Neither choice is always right. Selling yourself can save commission, and it also hands you the work an agent would do. Here is how to weigh it honestly.
Where FSBO tends to work
Owners who have time, are comfortable negotiating, can price from evidence, and are not under a tight deadline are often the best candidates.
Where an agent earns their fee
Complicated sales, unusual properties, tight timelines, owners who dislike negotiating, or owners who simply do not want the workload may be better served by an agent.
The middle path
Flat-fee MLS listings and hourly or flat-fee professionals let you buy only the help you need.
Compare with real numbers
The honest comparison is net proceeds after all costs, not commission alone. Use the calculators to see both side by side.
This guide is a working outline. A fuller version with examples is being written.
Where a professional is worth paying
If you are unsure, interview an agent without committing. You lose nothing by learning what they would do and charge.
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