SELL YOUR HOUSE IN BOSTON “AS IS.”
Should you consider for sale by owner (FSBO) when selling your Boston house?
Selling to We Buy Ugly Houses® means no repairs, no commissions, and a fast closing.
Considering selling your house on your own?
Are you thinking about selling your house on your own, also known as "for sale by owner" (FSBO)? It’s an important decision, and you’re probably weighing the pros and cons to see if it’s the right fit for you. Selling FSBO can save you money upfront on commissions, but it also comes with its own set of issues. If you’re curious about whether this route is right for you, we’re here to help you understand what’s involved and how to make the best choice for your situation. Let’s look at what you should consider before selling for sale by owner.
Reasons and goals for selling a house
There are many reasons why you might be thinking about selling your Boston house. Maybe you’re looking to downsize now that the kids have moved out, or perhaps you’ve had a change in your career that requires a move. You may want to sell your house due to maintenance headaches or because you’re preparing for retirement. Whatever the reason, it's important to think about your selling goals before you put your house on the market.
Are you wanting to sell your house quickly to move on to your next adventure? Or is getting the highest possible price more important, even if it takes a bit longer? Maybe you’d like to avoid the hassles of a traditional house sale such as having to make repairs. Understanding your goals will guide your decisions and help you choose the best selling strategy for your unique situation.
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How to sell a house fast in three easy steps
Book A Consultation
We start with a free, no-obligation visit where we’ll answer all your questions.
Get An Offer
After a walkthrough of your property, we can make you a fast offer.
Close Fast
We can sometimes close in as little as three weeks, or later if you need more time.
What does it mean to sell FSBO?
Selling your house "for sale by owner" means you’re taking charge of the entire selling process without the help of a real estate agent. It means you’re the one handling everything—pricing your Boston home, marketing it, showing it to potential buyers, negotiating offers, and navigating the paperwork until the sale is finalized. It can be a satisfying accomplishment if you’re up for the challenge.
What’s the difference between selling FSBO and with a real estate agent?
The main difference between selling FSBO and selling traditionally with a real estate agent comes down to control and cost. With FSBO, you have full control over the process and don’t have to pay a commission. But it also means you’re responsible for all the tasks that an agent would typically handle.
On the other hand, selling via a real estate agent offers the advantage of professional guidance and access to the agent’s marketing resources and buyer networks. While you do pay for their services, many people find the expertise and support they receive from an agent to be worth the cost.
Partner with America’s #1 home buyer**
With a 95%* customer satisfaction rating nationwide, we know how to make clients happy. Our process is simple and transparent.
Sell your house in its current condition
No repairs, updates, or cleaning necessary—we can buy your house just the way it is. No staging or showings required.
Get a fast offer, sometimes on the same day as our visit
We don’t charge commissions or real estate fees of any kind. We also pay typical closing costs†.
Work with local experts who live where you do
We live and work in your community, and we know the local market. Our process gives you support and peace of mind.
How to sell a house FSBO
Selling your Boston house FSBO involves multiple steps.
- Set the right price: Start by researching your local housing market to determine a price for your home. You’ll want to be competitive, so look at what similar homes in your area have sold for within the past 6 months. Try to find houses that are within 250 square feet of your home’s size.
- Get your house ready: Make sure your home is clean, well-maintained, and presentable. Repairs or improvements can go a long way toward making your home more appealing to buyers. Most people want a move-in ready house, so by fixing any existing issues, you’ll likely get more potential buyers and higher offers.
- Market your house: You’ll need to advertise your home to attract potential buyers. This could mean listing it online, putting up a sign in your yard, or even spreading the word through social media and friends.
- Show your house: When potential buyers show interest, you’ll be the one giving them tours. Be prepared to answer questions and highlight the best features of your home.
- Negotiate offers: Once you receive an offer, you’ll negotiate directly with the buyer or the buyer’s agent. This is where having a good understanding of the market and your home’s value really pays off.
- Handle the paperwork: After agreeing on a price, you’ll need to manage the legal documents and closing process. It might be helpful to consult a real estate attorney to ensure everything is handled correctly.
Pros and cons of selling FSBO
Selling your home FSBO can be a good option for many homeowners who want to take control of the selling process. However, like everything, it has its upsides and downsides.
Pros:
- Don’t pay commissions: One of the biggest advantages is that you won’t have to pay commissions.
- Full control: When you sell FSBO, you’re in the driver’s seat. You make all the decisions, from setting the price to negotiating offers.
- Direct communication: You’ll be dealing directly with potential buyers without needing to sell through a real estate agent, which can make the process feel more personal and straightforward. You’ll know exactly what buyers are thinking and can respond to their needs quickly.
- Flexible scheduling: You can schedule showings and open houses for your Boston house at your convenience, without having to coordinate with an agent’s calendar.
Cons:
- Time consuming: Managing the entire sale process on your own can be time intensive. From marketing your home to handling inquiries and showings, it takes a lot of effort and dedication.
- Lack of market knowledge: Real estate agents bring a wealth of market knowledge, which can be crucial in setting the right price and attracting buyers. Without this expertise, you might struggle to price your home competitively or navigate negotiations effectively.
- Limited exposure: Agents often have access to broader marketing channels, including MLS (Multiple Listing Service) and professional networks. Selling FSBO might limit your Boston home’s visibility to potential buyers.
- Negotiation challenges: Negotiating directly with buyers or their agents can be tricky, especially if you’re not familiar with the process. It’s easy to get emotionally involved, which can sometimes lead to issues.
- Handling paperwork: The legal paperwork involved in selling a home is complex. Without an agent, you’ll need to ensure that all documents are correctly prepared and filed.
Everything went smoothly and as promised. Mike [We Buy Ugly Houses franchisee] was extra helpful to me.
Judith D. (Framingham, Massachusetts) • 11/7/2022
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Very professional and very helpful. Scott Merchant [We Buy Ugly Houses franchisee] made things easy for me and was always available to answer any questions and concerns I had.
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Sell your house FSBO to We Buy Ugly Houses® and avoid hassles and stress.
If you’re selling your Boston home FSBO and want a fast, hassle-free transaction, consider selling off-market to a reputable house buyer in Boston like We Buy Ugly Houses®. We Buy Ugly Houses often purchases homes directly from FSBO sellers, offering payment on closing day and a quick closing process. This can make the FSBO journey much smoother, especially if you’re looking to sell quickly.
We buy houses “as is,” so there’s no need to make repairs when you sell to us. We make the entire process convenient and simple. Just reach out to us for a friendly, no-obligation consultation with one of our friendly Boston property specialists. We’ll take a tour of your home, answer your questions, and give you a fast offer, sometimes on the same day. If you accept our offer, we can sometimes close in as little as 3 weeks. If you need more time, we’ll work hard to try to arrange that.
With us there are no commissions or hidden fees, and we pay typical closing costs. Our offers are typically discounted below market value in exchange for speed and connivence. Contact us to learn more about how we can simplify the sale of your FSBO house.
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Selling your house quickly doesn’t have to be stressful when you choose to work with We Buy Ugly Houses® in Boston. We’ll work with you every step of the way.
