Why trust us: To create this guide, we surveyed and interviewed Florida real estate agents, studied Florida real estate law, and researched more than 20 FBSO companies and alternatives. Learn more about why you can trust our advice. |
Selling your property without a realtor in Florida can save you from paying the average listing commission of 2.70% of the home's sale price. On a typical Florida home, that works out to $10,343 in savings.
While saving money sounds appealing, selling your home by yourself, also known as selling for sale by owner (FSBO), requires a significant amount of time and effort. This is one of the reasons why only 10% of home sales are by owner. You'll be responsible for all of the tasks typically handled by real estate agents, such as pricing your home, scheduling showings, negotiating offers, and handling all of the paperwork required for closing.
Even if you do handle all of your responsibilities well, there's a chance you might sell for up to 35% less than you would with a real estate agent.
If you're confident in your ability to handle these responsibilities, FSBO may be a good option for you. Learn more about whether selling your home without a realtor in Florida is the right decision for you.
Who should sell a house by owner?
Selling your home without an agent isn't the right move for everyone. Before you make any decisions on how to sell your home, research the benefits and drawbacks of FSBO.
Selling by owner in Florida could be a good idea if:
This isn't your first home sale, whether you've previously sold with an agent or on your own. If you're familiar with the process of selling a home, you won't be caught off guard by the various steps involved.
You know a real estate expert who can help. If you have a friend or acquaintance who's well-versed in real estate and willing to provide you with (free) advice, you'll have help if you run into the unexpected.
You have time in your schedule to take on the role of a real estate agent. You'll need to be available to take calls and schedule showings. If your schedule is full, you might miss opportunities.
You already found a buyer. If you already have a buyer lined up, much of the work of selling your home will be done. However, you will still need to handle the closing process and complete all of the necessary paperwork.
You prefer to have more control over the sale of your home. FSBO sellers can make all of the decisions about pricing and marketing strategy.
If two or more of the criteria above aren't true for you, hiring an agent might be the better option.
If saving money on realtor commission is what you’re after, it’s worth looking into real estate agents who’ll work at a lower-than-typical commission. Clever Real Estate matches sellers in Florida with experienced, local agents who offer traditional service for just 1.5%. You can save money and the headache of doing it all on your own.
In addition to looking into FSBO, reach out to Clever to connect with multiple agents in your area. You can interview agents and get a free home valuation so you’ll know you’ve explored all of your options.
Connect with top, local agents in Florida!
How to sell a house by owner in Florida
Here are 6 steps to sell a house by owner in Florida: |
As a FSBO seller, you need to know and understand all your responsibilities throughout the selling process, which include preparing your home for sale, pricing your home accurately, finding potential buyers, negotiating, and filing the necessary paperwork required by state law.
Real estate laws vary across the country. For example, some states don't allow sellers to put a FSBO sign in their yard if they list on the multiple listing service (MLS) using a flat fee MLS company.
Here's an overview of what laws you need to know in the Florida real estate market:
Florida FSBO facts | |
|---|---|
Real estate attorney required? | No |
FSBO yard sign allowed? | Yes |
Required state disclosures? |
|
Although selling your Florida home without a realtor may seem like a great way to save on realtor fees, selling a house is trickier than many people expect. It's not just about finding a buyer. You need to show and list a house without a realtor, hold open houses, write a purchase agreement, provide a seller property disclosure, negotiate with homebuyers and real estate investors — and more. But if it becomes overwhelming, you can hire an agent at any time.
Working with a low-commission real estate company may be a better option for those who want to sell a house in Florida but don’t have time to sell FSBO. You'll avoid the hassle of a FSBO sale and walk away with the most money possible. Clever saves sellers thousands, and they get offers 2.8x faster than the national average.
Step 1: Prepare your home for sale
When selling a house, small upgrades and repairs can make a big difference in swaying potential buyers. The key is knowing how to spend your money wisely to get higher offers.
We asked top agents in Florida what repairs or upgrades they think help a house in Florida sell. Aesthetic appeal is very important when selling a house in the Sunshine State, with home buyers prioritizing clean, modern-looking spaces.
Silvia Beham, a realtor with RE/MAX 200 specializing in Orlando and central Florida, recommends the following improvements:
- Replace your roof if it's over 14 years old.
- Have your air conditioner serviced.
- Trim trees, especially before hurricane season.
- Have your grout professionally cleaned.
- Install new light fixtures.
🙋🏻♀️ Ask a Realtor: Lauren McGuire, a realtor based in Jacksonville Beach, notes that many Florida buyers look for open floor plans and updated flooring and paint. "A pool is always a plus in Florida," she adds. |
» LEARN: Best Paint Colors to Sell a House
Stage and photograph your home
You'll need professional photos for your listing, and you'll want to showcase a clean and furnished home for potential buyers to see.
A well-staged home can help you sell faster and for more money. Start by decluttering, deep cleaning, and sprucing up your home's curb appeal. Beham, who strongly suggests having your home professionally staged, offers the following additional tips:
- Place modern, trendy furniture in the house.
- Use white or linen colors in the interior.
- Choose blue and other "happy" colors are popular for the exterior.
- Avoid carpet — it's very unpopular for any house in Florida. "If you put a carpet here, people might not even go to the house," says Beham.
- Spruce up your yard with mulch and rock.
Bonus tip: Hire a professional stager who knows your local market and can ensure your home is ready to impress, giving you one less thing to worry about. In Florida, expect to pay $3,131 on average in staging costs. This will get you 60–90 days of a fully designed living room, kitchen, dining room, master bedroom, and bathrooms. Some realtors will pay for the staging or offer credit in Florida. Prices vary from city to city, so be sure to give local companies a call for specific estimates. |
Step 2: Set a price
Pricing strategy can make or break a FSBO sale, but without a realtor it can be hard to know what your property is worth. List your home for too little, and you leave money on the table. Price it too high, and the listing goes stale, forcing a price drop that could make buyers wary of the home.
🙋🏻♀️ Ask a realtor: "It's always good to price a tiny little bit below market value," says Beham. "But in this market, if you're just at market value, and you're not too high, you're still going to get multiple offers because we don't have the inventory. |
To get an accurate idea of what your home's fair market value is in Florida, look at comparable listings online from other Florida sellers. For example, if you think your house is worth about $300,000, search Zillow, Redfin, or other listing sites for properties that are about $50,000 more or less than that target. Analyze details about the homes and how they compare to yours.
A pre-sale appraisal gives you a more accurate starting point for pricing your home.
Expect an appraiser to charge roughly $250–500 in Florida. There is a shortage of appraisers in the state now, so it may be hard to hire one if you're selling without a realtor.
Bonus tip: Even if you’re selling without a realtor, you can ask an agent to perform a comparative market analysis examining comparable properties that have sold recently in your neighborhood. Many realtors will do this for free in the hopes of gaining your business if you decide to forego FSBO. |
» LEARN: What is a Comparative Market Analysis?
State of the Florida real estate market
To find the fair market value for your home, dig into the details of the current housing market in Florida. In Florida, home sales are 38.7% slower than they were a year ago, and the median days on market is now 47, up from 30 a year ago. All of this means that it's going to take a bit longer to sell your home in 2023 than it would have last year.
Median home value* | $385,157 |
Median listing price+ | $455,425 |
Listing price per square foot+ | $272 |
Percent of homes with price reduction+ | 23.0% |
However, home values vary from city to city within the same state, and determining the right price for your home will depend on your location. Here are the median home values for some of Florida's biggest cities:
City | Median home value |
Jacksonville | $357,295 |
Miami | $455,184 |
Tampa | $367,956 |
Orlando | $382,592 |
Tallahassee | $ |
The good news is that home prices haven't dropped too much yet, although they've begun to level off since the red-hot sellers' market of the last two years. The median sale price is up by 5.8% from a year ago.
With the Florida real estate market cooling and home prices flattening out, FSBO may sound like a great way to make up for lost home value. However, it is important to keep in mind that having a realtor on your side can lead to a higher sale price, particularly in a challenging market.
Enter your ZIP code to find a Clever partner agent in your area.
Step 3: Listing your Florida home without a real estate agent
Once you've decided on a price, it's time to write a listing description that speaks to local buyers. Understanding their priorities will help you identify what features of your property to highlight in your listing.
This will complement but should not replace hiring a professional photographer; even serious buyers often look at photos first. Here are some of the top buyer priorities in Florida, according to real estate professionals.
Florida buyer priorities | Advice for FSBO sellers |
Listing price | You can get multiple offers if you price your home at market value, but it might be a good idea to price it a little below market value to start a bidding war. The house may sit on the market for a while if you overprice it. |
Safety | Identify and, if possible, remove any environmental hazards in your home, such as asbestos, lead, mold, or Chinese-manufactured drywall — a common problem that can complicate a Florida home sale. Also check whether the home has suffered structural damage from fire, wind, water, flood, hail, or sinkholes. |
Amenities | Houses with pools sell better in Florida. If you don't have one, consider installing a patio or porch with a screen. People are interested in places where they can spend time outside, but because of the state's mosquito problem, a screen is a must. Modern kitchens and bathrooms, exterior lighting, and spacious laundry rooms are also popular in Florida. |
Where to list your home
The best place to market your home is on the MLS. MLS listings populate onto real estate websites like Zillow, Redfin, and Realtor.com, increasing your home's online presence. That's important because 51% of buyers found the homes they purchased via the internet.
However, agents are the only ones who can list on the MLS. You can work with an agent and still maintain control of your sale by using a flat fee MLS company that charges a one-time payment to list your home on the MLS.
Listing with a flat fee MLS company usually costs a few hundred dollars and includes a property description, up to 25 photos, and a listing lasting no more than 12 months. Additional flat fee MLS services, such as a virtual tour, downloadable contracts, and free changes to your listing, are often bundled into more expensive packages — but they're still typically cheaper than paying a listing agent's 3% commission fee.
Find the best flat fee MLS companies in Florida.
As a FSBO seller, you also have several free or low-cost options to sell your Florida home.
- Zillow: Listing on Zillow is free and takes just a few simple steps: create a profile, claim your home, navigate to the FSBO page, fill out your listing info, click publish, and wait for verification. Zillow listings also automatically appear on its sister site, Trulia. However, recent changes to Zillow keep FSBO listings separate from agent listings, meaning your home will be a lot less visible to buyers.
- ForSaleByOwner.com: This well-established and recognized for-sale-by-owner site caters specifically to people wanting to buy or sell FSBO homes. It's free to advertise, but your home won't show up on the MLS or syndicate to other real estate websites. That means your listing will only be viewable to buyers who go to ForSaleByOwner.com, but you don’t have to pay a flat fee MLS company.
- Social media: Post your home listing to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Nextdoor. Sharing is free, and you can reach a lot of people where they’re already spending time.
- For-sale-by-owner yard sign: You can buy a FSBO sign from most hardware stores or online for $20–50. Choose one that allows you to add your phone number so interested buyers can contact you for property information and showings.
- Craigslist: Posting your home on Craigslist is free and simple. Just go to the Florida page, find your city, and create a "real estate — by owner" listing.
» MORE INFO: Learn How to Sell a House on Craigslist
Step 4: Show your home
Organization is key when showing your home to potential buyers. You'll need a good scheduling system and a spreadsheet to save buyers' and agents’ contact information. You'll want to be flexible and try to show your house at buyers’ convenience.
Keep the home clean and decluttered at all times. The last thing you want is to scramble with a vacuum after a buyer calls for a last-minute showing.
🙋🏻♀️ Ask a Realtor: If you've decided to sell your house, consider renting a storage unit and moving out most of your belongings, Beham suggests. "Clean up the closets and cabinets. People want to see space because you're selling space. So clear as much as you can and start packing." |
Step 5: Negotiate for the best possible price
Negotiations are about more than the final sale price. You and the buyer (or their agent) will also have to agree upon contract contingencies, how closing costs are divided, the timeline or closing date, and more.
To gain the upper hand, get creative with the seller concessions you offer a buyer. While they might cost you a little more at closing, concessions sweeten the deal for buyers and could lead to a higher final sale price.
Knowing what's important to buyers in your area will help you strengthen your offer. A Clever survey of local real estate professionals found that in Florida, sellers often cover 1.60% to 2.50% of buyers' closing costs. On a home of median value, that will cost an additional $6,163 to $9,629.
You should also consider offering these popular seller concessions:
Concession | Benefits of offering concession |
Home warranty | If your home has major appliances or systems that are on their last leg, a home warranty can give buyers peace of mind. A warranty will cover possible problems and is typically less expensive than paying for the repairs (or accepting a lower offer from a wary buyer). |
Property taxes | You often have to share past tax information about the property before closing a sale. By covering some of those costs, you can offer buyers some financial relief and make them more inclined to close the sale. |
Repair credits | Repair credits are a win-win for buyers and sellers. You'll credit the buyer a set amount to cover the cost of repairs. Once the deal closes, buyers can oversee the project to their liking, and you don't have to worry about repairs going over budget. Usually, this happens after the home inspection. |
Step 6: Close
Closing is the final step in a real estate transaction. The title of the property is officially transferred from the seller to the buyer, and both parties pay their closing costs.
Use a title company to facilitate a smooth closing. Title companies collect and distribute closing costs, collect signatures, ensure sellers have the right documents, and file them with relevant agencies.
🤔 Do I need a real estate attorney to sell my house in Florida? You're not required to hire a real estate attorney to sell a house in Florida, but it's recommended for your peace of mind. If you're selling for sale by owner, an attorney can ensure you comply with local laws and protect you from being sued. Unlike realtors, real estate attorneys don't know the local market and can't show your home or help you negotiate the selling price, but they can provide a contract that includes the best terms for you and protects you against a breach of contract. Real estate attorneys usually work for an upfront flat fee or an hourly rate costing a few hundred dollars. In Florida, a real estate attorney will charge about $1,000–5,000 to review your contract. Find Florida lawyers near you by searching the state bar association, Avvo, or FindLaw. |
» READ: How Much are Closing Costs for Sellers in Florida?
Paperwork to sell a house by owner in Florida
In a typical real estate transaction, your Florida real estate agent will make sure you fill out all the necessary documents and forms. FSBO sellers have to navigate the paperwork by themselves. Here’s a quick breakdown of Florida's requirements.
Want to save this list for later? Download our FSBO paperwork checklist to help you prepare for your sale.
Required for all Florida real estate sales
Two forms of ID | In most cases, a valid passport, driver's license, or other form of Florida-issued ID. |
Copy of the original, signed sales agreement, as well as any agreed upon changes. | |
Closing statement | A detailed list of all the costs associated with the sale and who pays them. This is often prepared by your escrow agent or title company. |
Signed deed | To legally transfer your property, you'll need the deed that proves you're the rightful owner. At closing, you'll sign the deed over to the buyer. |
This is basically a receipt that includes both your information and the buyer's. It will also list the final price of the home and what was included in the sale. | |
A notarized document that states you own the home, that there are no liens on the property, and that you are not simultaneously selling the home to someone else. |
Additional documents
Loan payoff information | If you have a mortgage on your home, you'll need documentation of exactly how much you still owe and any payoff fees. If you've already paid your mortgage in full, you'll need documentation proving that. |
HOA forms and guidelines | If your home is part of an HOA, you'll need to give the buyer documentation on the covenants, codes, restrictions, financial history, required fees, and approval process. |
Survey results or survey affidavits | A survey or an affidavit verifying a previous survey proves exactly where the property lines are. |
Home inspection results | If you had a pre-sale inspection, you'll want the results to compare to the buyer's inspection. If having a buyer's inspection was part of the sales agreement, you should receive a copy of the results before closing. |
Proof of repairs or renovations | Documentation proving any major repairs or changes to the house help verify its value. These receipts also provide buyers with information about who to contact if they discover issues with the repairs in the future. |
Home warranty information | The home warranty service agreement will explain what is covered, for how long, and costs associated with the policy. |
Copies of relevant wills, trusts or power of attorney letters | If you are selling a house you inherited, you'll need copies of all legal documents that passed ownership to you. |
Relevant affidavits (name affidavits, non-foreign affidavit under IRC 1445) | You may need additional affidavits like a name affidavit, which lists all of your or the buyer's previous names, or an affidavit proving you are not a foreign citizen and, therefore, exempt from certain property sales taxes. |
Closing disclosure | If your buyer is taking out a mortgage and you agreed to certain seller's concessions, you may need a copy of their closing disclosure to verify the lender approved your concessions. |
Correction statement and agreement | If forms are lost or errors are discovered in the future, a correction statement and agreement requires you, the buyer, or their lender to replace or fix those documents. |
A property tax disclosure summary outlining the amount of expected taxes for the property. The buyer should not expect their taxes to be the same as the prior owner's (yours), which may factor into affordability. |
Florida disclosure forms
The seller disclosure statement details known issues with your home and its major appliances and systems. | |
With some federally backed mortgages, your buyer's lender might require information about the property's flood risk. | |
If your home was built before 1978, federal law requires that you disclose information about the dangers of lead-based paint. | |
The World Health Organization and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends that you test your home for radon gas. |
» LEARN: Disclosure Requirements for Selling Florida Real Estate
Where to find documents
Florida Realtors describes most of the forms used in a typical real estate transaction on its website, but it doesn't provide copies of the forms. However, documents may be written in other legal formats if you choose to write them yourself or hire an attorney to help with the paperwork.
Here's where to find forms online if selling a house without a realtor:
When you're looking for other documents, such as tax records, property surveys, and deeds, check state or local government offices, such as your tax assessor’s office or department of revenue.
Just remember, many closing documents are legally binding agreements. Errors can result in an unenforceable contract that could derail your sale and cost you thousands in fees. To avoid an expensive mistake, consider working with a low-commission realtor rather than without a realtor entirely.
FSBO alternatives
If saving money is your main reason for selling a house FSBO, there are alternatives.
Clever Real Estate
Clever is a nationwide real estate service that connects Florida home sellers with top, local agents. You pay Clever nothing. You'll only pay your full-service agent 1.5% of your home sale price, saving up to 50% on listing fees.
Clever Real Estate
Get Started💲 Listing Fee
1.5% ($3,000 min.)
💰 Buyer Savings
Cash back after closing
⭐ Avg. Customer Rating
4.9/5 (1,995 reviews)
Clever is a quick, easy, and free way to find a top-rated local agent. And, unlike many similar companies, Clever pre-negotiates big discounts on your behalf, so you can save thousands without sacrificing on service.
- Clever is a free, nationwide agent matching service that partners with full-service local agents from conventional brokerages like Keller Williams, Century 21, and RE/MAX.
- You get multiple agent matches so you can interview several, compare marketing plans, and choose the best fit.
- Clever pre-negotiates low rates on your behalf — you get full service for just a 1.5% listing fee ($3,000 minimum).
- If you buy with Clever, you can get cash back to help pay for your move.
- You may not get matched with an agent from your preferred real estate brokerage.
- Agents may not provide premium services like drone photography and professional home staging.
As of 10/21/2022, Clever has a 4.9 out of 5 rating on Trustpilot, based on 1,844 reviews.
Clever has pre-negotiated low commission rates with top agents in all 50 states and Washington, DC.
Discount real estate services in Florida
Discount real estate companies can help you sell your house for less than a traditional realtor, although pricing and services vary. In most cases, you'll still need to offer a competitive buyer's agent commission, but you'll save on listing fees.
Redfin
Full Review💲 Listing Fee
1.5% (min. fees vary)
💰 Avg. Savings
$5,550
⭐ Avg. Customer Rating
3.7/5 (301 reviews)
Redfin offers real savings and is a proven brand. But sellers could compromise on service — especially agent experience and availability.
- If you buy and sell with Redfin, you'll get a 0.5% listing fee discount.
- Redfin gives its listings premium placement in its popular home search app.
- If finding the right agent is a top priority, you'll have limited options — Redfin only has a few agents in each of its markets.
- Redfin agents handle more customers at once than the average realtor, so they may not be able to provide as much personalized service.
Redfin has a 3.7 out of 5 rating (301 reviews) across popular review sites like Google and Yelp.
Redfin is available in 80+ U.S. markets (see all locations).
Houwzer
Full Review💲 Listing Fee
1% (min. $2,500)
💰 Avg. Savings
$7,625
⭐ Avg. Customer Rating
4.8/5 (1,400 reviews)
Houwzer has very low listing fees, but you may be frustrated working with a team instead of just your realtor.
- You’ll pay a 1% listing fee, which is one of the lowest rates in the industry.
- Houwzer’s maximum listing fee of $10,000 makes it a great deal for homes over $1 million.
- Houwzer has a small team, which limits your options if you don't hit it off with the first agent it sends you.
- The company uses a team-based approach, which increases the chances of miscommunication and mistakes.
Houwzer has a 4.8 out of 5 rating (1,400 reviews) across popular review sites like Google and Zillow.
Houwzer is available in the following locations: FL, MD, NJ, PA, VA, DC.
Redefy
Full Review💲 Listing Fee
$3,500 (1% above $1M)
💰 Avg. Savings
$8,500
⭐ Avg. Customer Rating
4.6/5 (300 reviews)
Redefy’s flat fee could offer big savings. But hands-off service and non-refundable upfront fees make it a hard sell over other, less risky options.
- Flat $3,500 listing fee is an excellent value for higher-priced homes
- Agents provide more in-person services than some similarly-priced low commission brands
- Redefy charges an upfront, non-refundable $500 fee (most companies don't make you pay anything until your house sells)
- Your agent will not host an open house for you
Redefy has a 4.6 out of 5 rating (300 reviews) across popular review sites like Google and Zillow.
Redefy is available in the following areas: CO, FL, GA, IL, NC, SC, TN, TX, VA.
» COMPARE: Discount Real Estate Brokers: Who's the BEST in 2021?
Flat fee MLS companies in Florida
A flat fee MLS service will post your listing on the local MLS, usually for a low, upfront fee. In Florida, this will typically cost you a couple hundred dollars.
Beycome
beycomeBest For
Tech-savvy sellers who want to manage their listings on an online platform
Price Range
$99-299
Pros:
- You can upload photos, manage your listings, and receive and negotiate offers all within the online platform. Great for people who don't like to talk on the phone!
- If you need help pricing your home, you can check the two home value estimates that come with each package.
- Sellers who opt for the $199 Premium version can use the platform to automatically list their homes on popular classified sites like Craigslist, Oodle, and Listanza.
Cons:
- You'll get no assistance with paperwork, even as an add-on service.
- Beycome's site doesn't make it clear that you may still have to pay a buyer's agent commission.
Houzeo
HouzeoBest For
Sellers looking for a lot of a-la-carte options
Price Range
$245-399
Pros:
You can complete and submit paperwork using the Houzeo app.
You save time creating your listing thanks to Houzeo’s auto-fill feature, which uses publicly available data about your property.
Add-ons like agent showings, contract reviews, and professional showings are available at an additional cost.
Cons:
Pricing assistance costs extra despite several other competitors offering it for free.
Houzeo’s two most popular packages come with only 10 free listing changes for price, status, and description. Other companies offer free unlimited changes.
Jack Keller Inc. Realtors
Jack Keller Inc RealtorsBest For
Sellers who want flexible payment options
Price Range
$75-375
Pros:
- The company gives you several ways to pay, including monthly payment plans, $0 down, and bitcoin.
- The site includes all the forms you'll need, like a contract, addendum, and seller's disclosure.
- Jack Keller lets you pick and choose upgrade options such as Realtor.com statistic reports, ShowingTime scheduling software, and open house scheduling.
Cons:
- The cheapest package is available only for vacant land, boat docks, and commercial properties.
- You have to purchase an upgrade to get Realtor.com leads sent directly to you. If they go to an agent, that agent might direct the buyer elsewhere.
» FIND: 6 Best Florida Flat-Fee MLS Companies
If you'd like some professional guidance with no strings attached, Clever can help. Fill out your info below to connect with a top, local realtor for a no-obligation consultation.
FAQs: How to sell your house without a realtor in Florida
To sell your house in Florida, you will need to provide two forms of ID, a copy of the purchase agreement and any addendums, a closing statement, a signed deed, a bill of sale, and an affidavit of title.
Florida is not an attorney state, so you're not required to hire a lawyer, but it's strongly recommended that you do. Selling a home is a complex process, and an attorney can help protect you from potential legal problems — especially if you're selling by owner.
Seller closing costs typically include title service and closing fees, documentary stamp tax, recording fees, and property taxes. In some parts of Florida, such as Miami, it's standard for the buyer to pay for the owner's title insurance, but in central Florida, the seller often covers this cost.
In 2022, the average time it takes to sell a home in Florida — from listing through closing — is approximately 79 days. That’s 44 days to get an offer, plus the typical 35-day closing period.
However, those figures are primarily with a real estate agent, since FSBO sales account for fewer than 10% of home sales annually. FSBO sellers should reasonably expect their selling process to take longer than with a real estate agent.