Florida real estate commissions | How to list FSBO in Florida | Florida FSBO paperwork | FSBO pros and cons | FSBO alternatives
In Florida, selling your house without a real estate agent is possible, and it could save you a lot of money in agent commission fees. The average realtor commission rate in Florida is 4.72% to 6.08%. If you sell a house worth $407,000 — the median home value in Florida — you'd pay more than $19,200 to real estate agents. That's a huge chunk out of your potential profits.
Without a listing agent, you can cut commission expenses in half, and you'll have more control over the sale. But because of added responsibilities, such as setting a listing price and negotiating with buyer's agents, selling without an agent is often only a viable option for experienced home sellers willing to put in the time and effort.
Plus, selling for sale by owner (FSBO) has risks. Research shows that FSBO homes typically sell for about 6% less than those listed with real estate agents. You'll also still have to offer a competitive buyer's agent commission — usually 2.70% of the sale price in Florida. You'll be responsible for all the work of a trained realtor, so if you have other obligations, such as a job or a family, selling FSBO might not be for you.
You may save time and pocket more profit by working with a low-commission realtor who can sell your home for top dollar. Clever Real Estate pre-negotiates 1.5% listing fees with top-rated local agents. You'll get the support of a full-service agent for a fraction of the typical price, so you can walk away from your sale with the most cash possible.
» SAVE: Find top local agents and get a 1.5% listing fee!
Keep reading to learn how to successfully sell your house without an agent in Florida. We'll explain the ins and outs of costs, pricing strategies, paperwork, and more.
🔑 Key Takeaways
|
How realtor commissions work in Florida
When selling a house, there are four common commission scenarios.
1. List with an agent and sell to a represented buyer. Pay for both agents' commission fees.
This is the traditional model. When sellers work with a realtor, they negotiate commission as part of the listing agreement.
Based on average commission rates in Florida, this typically ranges from 2.36% to 3.04% of the sale price.
The seller also agrees to a commission rate for the realtor who brings the buyer to the table, which runs between 2.36% to 3.04%.
2. List FSBO and sell to a represented buyer. Pay the buyer's agent commission.
As a FSBO seller, you automatically avoid paying a listing commission. However, there is a solid argument for offering a buyer's agent commission. It's an incentive for realtors to show your house to their clients. If you don't offer a competitive commission, agents may prioritize taking buyers to homes with a commission.
3. List FSBO and sell to a buyer without an agent. Pay no commission.
The best way to avoid paying any commission fees is to sell to an unrepresented buyer. However, nearly 87% of buyers work with a realtor. If you decide not to offer a buyer's agent commission, you may severely restrict your pool of buyers.
4. List with a discount agent and sell to a represented buyer. Pay the buyer's agent commission but save on the listing commission.
You'll typically find the best overall value with a traditional, full-service agent who offers discounted listing fees. For example, Clever Partner Agents work for trusted brands like RE/MAX and Keller Williams and offer a range of full-service benefits for a fraction of the cost. Use Clever's free, no-obligation service to connect with a top-performing agent near you.
The table below shows how this could break down in Florida:
How Florida realtor commissions work
Represented seller and buyer | FSBO seller, represented buyer | FSBO seller, unrepresented buyer | |
Listing commission | $12,400 (2.70%) | $0 | $0 |
Buyer commission | $11,000 (2.70%) | $11,000 (2.70%) | $0 |
Total commission | $22,000 | $11,000 | $0 |
Based on the median home sale price in Florida (Zillow.com) and the average commission rates from a 2023 Clever survey of 630 real estate agents | |||
» LEARN: What is Realtor Commission?
How to sell a house by owner in Florida
Prepare your home for sale | Set a price | List your home | Show your home | Negotiate the best price | Close
As a FSBO seller, you need to know and understand all your responsibilities throughout the selling process, which include preparing your home for sale, pricing your home accurately, finding potential buyers, negotiating, and filing the necessary paperwork required by state law.
Real estate laws vary across the country. For example, some states don't allow sellers to put a FSBO sign in their yard if they list on the multiple listing service (MLS) using a flat-fee company.
Here's an overview of what laws you need to know in the Florida real estate market:
Florida FSBO facts | |
|---|---|
Real estate attorney required? | No |
FSBO yard sign allowed? | Yes |
Required state disclosures? |
|
Although selling your Florida home without a realtor may seem like a great way to save on realtor fees, selling a house is trickier than many people expect. It's not just about finding a buyer. You need to show and list a house without a realtor, hold open houses, write a purchase agreement, provide a seller property disclosure, negotiate with homebuyers and real estate investors — and more. But if it becomes overwhelming, you can hire an agent at any time.
Working with a low-commission real estate company may be a better option for those who want to sell a house in Florida but don’t have time to sell FSBO. You'll avoid the hassle of a FSBO sale and walk away with the most money possible. Clever saves sellers thousands, and they get offers 2.8x faster than the national average.
Step 1: Prepare your home for sale
When selling a house, small upgrades and repairs can make a big difference in swaying potential buyers. The key is knowing how to spend your money wisely to get higher offers.
We asked top agents in Florida what repairs or upgrades they think help a house in Florida sell. Aesthetic appeal is very important when selling a house in the Sunshine State, with home buyers prioritizing clean, modern-looking spaces.
Silvia Beham, a realtor with RE/MAX 200 specializing in Orlando and central Florida, recommends the following improvements:
- Replace your roof if it's over 14 years old.
- Have your air conditioner serviced.
- Trim trees, especially before hurricane season.
- Have your grout professionally cleaned.
- Install new light fixtures.
🙋🏻♀️ Ask a Realtor: Lauren McGuire, a realtor based in Jacksonville Beach, notes that many Florida buyers look for open floor plans and updated flooring and paint. "A pool is always a plus in Florida," she adds. |
» LEARN: Best Paint Colors to Sell a House
Stage and photograph your home
You'll need professional photos for your listing, and you'll want to showcase a clean and furnished home for potential buyers to see.
A well-staged home can help you sell faster and for more money. Start by decluttering, deep cleaning, and sprucing up your home's curb appeal. Beham, who strongly suggests having your home professionally staged, offers the following additional tips:
- Place modern, trendy furniture in the house.
- Use white or linen colors in the interior.
- Choose blue and other "happy" colors are popular for the exterior.
- Avoid carpet — it's very unpopular for any house in Florida. "If you put a carpet here, people might not even go to the house," says Beham.
- Spruce up your yard with mulch and rock.
Bonus tip: Hire a professional stager who knows your local market and can ensure your home is ready to impress, giving you one less thing to worry about. In Florida, expect to pay $3,131 on average in staging costs. This will get you 60–90 days of a fully designed living room, kitchen, dining room, master bedroom, and bathrooms. Some realtors will pay for the staging or offer credit in Florida. Prices vary from city to city, so be sure to give local companies a call for specific estimates. |
Step 2: Set a price
Pricing strategy can make or break a FSBO sale, but without a realtor it can be hard to know what your property is worth. List your home for too little, and you leave money on the table. Price it too high, and the listing goes stale, forcing a price drop that could make buyers wary of the home.
🙋🏻♀️ Ask a realtor: "It's always good to price a tiny little bit below market value," says Beham. "But in this market, if you're just at market value, and you're not too high, you're still going to get multiple offers because we don't have the inventory. |
To get an accurate idea of what your Florida home is worth, look at comparable listings online from other Florida sellers. For example, if you think your house is worth about $300,000, search Zillow, Redfin, or other listing sites for properties that are about $50,000 more or less than that target. Analyze details about the homes and how they compare to yours. Ask yourself:
- Is the school district better or worse?
- Does it have the same number of bedrooms and bathrooms?
- Has the house been renovated more recently than yours?
- How do the neighborhoods and nearby amenities compare?
Answering these questions honestly will help you see if your price is in the right ballpark.
A pre-sale appraisal gives you a more accurate starting point for pricing your home.
Expect an appraiser to charge roughly $250–500 in Florida. There is a shortage of appraisers in the state now, so it may be hard to hire one if you're selling without a realtor.
| |
Bonus tip: Even if you’re selling without a realtor, you can ask an agent to perform a comparative market analysis examining comparable properties that have sold recently in your neighborhood. Many realtors will do this for free in the hopes of gaining your business if you decide to forego FSBO. |
» LEARN: What is a Comparative Market Analysis?
State of the Florida real estate market
In 2021, Florida had a seller's market driven by fierce demand for a limited supply of homes. The lack of homes sent prices soaring. The median home price in Florida is $301,743, a 17% increase from the year before.
Median home value* | $406,988 |
Median listing price+ | $459,900 |
Listing price per square foot+ | $266 |
Percent of homes with price reduction+ | 25.6% |
However, home values vary from city to city within the same state, and determining the right price for your home will depend on your location. Here are the median home values for some of Florida's biggest cities:
City | Median home value |
Jacksonville | $379,425 |
Miami | $475,300 |
Tampa | $390,811 |
Orlando | $401,894 |
Tallahassee | $260,866 |
Florida remains a seller's market in 2022, with strong buyer demand and a shortage of inventory in many parts of the state, according to Florida Realtors. Houses are going under contract quickly after being put on the market, and the housing shortfall continues to drive prices up.
Selling your home by owner in a hot seller's market might seem easy. You may feel that paying full price for an agent is a waste of money if you can quickly find an interested buyer on your own without much legwork. Still, most home sellers aren’t going without a realtor.
Despite the favorable conditions for home sellers, there are many reasons not to forgo an agent. You have to be well prepared to field inquiries from agents and buyers in Florida's fast-moving market. You need to identify a good deal when you have one. You may have to compare multiple offers or consider concessions such as a buyer's closing costs.
And, without a realtor, you must manage all the administrative work, such as the purchase agreement and the closing process, on your own. While it may seem like you save money, you may find that the home selling process stretches much farther than you'd like.
Enter your ZIP code to see if Clever has a partner agent in your area.
Step 3: Listing your Florida home without a real estate agent
Once you've decided on a price, it's time to write a listing description that speaks to local buyers. Understanding their priorities will help you identify what features of your property to highlight in your listing.
This will complement but should not replace hiring a professional photographer; even serious buyers often look at photos first. Here are some of the top buyer priorities in Florida, according to real estate professionals.
Florida buyer priorities | Advice for FSBO sellers |
Listing price | Given the lack of inventory in many areas of Florida, your house is likely to sell quickly and at a good price point. You can get multiple offers if you price your home at market value, but it might be a good idea to price it a little below market value to start a bidding war. The house may sit on the market for a while if you overprice it. |
Safety | Identify and, if possible, remove any environmental hazards in your home, such as asbestos, lead, mold, or Chinese-manufactured drywall — a common problem that can complicate a Florida home sale. Also check whether the home has suffered structural damage from fire, wind, water, flood, hail, or sinkholes, another widespread feature of the Sunshine State. |
Amenities | Houses with pools sell better in Florida, but if you don't have one, consider installing a patio or porch with a screen. People are interested in places where they can spend time outside, but because of the state's mosquito problem, a screen is a must. Modern kitchens and bathrooms, exterior lighting, and spacious laundry rooms are also popular in Florida. |
Where to list your home
The best place to market your home is on the MLS. MLS listings populate onto real estate websites like Zillow, Redfin, and Realtor.com, increasing your home's online presence. That's important because 51% of buyers found the homes they purchased via the internet.
However, agents are the only ones who can list on the MLS. You can work with an agent and still maintain control of your sale by using a flat fee MLS company that charges a one-time payment to list your home on the MLS.
A flat fee MLS service usually costs a few hundred dollars and includes a property description, up to 25 photos, and a listing lasting no more than 12 months. Additional flat fee MLS services, such as a virtual tour, downloadable contracts, and free changes to your listing, are often bundled into more expensive packages — but they're still typically cheaper than paying a listing agent's 3% commission fee.
Find the best flat fee MLS companies in Florida.
As a FSBO seller, you also have several free or low-cost options to sell your Florida home.
- Zillow: Listing on Zillow is free and takes just a few simple steps: create a profile, claim your home, navigate to the FSBO page, fill out your listing info, click publish, and wait for verification. Zillow listings also automatically appear on its sister site, Trulia. However, recent changes to Zillow keep FSBO listings separate from agent listings, meaning your home will be a lot less visible to buyers.
- ForSaleByOwner.com: This well-established and recognized for-sale-by-owner site caters specifically to people wanting to buy or sell FSBO homes. It's free to advertise, but your home won't show up on the MLS or syndicate to other real estate websites. That means your listing will only be viewable to buyers who go to ForSaleByOwner.com, but you don’t have to pay for a flat fee MLS.
- Social media: Post your home listing to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Nextdoor. Sharing is free, and you can reach a lot of people where they’re already spending time.
- For-sale-by-owner yard sign: You can buy a FSBO sign from most hardware stores or online for $20–50. Choose one that allows you to add your phone number so interested buyers can contact you for property information and showings.
- Craigslist: Posting your home on Craigslist is free and simple. Just go to the Florida page, find your city, and create a "real estate — by owner" listing.
» MORE INFO: Learn How to Sell a House on Craigslist
Step 4: Show your home
Organization is key when showing your home to potential buyers. You'll need a good scheduling system and a spreadsheet to save buyers' and agents’ contact information. You'll want to be flexible and try to show your house at buyers’ convenience.
Keep the home clean and decluttered at all times. The last thing you want is to scramble with a vacuum after a buyer calls for a last-minute showing.
Focus on creating a homey atmosphere for buyers. You want to make a great first impression, so add little touches that speak to most people. Bake cookies or light scented candles before a showing. Smell plays a huge part in how buyers perceive and remember your house. Use comforting scents to your advantage so they feel at home the moment they walk through the door.
🙋🏻♀️ Ask a Realtor: If you've decided to sell your house, consider renting a storage unit and moving out most of your belongings, Beham suggests. "Clean up the closets and cabinets. People want to see space because you're selling space. So clear as much as you can and start packing." |
Step 5: Negotiate for the best possible price
Negotiations are about more than the final sale price. You and the buyer (or their agent) will also have to agree upon contract contingencies, how closing costs are divided, the timeline or closing date, and more.
To gain the upper hand, get creative with the seller concessions you offer a buyer. While they might cost you a little more at closing, concessions sweeten the deal for buyers and could lead to a higher final sale price.
Knowing what's important to buyers in your area will help you strengthen your offer. A Clever survey of local real estate professionals found that in Florida, sellers often cover 1.60% to 2.50% of buyers' closing costs. On a home of median value, that will cost an additional $6,512 to $10,175.
You should also consider offering these popular seller concessions:
Concession | Benefits of offering concession |
Home warranty | If your home has major appliances or systems that are on their last leg, a home warranty can give buyers peace of mind. A warranty will cover possible problems and is typically less expensive than paying for the repairs (or accepting a lower offer from a wary buyer). |
Property taxes | You often have to share past tax information about the property before closing a sale. By covering some of those costs, you can offer buyers some financial relief and make them more inclined to close the sale. |
Repair credits | Repair credits are a win-win for buyers and sellers. You'll credit the buyer a set amount to cover the cost of repairs. Once the deal closes, buyers can oversee the project to their liking, and you don't have to worry about repairs going over budget. Usually, this happens after the home inspection. |
Step 6: Close
Closing is the final step in a real estate transaction. The title of the property is officially transferred from the seller to the buyer, and both parties pay their closing costs.
Use a title company to facilitate a smooth closing. Title companies collect and distribute closing costs, collect signatures, ensure sellers have the right documents, and file them with relevant agencies.
🤔 Do I need a real estate attorney to sell my house in Florida? You're not required to hire a real estate attorney to sell a house in Florida, but it's recommended for your peace of mind. If you're selling for sale by owner, an attorney can ensure you comply with local laws and protect you from being sued. Unlike realtors, real estate attorneys don't know the local market and can't show your home or help you negotiate the selling price, but they can provide a contract that includes the best terms for you and protects you against a breach of contract. Real estate attorneys usually work for an upfront flat fee or an hourly rate costing a few hundred dollars. In Florida, a real estate attorney will charge about $1,000–5,000 to review your contract. Find Florida lawyers near you by searching the state bar association, Avvo, or FindLaw. |
» READ: How Much are Closing Costs for Sellers in Florida?
Paperwork to sell a house by owner in Florida
In a typical real estate transaction, your Florida real estate agent will make sure you fill out all the necessary documents and forms. FSBO sellers have to navigate the paperwork by themselves. Here’s a quick breakdown of Florida's requirements.
Want to save this list for later? Download our FSBO paperwork checklist to help you prepare for your sale.
Required for all Florida real estate sales
Two forms of ID | In most cases, a valid passport, driver's license, or other form of Florida-issued ID. |
Copy of the original, signed sales agreement, as well as any agreed upon changes. | |
Closing statement | A detailed list of all the costs associated with the sale and who pays them. This is often prepared by your escrow agent or title company. |
Signed deed | To legally transfer your property, you'll need the deed that proves you're the rightful owner. At closing, you'll sign the deed over to the buyer. |
This is basically a receipt that includes both your information and the buyer's. It will also list the final price of the home and what was included in the sale. | |
A notarized document that states you own the home, that there are no liens on the property, and that you are not simultaneously selling the home to someone else. |
Additional documents
Loan payoff information | If you have a mortgage on your home, you'll need documentation of exactly how much you still owe and any payoff fees. If you've already paid your mortgage in full, you'll need documentation proving that. |
HOA forms and guidelines | If your home is part of an HOA, you'll need to give the buyer documentation on the covenants, codes, restrictions, financial history, required fees, and approval process. |
Survey results or survey affidavits | A survey or an affidavit verifying a previous survey proves exactly where the property lines are. |
Home inspection results | If you had a pre-sale inspection, you'll want the results to compare to the buyer's inspection. If having a buyer's inspection was part of the sales agreement, you should receive a copy of the results before closing. |
Proof of repairs or renovations | Documentation proving any major repairs or changes to the house help verify its value. These receipts also provide buyers with information about who to contact if they discover issues with the repairs in the future. |
Home warranty information | The home warranty service agreement will explain what is covered, for how long, and costs associated with the policy. |
Copies of relevant wills, trusts or power of attorney letters | If you are selling a house you inherited, you'll need copies of all legal documents that passed ownership to you. |
Relevant affidavits (name affidavits, non-foreign affidavit under IRC 1445) | You may need additional affidavits like a name affidavit, which lists all of your or the buyer's previous names, or an affidavit proving you are not a foreign citizen and, therefore, exempt from certain property sales taxes. |
Closing disclosure | If your buyer is taking out a mortgage and you agreed to certain seller's concessions, you may need a copy of their closing disclosure to verify the lender approved your concessions. |
Correction statement and agreement | If forms are lost or errors are discovered in the future, a correction statement and agreement requires you, the buyer, or their lender to replace or fix those documents. |
A property tax disclosure summary outlining the amount of expected taxes for the property. The buyer should not expect their taxes to be the same as the prior owner's (yours), which may factor into affordability. |
Florida disclosure forms
The seller disclosure statement details known issues with your home and its major appliances and systems. | |
With some federally backed mortgages, your buyer's lender might require information about the property's flood risk. | |
If your home was built before 1978, federal law requires that you disclose information about the dangers of lead-based paint. | |
The World Health Organization and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends that you test your home for radon gas. |
» LEARN: Disclosure Requirements for Selling Florida Real Estate
Where to find documents
Florida Realtors describes most of the forms used in a typical real estate transaction on its website, but it doesn't provide copies of the forms. However, documents may be written in other legal formats if you choose to write them yourself or hire an attorney to help with the paperwork.
Here's where to find forms online if selling a house without a realtor:
When you're looking for other documents, such as tax records, property surveys, and deeds, check state or local government offices, such as your tax assessor’s office or department of revenue.
Just remember, many closing documents are legally binding agreements. Errors can result in an unenforceable contract that could derail your sale and cost you thousands in fees. To avoid an expensive mistake, consider working with a low-commission realtor rather than without a realtor entirely.
Pros and cons of selling FSBO
Before deciding to sell your home by owner, weigh all the pros and cons to make the right choice for your situation.
Pros | Cons |
✅ Lower commission: Even if your buyer has an agent, you'll still avoid paying 2–3% in listing agent commission. | ❌ Less visibility with buyers: Unless you pay a flat fee MLS company, your home won't be on the local MLS, meaning fewer buyers will see your listing. |
✅ More control: You can decide the price, showing schedule, marketing strategy, negotiation tactics, and more. | ❌ Risks of inaccurate pricing: If you overprice your home, you won't attract buyers. You could be forced to accept a low offer or take your home off the market and relist with an agent. |
✅ No competition with other clients: Some agents take on more clients than they can handle, which means you may not get the attention you need. | ❌ Safety issues: You're responsible for showing your home to prospective buyers. Not everyone is comfortable being alone with strangers because theft or harassment can occur. |
✅ You may sell faster: If you're selling to a family member or friend, FSBO streamlines the process. | ❌ More work and stress: Trying to cram all the FSBO responsibilities into your schedule is a hassle many FSBO sellers aren't prepared for. |
FSBO alternatives
If saving money is your main reason for selling a house FSBO, there are alternatives.
Clever Real Estate
Clever is a nationwide real estate service that connects sellers with top, local agents. You pay Clever nothing. You'll only pay your full-service agent 1.5% if your home sells.
Clever Real Estate
Learn More💲 Listing Fee
1.5% (min. $3,000 fee)
💰 Buyer Savings
Up to $500 cash back
⭐ Avg. Customer Rating
4.9/5 (1,995 reviews)
Clever is a quick, easy, and free way to find a top-rated local agent. And, unlike many similar companies, Clever pre-negotiates big discounts on your behalf, so you can save thousands without sacrificing on service.
- Free, nationwide agent-matching service that partners with full-service local agents from conventional brokerages like Keller Williams, Century 21, and RE/MAX
- Provides multiple agent matches so you can interview, compare marketing plans, and choose the best fit
- Pre-negotiates low rates on your behalf — you get full service for a 1.5% listing fee vs. the typical 2.5-3% rate
- If you buy with Clever, you can get cash back rewards after closing
- You may not get matched with an agent from your preferred real estate brokerage.
- Agents may not provide premium services like drone photography and professional home staging.
As of 10/21/2022, Clever has a 4.9 out of 5 rating on Trustpilot, based on 1,844 reviews.
Clever has pre-negotiated low commission rates with top agents in all 50 states and Washington, DC.
Discount real estate services in Florida
Discount real estate companies can help you sell your house for less than a traditional realtor, although pricing and services vary. In most cases, you'll still need to offer a competitive buyer's agent commission, but you'll save on listing fees.
Redfin
Full Review💲 Listing Fee
1.5% (min. fees vary)
💰 Avg. Savings
$5,541
⭐ Avg. Customer Rating
3.7/5 (301 reviews)
Redfin offers real savings and is a proven brand. But sellers could compromise on service — especially agent experience and availability.
- If you buy and sell with Redfin, you'll get a 0.5% listing fee discount.
- Redfin gives its listings premium placement in its popular home search app.
- If finding the right agent is a top priority, you'll have limited options — Redfin only has a few agents in each of its markets.
- Redfin agents handle more customers at once than the average realtor, so they may not be able to provide as much personalized service.
Redfin has a 3.7 out of 5 rating (301 reviews) across popular review sites like Google and Yelp.
Redfin is available in 80+ U.S. markets (see all locations).
Houwzer
Full Review💲 Listing Fee
$5,000
💰 Avg. Savings
$7,000
⭐ Avg. Customer Rating
4.8/5 (1,400 reviews)
Houwzer offers true flat-fee savings — but homes near or below $500,000 can likely find better rates and less risk elsewhere.
- Huge commission savings on luxury homes
- Listing fee includes virtual home tours and other premium marketing services
- Houwzer has a small team, which limits your options if you don't hit it off with the first agent they send you
- If you're selling a lower-priced home, Houwzer may not be cheaper than selling with a traditional realtor
Houwzer has a 4.8 out of 5 rating (1,400 reviews) across popular review sites like Google and Zillow.
Houwzer is available in the following locations: FL, MD, NJ, PA, VA, DC.
Redefy
Full Review💲 Listing Fee
$3,500 (1% above $1M)
💰 Avg. Savings
$8,500
⭐ Avg. Customer Rating
4.6/5 (300 reviews)
Redefy’s flat fee could offer big savings. But hands-off service and non-refundable upfront fees make it a hard sell over other, less risky options.
- Flat $3,500 listing fee is an excellent value for higher-priced homes
- Agents provide more in-person services than some similarly-priced low commission brands
- Redefy charges an upfront, non-refundable $500 fee (most companies don't make you pay anything until your house sells)
- Your agent will not host an open house for you
Redefy has a 4.6 out of 5 rating (300 reviews) across popular review sites like Google and Zillow.
Redefy is available in the following areas: CO, FL, GA, IL, NC, SC, TN, TX, VA.
» COMPARE: Discount Real Estate Brokers: Who's the BEST in 2021?
Flat fee MLS companies in Florida
A flat fee MLS service will post your listing on the local MLS, usually for a low, upfront fee. In Florida, this will typically cost you a couple hundred dollars.
Beycome
beycomeBest For
Tech-savvy sellers who want to manage their listings on an online platform
Price Range
$99-299
Pros:
- You can upload photos, manage your listings, and receive and negotiate offers all within the online platform. Great for people who don't like to talk on the phone!
- If you need help pricing your home, you can check the two home value estimates that come with each package.
- Sellers who opt for the $199 Premium version can use the platform to automatically list their homes on popular classified sites like Craigslist, Oodle, and Listanza.
Cons:
- You'll get no assistance with paperwork, even as an add-on service.
- Beycome's site doesn't make it clear that you may still have to pay a buyer's agent commission.
Houzeo
HouzeoBest For
Sellers looking for a lot of a-la-carte options
Price Range
$245-399
Pros:
- You can fill out, sign, and submit all your seller's paperwork on the Houzeo app.
- When you enter your address, Houzeo auto-fills publicly available data about your property.
- Houzeo lets you buy additional services like contract reviews, agent showings, and professional showings a la carte.
Cons:
- You have to pay extra for pricing assistance — several local competitors offer this for free.
- You're limited to 10 free changes for price, status, and description in their two most popular packages. Most competitors offer unlimited free changes.
Jack Keller Inc. Realtors
Jack Keller Inc RealtorsBest For
Sellers who want flexible payment options
Price Range
$75-375
Pros:
- The company gives you several ways to pay, including monthly payment plans, $0 down, and bitcoin.
- The site includes all the forms you'll need, like a contract, addendum, and seller's disclosure.
- Jack Keller lets you pick and choose upgrade options such as Realtor.com statistic reports, ShowingTime scheduling software, and open house scheduling.
Cons:
- The cheapest package is available only for vacant land, boat docks, and commercial properties.
- You have to purchase an upgrade to get Realtor.com leads sent directly to you. If they go to an agent, that agent might direct the buyer elsewhere.
» FIND: 6 Best Florida Flat-Fee MLS Companies
Conclusion: Is FSBO right for you?
FSBO isn't a right for everyone. But if you're feeling confident about the steps and knowledgeable about the challenges, you might be ready to sell without a realtor in Florida. To succeed, you'll need to:
- Make a plan: From taking photos of your property to filling out the correct paperwork, there will be a lot on your FSBO to-do list. Set completion goals and work out a schedule so you can find a buyer and close in a timeframe that works for you.
- Get ready to hustle: Attracting qualified buyers is hard work. You'll need a great listing description and a killer marketing strategy to generate interest. Also, prepare to spend a considerable amount of time fielding calls from prospective buyers, scheduling showings, hosting open houses, and more.
- Make smart investments: Even though saving money is your main goal as a FSBO seller, spending money on small upgrades or repairs can lead to higher offers and a faster sale. Also, consider paying a flat fee company to list your home on the local MLS to reach more buyers.
- Seek some professional advice: You don't have to sign a listing contract to talk to a realtor. Professional agents understand that smart sellers weigh their options. They'll be willing to meet for a free consultation. After seeing your home and looking at comps, they might notice problems or advantages you overlooked. Once you've heard their advice, if you still want to sell by owner, you can do so confidently because you thoroughly explored your choices.
If you'd like some professional guidance with no strings attached, Clever can help. Fill out your info below to connect with a top, local realtor for a no-obligation consultation.
FAQs: How to sell your house without a realtor in Florida
To sell your house in Florida, you will need to provide two forms of ID, a copy of the purchase agreement and any addendums, a closing statement, a signed deed, a bill of sale, and an affidavit of title.
Florida is not an attorney state, so you're not required to hire a lawyer, but it's strongly recommended that you do. Selling a home is a complex process, and an attorney can help protect you from potential legal problems — especially if you're selling by owner.
Seller closing costs typically include title service and closing fees, documentary stamp tax, recording fees, and property taxes. In some parts of Florida, such as Miami, it's standard for the buyer to pay for the owner's title insurance, but in central Florida, the seller often covers this cost.
In 2022, the average time it takes to sell a home in Florida — from listing through closing — is approximately 79 days. That’s 44 days to get an offer, plus the typical 35-day closing period.
However, those figures are primarily with a real estate agent, since FSBO sales account for fewer than 10% of home sales annually. FSBO sellers should reasonably expect their selling process to take longer than with a real estate agent.