empty rooms, helping buyers visualize the space. If you don’t have money for physical staging, a virtual one could be a good alternative.
Invest in 3D tours and video walkthroughs
These immersive tools let potential buyers explore your home remotely, which is especially valuable for out-of-town buyers.
Many real estate photographers offer packages that include these features, and some FSBO platforms provide tools for DIY virtual tours.
Promote your listing on social media and through targeted ads
You can share your listing on Facebook Marketplace, Instagram, and local real estate groups. Some go even further and use Google Ads and advertising on Facebook and Instagram to reach active home buyers in their area.
Don’t forget about real estate platforms
Many buyers (even those with realtors) look for homes on real estate websites such as Zillow, Trulia, or Realtor.com. Make sure your listing is there to meet them.
Set your price wisely
A correct pricing strategy can increase the number of serious buyers, lead to faster offers, and result in a higher final price. To get a rough idea of how much your home is worth, you can use online estimators such as Zillow Zestimate or Redfin, which analyze recent sales and market trends in your area.
However, these tools are not perfect, and for a more accurate approach, turn to a real estate agent for a comparative market analysis (CMA).
To create a CMA, realtors analyze three to five recent comparable sales in your area, consider the differences between these properties and your home, and adjust the price accordingly.
Pro tip: Timing matters in home sales. Spring is the hottest season to put your home on the market, while listings that go live on Thursdays are more likely to sell faster and for more money.[3]
Prepare your home for online listing
Making a strong first impression is a big part of success. Most buyers will decide whether to schedule a showing based on your listing photos. Here’s how to prepare your home for a maximum impact.
Deep clean and declutter
Almost every realtor we spoke to mentions these steps as crucial before putting your home on the market.
Clean everything, from bathrooms to floors to windows, to show that the house is well-maintained. Remove personal items and excess furniture to make the rooms look larger, brighter, and more inviting.
Repaint in neutral colors
Similarly, light, neutral tones can help your square footage appear more spacious. What’s more, they can serve as a blank canvas, helping buyers imagine how to decorate and arrange the place as their own.
Boost curb appeal
A freshly mowed lawn and a new doormat are things buyers often notice both in photos and in person. Make sure their first impression is positive: trim bushes, power-wash walkways and sidings, and consider planting new flowers.
Stage for listing photos
While professional staging requires some financial investment, staged homes are more likely to sell faster and for a higher price: 35% of real estate agents[4] report that staging led to an increase in the purchase price, and nearly half of all agents noticed that it reduced the time a house spent on the market.
Stage your home, if possible, to make it more appealing online and during showings.
Negotiate offers and close the deal
Even when selling your home online, the final steps — negotiating and closing — remain the same.
1. Review offer and accept (or counteroffer)
After buyers submit their offers, the seller reviews each offer to evaluate the offer price, contingencies, and other terms.
You can negotiate by making a counteroffer on repairs, price, or closing dates. In some cases, the process can span several rounds before reaching an agreement.
2. Escrow coordination
Once you accept an offer, the buyer will deposit earnest money into an escrow account, managed by a third party.
You might also want to work with a transaction coordinator — a person who assists with preparing paperwork, monitors all deadlines, and supports sellers throughout the property transfer process.
3. Closing
Before closing, the title company will verify ownership and check for any property liens or other issues. At closing, they will handle the transfer of funds and legal documents, officially transferring the property to a new owner.
If you work with a real estate agent, they are likely to manage most of these tasks and assist you with those that require the homeowner’s involvement. However, if you decide to sell your home FSBO, this will require even more careful attention and coordination.
Bottom line: What’s the best way to sell a house online?
There are four main routes to take when selling your home online. You can partner with a real estate agent, try to sell FSBO, pay for a discount listing service, or sell your home to a cash buyer or an iBuyer.
While your final choice depends on your priorities, it’s important to understand the options and tradeoffs to make an informed decision.
One thing is clear: selling your home online in 2025 means leveraging technology, available tools, and the right support when you need it. If you want help navigating the world of real estate when selling, use Clever to help you find a full-service agent at a lower rate.