7 Ways to Save Money When Selling Your Home

Saving Money Selling Your Home

Selling your home can be expensive, but there are practical ways to cut costs without sacrificing results. The average cost to sell a home in 2024 was $54,616, with agent commissions and unexpected expenses eating into profits. Here are seven strategies to help you save thousands: DIY Staging: Skip professional stagers. Focus on decluttering, cleaning, […]

Flat Fee MLS vs. Traditional Agent: The Real Math

I’m going to show you two numbers, and then you can decide for yourself. On a $500,000 home, a traditional real estate agent charges around 5-6% total commission — split between the listing agent and the buyer’s agent. That’s $25,000-$30,000 out of your pocket at closing. The listing agent’s cut alone is roughly $15,000. A […]

FSBO Success: Step-by-Step to Listing on the MLS & Zillow Like a Pro

You’ve chosen the For Sale By Owner (FSBO) route, attracted by commission savings and complete control over your home sale. You recognize the advantages—direct buyer communication, financial benefits, and personalized showings. However, the main challenge facing FSBO sellers is visibility. How can you expose your home to local and nationwide buyers effectively? The solution lies […]

How to Downsize Your Home Without Losing Your Mind

older couple packing up home

I’ll be direct: if you’re over 60, sitting in a house that’s too big, with $300K+ in equity tied up in walls you don’t use — downsizing is probably the single best financial move available to you right now. But you already know that. The problem isn’t the math. It’s the emotional weight of sorting […]

2025: Keep Your Equity Without the FSBO Hassle

HomeRise Flat Fee MLS Listing Service

As we move into 2025, we’re seeing a significant shift in how savvy homeowners are approaching the home selling process. With mortgage rates currently at 7.25% and buyers becoming more selective, protecting your equity has never been more important.  Here’s the good news: you no longer have to choose between paying high commissions or tackling […]

The Best Time to List Your Home for Sale by Owner: A Seasonal Guide

Selling your home “For Sale By Owner” (FSBO) can be an exciting and rewarding endeavor. Timing, however, is a critical factor in ensuring your success. Understanding the seasonal dynamics of the real estate market is key to capturing buyer interest and securing a favorable sale. This guide will walk you through the best times to […]

How to Negotiate Like a Pro When Selling Your Home Without a Realtor

Low cost real estate agents

One of the most critical aspects of a successful For Sale By Owner (FSBO) sale is mastering the art of negotiation. Without the help of a real estate agent, you’ll need to take charge and confidently navigate offers, counteroffers, and buyer demands. Here’s how to negotiate like a pro and secure the best possible deal […]

The Importance of Disclosure When Selling Your Home Yourself

Selling your home without an agent, or For Sale By Owner (FSBO), offers many advantages, such as saving on commission fees. However, FSBO sellers must handle all aspects of the sale themselves, including legal responsibilities like disclosure laws. Disclosures are not just paperwork—they are essential to protect both the buyer and the seller while ensuring […]

How to Sell a Home by Owner in a Buyer’s Market: Tips for Success

Selling your home in a buyer’s market can be challenging, especially when you’re going the For Sale By Owner route. However, with strategic planning and the right approach, you can successfully navigate the market and close the deal on your terms—here’s how to maximize your chances of success. Understanding a Buyer’s Market What is a […]

Why FSBO Sellers Who Skip the MLS Lose Money

Here’s something I see constantly at HomeRise: a seller decides to go FSBO, sticks a sign in the yard, posts on Facebook Marketplace, maybe throws it on Craigslist. Then they wait. And wait. Three months later they either drop the price $20K or give up and call an agent. The mistake isn’t selling without an […]