Seller’s Edge · Issue 03

FSBO: What you take on, what you save.

For Sale By Owner means you do it all—pricing, marketing, showings, negotiation, paperwork—and keep the listing-side commission. The appeal is obvious; the reality is nuanced. FSBO homes sell for a median $55,000 less than agent-assisted homes, and only 6% of U.S. sellers attempt it. This guide lays out both sides with NAR data, cost breakdowns, and the safeguards you need if you decide to captain the sale yourself.

The core trade-off

What you take on: Pricing research, marketing, lead response, showings, negotiation, and closing paperwork—the full listing workload.

What you save: The listing commission (~2.5–3% of sale price), potentially tens of thousands of dollars. You keep it only if you execute flawlessly and avoid underselling through weak pricing or negotiation.

New to Meydomo? Start Here explains how our flat-fee model delivers FSBO-level savings with professional execution.

Chapter overview

Seven chapters. Real data. Honest guidance.

FSBO is not for everyone. These chapters show you where it works, where sellers typically fail, and how to improve your odds with the right tools and support.

Chapter 1

The FSBO Reality Check

What it is, who does it, and why median prices are $55K lower.

Understand the real numbers: only 6% of sellers go FSBO, and NAR data shows FSBO homes sell for $380K vs. $435K with agents. The math behind the gap.

5 min readRead chapter
Chapter 2

Your New Full-Time Job

The four workstreams you are now managing solo.

Pricing analyst, marketing director, sales coordinator, and contract manager—all on your shoulders. What each role demands and where FSBO sellers typically crack.

7 min readRead chapter
Chapter 3

What You Actually Save

Breaking down commission math and where control matters.

The 5-6% commission breakdown, flat-fee alternatives ($199 + $999 vs. $12K-$18K), and the flexibility to set buyer agent fees. Real savings only materialize if execution is flawless.

6 min readRead chapter
Chapter 4

How FSBO Sellers Lose Money

The execution tax that erodes commission savings.

Mispricing, slow response times, weak negotiation, missed marketing windows—the hidden costs that explain why FSBO homes undersell. Data-backed breakdown of where money leaks.

6 min readRead chapter
Chapter 5

Tools to Beat the Odds

Resources that tilt probability in your favor.

Commission calculators, showing prep checklists, closing timelines, and guides that help you avoid common mistakes. Free tools to professionalize your DIY sale.

4 min readRead chapter
Chapter 6

Why Meydomo Exists

The middle path between FSBO chaos and 6% commission.

Keep FSBO-level savings ($199 + $999 flat fee), get 24/7 call handling, MLS syndication, and offer intelligence. What Meydomo automates vs. what you control.

5 min readRead chapter
Chapter 7

Is FSBO Your Move?

Decision framework for who should and should not try it.

Scenarios where pure FSBO works (buyer already lined up, hot market, experienced seller) vs. where it is a money pit. Honest guidance on when to get help.

5 min readRead chapter

Total reading time: 38 minutes. Each chapter is coffee-length—read the ones that match your situation.

Related guides that stack with this one

FSBO is one approach. These guides help you compare alternatives and implement the tactics we reference throughout.

How to use this guide

  1. Chapter 1: Reality check—understand the numbers and price gap
  2. Chapters 2-3: What you're actually taking on and what you save
  3. Chapter 4: How FSBO sellers lose money (critical reading)
  4. Chapters 5-7: Tools, alternatives, and decision framework

If you're short on time, read chapters 1, 4, and 7 for the essentials.

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