Thinking of skipping the realtor and selling your home on your own? You’re not alone. Many New Jersey homeowners choose to sell their house without a real estate agent to save money, maintain control, and speed up the process.
But if you’re wondering exactly how to sell a house without a real estate agent, this guide breaks down everything you need to know—from preparing your home to closing the deal.
Why Skip the Agent?
Let’s start with why homeowners go the For Sale By Owner (FSBO) route:
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Save on commissions (typically 5–6% of the sale price)
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Have more control over the process and negotiations
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Sell faster by marketing directly to buyers or investors
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Avoid repairs by selling “as-is” to cash buyers
While the benefits are clear, selling a house yourself also means you’re responsible for every step—including marketing, paperwork, negotiations, and closing.
Here’s how to do it right.
Step 1: Know Your Home’s Market Value
Before you can sell your home, you need to price it properly. Set it too high, and buyers won’t show up. Set it too low, and you’ll leave money on the table.
You can:
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Research recent comparable sales (comps) in your neighborhood
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Use free online tools like Zillow or Redfin for price estimates
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Hire a licensed appraiser for an accurate valuation
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Ask a real estate attorney or local investor for insight
In New Jersey’s competitive housing market, correct pricing is crucial for attracting serious buyers quickly.
Step 2: Prepare the Property
Curb appeal matters—even in an FSBO sale. Depending on your strategy, you may choose to:
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Clean and declutter every room
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Paint walls with neutral colors
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Make minor repairs (leaky faucets, loose handles, etc.)
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Stage the home with furniture and lighting
If you’re selling as-is, this step can be skipped or minimized. Many homeowners in New Jersey choose to sell to cash buyers or investment companies to avoid repair costs altogether.
Step 3: Market the Home
You’ll need to get the word out to buyers. Options include:
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Listing your home on FSBO websites (like Zillow FSBO, ForSaleByOwner.com, and Craigslist)
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Posting on social media and local Facebook groups
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Creating a property flyer or one-page website
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Hosting an open house or virtual tour
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Placing a “For Sale By Owner” sign in your yard
Quality photos and videos are essential—buyers are more likely to schedule a showing if your listing looks professional.
Step 4: Handle Inquiries and Showings
Be ready to:
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Answer phone calls, emails, or messages promptly
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Schedule showings around your availability
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Prepare a short script or handout about your home’s features
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Safely store valuables and secure your home during visits
If this feels overwhelming, selling to a local home buyer like Value Plus Property Solutions can simplify things—we’ll view the home once and make a fair cash offer within 24 hours.
Step 5: Negotiate Offers
When you receive an offer, you’ll need to review:
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Price being offered
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Contingencies (financing, inspection, etc.)
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Closing timeline
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Concessions requested (like help with closing costs)
Counteroffers are normal. Be respectful, honest, and realistic during negotiations. Remember, the goal is to reach a deal that works for both parties.
Step 6: Gather the Right Paperwork
One of the biggest responsibilities when selling without an agent is managing the legal documents. These include:
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Purchase and Sale Agreement
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Seller Disclosure Form (required in NJ)
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Lead-Based Paint Disclosure (for homes built before 1978)
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Property deed and title
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Settlement statement (HUD-1 or Closing Disclosure)
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Mortgage payoff statement
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Utility and tax records
💡 Pro tip: Hire a real estate attorney (recommended in New Jersey) to draft and review contracts. They can ensure you’re legally protected and help you avoid costly mistakes.
Step 7: Close the Sale
Once everything is signed, your closing team—either an attorney, escrow officer, or title company—will:
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Conduct a title search
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Handle escrow and disburse funds
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Transfer ownership and record the deed
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Finalize settlement statements and pay off your mortgage
As the seller, you’ll hand over the keys and walk away with your proceeds—no agent commissions deducted.
Thinking of Selling As-Is?
If your home needs repairs or you’re dealing with a stressful situation like foreclosure, divorce, or inherited property, you don’t have to go through the full FSBO process.
At Value Plus Property Solutions, we buy houses throughout New Jersey in any condition. No showings. No repairs. No agents. Just a fair cash offer and a fast closing—often in 7–10 days.
Final Thoughts
Selling your house without a real estate agent isn’t just possible—it can be empowering and cost-effective. With a bit of research, organization, and professional legal guidance, you can manage the process yourself and save thousands in commissions.
Still wondering how to sell a house without a real estate agent the easy way?
✅ Skip the listings.
✅ Skip the showings.
✅ Get a cash offer today from Value Plus Property Solutions.
Fill out our short form to get started—we’re here to make selling simple, fair, and fast.
