Why trust us: To create this guide, we surveyed and interviewed North Carolina real estate agents, studied North Carolina real estate law, and researched more than 20 FBSO companies and alternatives. Learn more about why you can trust our advice. |
In North Carolina, the average realtor commission rate is 5.01% to 6.19%. If you sell a house worth $309,900 — the median home value in North Carolina — that’s over $9,800, which is a huge chunk of your potential profits.
Selling without a realtor, known as listing For Sale By Owner (FSBO), is a viable option for experienced home sellers who are willing to put in the time and effort.
However, selling FSBO has risks. Research shows that FSBO homes typically sell for about 6% less than those listed with agents AND you'll still usually be on the hook for offering a competitive buyer's agent commission. FSBO homes also often take longer to sell and are more likely to fall out of contract after accepting an offer.
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 North Carolina 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 North Carolina!
What FSBO sellers in North Carolina need to know
🔑 Key benefits of selling FSBO
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Real estate laws, processes, and trends vary greatly across the country. Understanding the details of your market and getting accurate information can make a FSBO sale complicated.
We'll go into more details about what you need to do in North Carolina, but here's an overview of the state's laws and regulations.
North Carolina FSBO overview
Real estate attorney required? | No |
Required state disclosures? (learn more) |
|
FSBO yard sign allowed? | Not if your home is on the MLS. |
Competitive Buyer's Agent Commission (learn more) | 2.45% to 3.04% |
Additionally, you'll need to know and understand all of your responsibilities as a FSBO seller, which include:
- Preparing your home by making necessary repairs, cleaning, and staging your home.
- Accurately and competitively pricing your home.
- Marketing your home by writing a listing description, taking high-quality photos, posting the listing on different sites (free and/or paid), and promoting your home on social media, in print ads, and via word of mouth.
- Vetting buyers to ensure they're qualified, from a financial perspective. Accepting an offer from an unqualified buyer will cause your sale to fall through.
- Negotiating the final price, contingencies, repair concessions, and other aspects of the purchase and sale agreement.
- Properly filling out all necessary paperwork for a real estate transaction in North Carolina.
How to price your home
Pricing strategy is often make-or-break for FSBO sellers. 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.
To get an accurate idea of your home's fair market value, look at comparable listings in your area.
For example, if you live in Charlotte and think your house is worth about $361,000, search Zillow for active listings that are about $50,000 more and less than that. Analyze details about the houses and how they compare to yours. Ask yourself:
- Is the school district better or worse?
- Does it have the same number of bedrooms and bathrooms?
- Has the house been renovated more recently than yours?
- How do the neighborhoods and nearby amenities compare?
Answering these questions honestly will help you see if your price is in the right ballpark.
From there, be realistic about what pricing strategy will lead to higher offers. Here are some key pricing metrics that will help you decide the best listing price for your home and market:
State of the North Carolina real estate market
Median Home Value* | $309,861 |
Median Listing Price⁺ | $399,450 |
Listing Price per sqft⁺ | $204 |
% of Homes with Price Reduction⁺ | 14.9% |
Pricing Advice: Homeowners are over estimating how much their houses will sell for. Even if buyer demand is high in your area, by setting your initial price a little lower, you'll attract more buyers and hopefully receive multiple offers. | |
How to list your North Carolina home for sale by owner
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 and attract more interest.
Top buyer priorities in North Carolina
North Carolina Buyer Priorities | Advice for FSBO Sellers |
|---|---|
1. Listing Price | Be honest about your list price. Look at recent sales data in your area on Zillow or other real estate sites to find an accurate price point for homes of comparable size and condition to yours. Many real estate companies will also conduct an analysis for little to no charge. |
2. School Districts | Include appealing information about school districts in your listing description, such as its GreatSchools rating, graduation rates, parental reviews, or state accolades. |
3. School Districts | Include appealing information about school districts in your listing description, such as its GreatSchools rating, graduation rates, parental reviews, or state accolades. |
Based on a 2022 Clever survey | |
When it comes to advertising and posting your listing, you have several options as a FSBO seller. Each choice has its own pros and cons as well as costs:
- For Sale By Owner yard sign: You can buy a FSBO sign from most hardware stores or online for $20-$50. Be sure to choose one that allows you to add your phone numbers 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 North Carolina page, find your city, and create a "real estate — by owner" listing.
- FSBO websites: There are multiple FSBO listing websites that allow you to post your home for free or a few hundred dollars. But each differs in how many photos you can include, how long the listing is live, and the changes you can make — do your research before choosing a for sale by owner site.
- Flat-Fee MLS companies: Flat-fee MLS services will list your house on your local Multiple Listing Service (MLS) for significantly less than a realtor. However, they provide few additional services unless you opt for their most expensive packages, which often cost more than using a discount brokerage.
A quick note on using a flat-fee MLS listing in North Carolina: Once your home is listed on the MLS, you can no longer advertise your property with a sign that says "For Sale By Owner". You'll need to use a generic sign or get one from the brokerage that listed your house.
If you choose to use a flat-fee MLS company, you'll have to offer a buyer's agent commission. The MLS is how real estate agents find homes for their clients, and typically a buyer's agent commission is included to incentivize these realtors to show the house to their clients.
Sell your home for top dollar and save on commission.
How realtor commissions work in North Carolina
Traditionally, both the buyer's agent and the listing agent are paid a commission by the homeowner. When sellers work with a realtor, they negotiate a commission as part of the listing agreement.
Based on the average commission rates in North Carolina, this typically ranges from 2.56% to 3.15% of the sale price.
In a typical sale, the seller also agrees to a commission rate for the realtor who brings the buyer to the table, which runs between 2.45% to 3.04%.
Average Range in North Carolina* | Average Amount⁺ | |
|---|---|---|
Listing Commission | 2.56% to 3.15% | $7,932 to $9,761 |
Buyer Agent's Commission | 2.45% to 3.04% | $7,592 to $9,420 |
*Based on the average commission rates from a 2022 Clever survey of 630 real estate agents ⁺Based on the median home value in North Carolina (Zillow.com, March 2023) | ||
As a FSBO seller, you automatically avoid paying a listing commission. However, there is a solid argument for offering a buyer's agent commission.
A buyer’s agent's commission is an incentive for realtors to show your house to their clients. If you don't offer a commission that is competitive compared to similar homes in your area, then your home could be shown less. Agents may prioritize taking buyers to homes with a commission.
The best way to avoid paying any commission fees is to sell to an unrepresented buyer. However, know that nearly 87% of buyers work with a realtor. If you decide not to offer a buyer's agent commission, you may severely restrict your pool of buyers.
Further, if you list FSBO, you'll likely receive multiple calls from agents offering to connect you with their buyers...if you pay them a competitive buyer's agent commission (typically 2.74% in North Carolina).
» LEARN: How real estate commissions work
How commission costs break down in North Carolina
When you sell your home, there are four common scenarios when it comes to commissions:
- List FSBO and sell to a buyer without an agent: Pay no commission
- List FSBO and sell to a represented buyer: Cover the buyer's agent commission
- List with a traditional agent and sell to a represented buyer: Cover both agents' commissions
- List with a discount agent and sell to a represented buyer: Cover the buyer's agent commission, but save on the listing commission.
The table below shows how this could break down in North Carolina:
Represented Buyer | Unrepresented Buyer | Listing Agent | Clever Agent | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Sale Price* | $291,269 | $291,269 | $309,861 | $309,861 |
Listing Commission⁺ | $0 | $0 | $8,862 | $3,000 |
Buyer Commission⁺ | $7,981 | $0 | $8,490 | $8,490 |
Total Profit | $283,289 | $291,269 | $292,509 | $298,371 |
*Based on the median home vallue in North Carolina (Zillow.com, March 2023) and that FSBO homes sell for 6% less (Collateral Analytics, 2017) +Based on the average commission rates from a 2022 Clever survey of 630 real estate agents | ||||
Paperwork to sell a house by owner in North Carolina
Once you find a buyer for your house, it's time to start the closing process. In a typical real estate transaction, your agent will make sure you fill out all the necessary documents and forms. As a FSBO seller, you'll have to navigate the paperwork by yourself.
This process varies by state — here’s a quick breakdown of North Carolina’s requirements.
Required for all North Carolina real estate sales
2 Forms of ID | In most cases, a valid passport, driver's license, or other form of North Carolina-issued ID. |
Copy of Purchase and Sale Agreement and Any Addendums | 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. |
Bill of Sale | 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. |
Affidavit of Title | A notarized document that states you own the home, that there are no liens on the property, that you are not simultaneously selling the home to someone else, etc. |
Possible 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 HOA's Covenants, Codes, and Restrictions, financial history, required fees, approval process, etc. |
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 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 the buyer 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 any costs associated with the policy. |
Copies of Relevant Wills, Trusts, or Power of Attorney Letters | If you are selling an inherited property, you'll need copies of all legal documents that passed ownership to you. |
Relevant Affidavits (Name Affidavits, Non-Foreign Affidavit Under IRC 1445, etc.) | 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 | In the event 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 if need be. |
North Carolina disclosure forms
The seller disclosure statement details any known issues with your home and its major appliances and systems. | |
With some mortgages (like federally backed ones), your buyer's lender might require information of the property's flood risk. | |
Federal law requires that if your home was built before 1978, you disclose information about the dangers of lead-based paint to your buyer. |
Many closing documents are legally binding agreements. Any errors can derail your sale and cost you thousands in fees or in costs to re-list your house.
To avoid an expensive mistake, consider working with a low commission realtor instead.
FSBO alternatives to consider
If saving money is your main reason for selling your home by owner, there are alternatives.
Clever Real Estate
Clever is a nationwide real estate service that connects sellers with top, local agents. You pay Clever nothing and only pay your full-service agent 1.5% if and when your home sells.
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 North Carolina
While pricing and services vary, discount real estate companies will help you sell your house for less than a traditional realtor. 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).
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.
REX Real Estate
Full Review💲 Listing Fee
2.5% ($9,000 min.)
💰 Avg. Savings
-$325
⭐ Avg. Customer Rating
4.7/5 (1,041 reviews)
REX’s promise of huge savings is misleading. Its advertising misrepresents the significant risks of its pricing model and marketing approach. And its high minimum fees mean that many sellers won't save anything.
- REX's approach is incredibly risky — but if the gamble pays off, you could save about 50% on realtor fees
- Like other full-service brokerages, REX agents provide in-person services and support
- REX's 2.5% listing fee doesn't save you much — many full-price agents charge similar rates
- REX doesn't list your home on the MLS, so up to 90% of buyers may not even know it's for sale
- This risky marketing strategy seems likely to fail, so you may not save anything on commission
REX has a 4.7 out of 5 rating (1,041 reviews) across popular review sites like Google and Zillow.
REX is available in the following areas: AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, MD, NV, NJ, OR, PA, TX, WA, DC.
» LEARN: About discount real estate services
Flat-fee MLS services in North Carolina
As mentioned before, a flat-fee MLS service will post your listing on the local MLS, usually for a low, upfront fee. In North Carolina, this will typically cost you a couple hundred dollars.
Here are some North Carolina flat-fee MLS companies to compare:
Carolina Realty Solutions
Carolina Realty SolutionsBest For
Sellers willing to pay for the convenience of an all-in package
Price Range
$375-475
Pros:
- Includes access to Showingtime, an app Realtors use to schedule showings. Many flat-fee MLS companies either don't offer or charge extra for this service.
- You can extend your listing for up to two years without paying an extra listing fee.
- You'll get both a yard sign and a key lockbox — even with the cheapest package.
Cons:
- Carolina Realty Solutions doesn't currently offer flat fee MLS services to Alexander, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, and Cleveland counties.
Clickit Realty
Clickit RealtyBest For
Sellers who are still on the fence about FSBO
Price Range
$299-995
Pros:
- You'll get all the documents and disclosures you need when selling your property.
- If you decide to hire a full-service real estate agent, Clickit will refer you to a broker and refund your package price at closing.
- Clickit Realty will match a competitor if you find a better price for the same tools and systems.
Cons:
- The basic package includes only three photos while most competitors offer at least six.
- You have to sign up for the Platinum package ($599) before you can post open houses on your MLS listing.
List With Freedom
List With FreedomBest For
Experienced sellers who know what services they do and don't need
Price Range
$89-295
Pros:
- If you know exactly what you need, you can go with a cheaper package and buy the extras on their own.
- There's no cancellation fee for live listings.
- You can pay a little more for showing and open house assistance.
Cons:
- There's only one photo included in the base package.
- List With Freedom offers no built-in pricing support or home valuation.
» LEARN: About flat-fee MLS services in North Carolina
iBuyers
iBuyers will buy qualifying homes for cash, meaning you avoid realtor fees — and the stress of listing on the open market entirely. While these companies make fair-market offers, they will deduct any required repairs after an on-site visit. They also charge a service fee typically ranging between 6-14%.
» LEARN: How to sell to an iBuyer
5 tips for selling your home without a realtor in North Carolina
Pulling off a FSBO sale successfully is a difficult feat to accomplish. Here are some helpful tips from Clever CEO and real estate investor Ben Mizes, who has experience listing homes without an agent.
1. Make minor repairs
Small upgrades and repairs can do a lot to sway potential buyers. The key is knowing how and where to spend your money to get higher offers. Simple DIY projects like a fresh coat of paint or new cabinet pulls have a high return on investment, whereas pricier improvements like adding a new bedroom may not.
Overall, the most important factor is knowing where the line is between necessary and over-the-top. You want your house to meet buyers' expectations.
"If your kitchen is a disaster, spending more money on a remodel to get it in solid condition will pay off in the end," said Mizes. "But spending money on high-end features to take it from good to extravagant will be a waste."
Also, consider how valuable specific repairs are to buyers in your area. Focus on upgrades that have a higher cost recuperation in your region.
Home repairs with highest resale value in North Carolina
Top Upgrades | Avg. Repair Cost | Avg. Resale Value | Cost Recouped |
|---|---|---|---|
Manufactured Stone Veneer | $10,648 | $9,845 | 92.5% |
Garage Door Replacement | $3,962 | $3,649 | 92.1% |
Minor Kitchen Remodel | Midrange | $26,921 | $18,481 | 68.6% |
Based on regional data from Remodeling | |||
Note: A resale value of more than 100% indicates a profitable repair.
2. Price your North Carolina home competitively
The first step in listing a house is reviewing a comparative market analysis. This is where you look at all of the conditions for your local North Carolina market, as trends to come are going to impact pricing and listing information. Start by checking major realty websites, such as Zillow, Trulia and Realtor.com, with a focus on homes that have recently sold in your area. Once you understand the current market, pricing your home competitively will be a much easier task.
The key is remembering that a listing price is a starting point; it's not your end goal. For instance, if you want to be confident you get the best price for your home, listing at slightly below fair market value may be the best move. While you might think that a higher listing price means a higher payout, a lower price will attract multiple buyers and may lead to a bidding war.
Bonus tip: A pre-listing appraisal house gives you a more accurate starting point for pricing your home. Based on our research, in North Carolina, appraisals average $285 to $380, but help you walk away with thousands more once your home is sold. |
3. Stage and market your home
The marketing part of selling a home is one of the most challenging aspects for FSBO home sellers. If you're looking to attract lots of motivated buyers who are qualified to afford your home, you need to make sure you can showcase it online effectively.
The first thing you need to focus on is the online listing. Take professional photos, and write a quality listing description to go along with them. Don’t just describe the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, emphasize perks of living in your home specifically: a nice view, new appliances, great insulation, etc.
Once you have an online listing, you need to prepare for visitors. Staging is one of the most important aspects of listing your home. Many homeowners want to move out of their home before selling. However, selling a completely empty home is challenging, as it’s hard for potential buyers to imagine themselves in empty rooms. Professional stagers are skilled in interior design, and can bring in basic sets of furniture that help your home look its best.
>> LEARN how much it costs to stage a home
Bonus tip: Hiring a professional stager can help alleviate some of the stress FSBO sellers go through. They know your local market and ensure your home is ready to impress, giving you one less thing to worry about. Shop around to find out which local stagers offer reasonable rates and have a proven record of getting homes ready for sale. |
4. Prepare for showings
Organization is key when showing your home to potential buyers. You'll need a good system for scheduling showings and saving 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 around with a vacuum after a buyer calls for a last-minute showing.
Also, focus on creating a homey atmosphere for buyers. You want to make a great first impression on as many buyers as possible, so add little touches that speak to most people.
"Bake cookies or light scented candles before a showing," advises Mizes. "Smell plays a huge part in how buyers will perceive and remember your house. Use comforting scents to your advantage so they feel at home the moment they walk through the door."
5. Negotiate for the best possible price
Negotiations are about deciding 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, 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.
The most popular concessions vary from market to market. Knowing what works with buyers in your area will help you strengthen your offer.
For example, a Clever survey of local real estate professionals found that in North Carolina, sellers often cover 1.60% to 2.50% of buyers' closing costs. On a home of median value, that equates to $4,958 to $7,747, but can help you close the deal sooner and for more money.
You should also consider offering these popular seller concessions:
Most common seller concessions in North Carolina
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 issues and is typically less expensive than paying for the repairs (or accepting a lower offer from a wary buyer). |
Repair Credits | Repair credits are win-wins for buyers and sellers. You'll credit the buyer a set amount to cover the cost of repairs. Once the deal closes, the buyer can personally oversee the project to their liking and you don't have to worry about repairs going over budget. |
Mortgage Discount Points | While the cost varies between lenders, mortgage points lower a buyer's interest rate and can save them thousands over the years. If you offer to buy mortgage discount points, it can seal the deal for some buyers — especially with buyers who don't plan to move again for several years. |
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