New Jersey real estate commissions | How to list FSBO in New Jersey | New Jersey FSBO paperwork | FSBO pros and cons | FSBO alternatives
In New Jersey, 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 New Jersey is 4.36% to 5.89%. If you sell a house worth $471,700 — the median home value in New Jersey — you'd pay more than $20,600 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 agents. You'll also still have to offer a competitive buyer's agent commission — usually 2.50% of the sale price in New Jersey. 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 New Jersey. We'll explain the ins and outs of costs, pricing strategies, paperwork, and more.
🔑 Key takeaways
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How realtor commissions work in New Jersey
When you sell your home, 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 New Jersey, this typically ranges from 2.24% to 3.01% 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 2.12% to 2.88%.
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 New Jersey:
How New Jersey realtor commissions work
Represented seller and buyer | FSBO seller, represented buyer | FSBO seller, unrepresented buyer | |
|---|---|---|---|
Listing commission | $14,200 (2.63%) | $0 | $0 |
Buyer commission | $11,800 (2.50%) | $11,800 (2.50%) | $0 |
Total commission | $24,200 | $11,800 | $0 |
Based on the median home sale price in New Jersey (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 New Jersey
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, which include preparing your home for sale, pricing your home accurately, finding 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 New Jersey:
New JerseyFSBO facts | |
|---|---|
Real estate attorney required? | No |
FSBO yard sign allowed? | Yes |
Required state disclosures? |
|
Although selling your home without an agent may seem like a great way to save on realtor fees, it’s trickier than many people expect. 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 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
To prepare your home for sale, consider doing a "tank sweep" to check for any buried tanks. Millions of New Jersey homes have heating oil tanks buried underground. Many of these tanks are old and corroded, posing the risk of hazardous leaks.
You'll need a licensed contractor, usually oil tank removal companies, to perform a tank sweep. They usually charge a fee of around $250. Buyers are responsible for due diligence on the property, including checking for underground tanks.
If the buyer does find an underground tank, they may demand that you have it removed and perform any related clean-up, which could delay the transaction by months. For this reason, it might be a good idea to conduct the tank sweep yourself before listing the home.
Radon testing is also a common issue in New Jersey, even for homes that don't have basements, according to Gina Cristiano, a realtor with Shore Realty Exchange.
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) recommends that all homeowners hire a professional to test their houses for radon and perform mitigation if tests show levels of 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) or more.
🙋🏾 Ask a realtor: Cristiano notes that rain can cause foundation problems in New Jersey homes. "Sometimes in the basement, walls might collapse a little bit, or there's a foundation crack in between the cinder blocks," she says. "That's very noticeable and should be repaired." |
» LEARN: Best Paint Colors to Sell a House
Stage and photograph your home
You'll need professional photos for your listing — photos taken with your iPhone are much less likely to impress — 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. Consider moving your personal belongings to a storage facility.
"Take every personal item that you may have and remove it from the home," including family photos, Cristiano advises. "Be almost a minimalist."
Cristiano offers the following additional pointers for staging:
Decorate the home properly.
If there's a smoker issue, paint and change the rugs.
Try to clean the vents.
Virtual staging is a good way to show buyers what the home could look like.
Professional staging — decorating and arranging a house for maximum visual appeal — positions the home to sell for more than its list price. Cristiano generally avoids professional staging, though.
"You have to deal with movers, furniture, trucks. It can be very expensive," she says.
Bonus tip: If you don't trust your staging skills and would like to give professional staging a shot, hire a stager who knows your local market and can ensure your home is ready to impress. In New Jersey, expect to pay $2,500–5,000 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. 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. 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: Cristiano recommends pricing your home at market value. "It's going to get overbid regardless," she says. "But you don't want it to be so high that it's just nonsense." The house should be appropriately priced to draw interested and willing buyers, Cristiano suggests. "You don't want a buyer that's going to have buyer's remorse. You want a buyer that wants it and wants to spend the extra money knowing the way the market is now." |
To get an accurate idea of what your house is worth, look at comparable listings online in your area. 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. In New Jersey, appraisals average $375 to $585 but help you walk away with thousands more once your home is sold.
Bonus tip: 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 New Jersey real estate market
In 2021, New Jersey 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 New Jersey is $405,498, a 15% increase from the year before.
Median home value* | $471,719 |
Median listing price+ | $480,000 |
Listing price per square foot+ | $260 |
Percent of homes with price reduction+ | 15.3% |
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 New Jersey's biggest cities:
City | Median home value |
|---|---|
Trenton | $459,441 |
Vineland | $344,547 |
Atlantic City | $271,924 |
Ocean City | $625,251 |
New Jersey remains a strong seller's market in 2022, with median sales prices up and inventory significantly down compared to last year. Statewide, the average house receives slightly more than list price at sale.
Bergen and Hudson Counties have the highest median sales prices, while Atlantic and Ocean Counties saw the biggest price jumps since last year. New Jersey is expected to remain a seller's market this year, but a lack of affordable housing could slow down price growth if mortgage rates continue to climb.
Selling your home by owner in a hot market might not require much legwork. Paying full price for an agent may feel like a waste of money if you can easily find an interested buyer on your own.
Still, there are many reasons not to forego an agent. It's possible you may get multiple offers on your home. A realtor can advise you which ones are worth accepting so you can make even more when selling your home.
Enter your zip code to see if Clever has a partner agent in your area.
Step 3: List your New Jersey home
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. Here are some of the top buyer priorities in New Jersey, according to real estate professionals.
New Jersey buyer priorities | Advice for FSBO sellers |
|---|---|
Extra space | Many buyers in New Jersey are looking for homes that can accommodate remote work and learning. Popular amenities include extra space for private offices, as well as finished basements that family members can use for virtual work and schooling. Recreational spaces such as gyms, home theaters, and large living rooms are also in demand. |
Backyards and privacy | Spacious, fenced yards are among the top priorities for buyers as privacy becomes a major concern. Smaller homes with downtown walkability have lost some of their appeal, and demand for riverfront and bayfront properties has soared, according to realtors. When it comes to backyards, flat land is always a plus. |
Swimming pool | Swimming pools are also extremely desirable in New Jersey as buyers target larger properties and more amenities. Realtors say that the prices on pool installations have doubled, and pool contractors are almost two years behind. The cost of a basic inground pool in New Jersey averages about $50,000–70,000. |
Pricing | Homes are scarce in New Jersey's hot market, but setting the right price will help you get the best possible offers. Do your research and look at recent sales data in your area for an accurate price point for homes of comparable size and condition. Be careful not to overprice your home, because if it sits on the market for a while, potential buyers may think there's a problem. |
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 company that charges a one-time payment to list your home on the MLS.
It 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 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 New Jersey.
As a FSBO seller, you also have several free or low-cost options.
- 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.
- 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 New Jersey 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.
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, 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 New Jersey, sellers often cover 0.90% to 1.50% of buyers' closing costs. On a home of median value, that will cost an additional $4,245 to $7,076.
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. |
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 New Jersey? No, you're not legally required to use an attorney to sell a house in New Jersey. However, home buyers and sellers in the Garden State normally hire an attorney, and we recommend doing so, especially if you're selling without an agent. Unlike realtors, real estate attorneys don't have knowledge of the local market and can’t help you negotiate the price of your home, but they can write a purchase agreement and other legal contracts. Hire one if you want a contract that's free of loopholes, ensures the best terms for you, and safeguards 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 New Jersey, flat legal fees are more common than hourly and average range from $1,000–1,500 on average. Find New Jersey lawyers near you by searching the state bar association, Avvo, or FindLaw. |
» READ: How Much are Closing Costs for Sellers in New Jersey?
Paperwork to sell a house by owner in New Jersey
In a typical real estate transaction, your agent will make sure you fill out all the necessary documents and forms. As a FSBO seller, you'll have to navigate the paperwork by yourself.
❗ Keep in mind — New Jersey is a "buyer beware" state New Jersey is one of several "buyer beware" states, meaning you don't have to disclose most problems with the house. It's up to the buyer to do their due diligence before purchasing your home. That said, if you actively withhold information from the buyer about problems with the home, you could be committing fraud. Check with a realtor or attorney if in doubt about your obligations. |
Here’s a quick breakdown of New Jersey's requirements. Want to save this list for later? Download our FSBO paperwork checklist to help you prepare for your sale.
Required for all New Jersey real estate sales
Two forms of ID | In most cases, a valid passport, driver's license, or other form of New Jersey-issued ID. |
Copy of the original, signed sales agreement, as well as any agreed upon changes. | |
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 an inherited property, 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. |
New Jersey disclosure forms
While it's not legally required to fill out a disclosure form, the seller's disclosure statement can give the buyer peace of mind about 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. | |
New Jersey recommends that all homeowners test their houses for radon and perform mitigation if levels are at 4 pCi/L or more. |
Where to find documents
Need a document that's not on the list? The New Jersey Realtors Association provides real estate forms on its website, but they're intended for real estate agents, and you must log in to access them.
However, real estate forms can be written in a variety of formats, and you can find downloadable forms online:
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.
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 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 New Jersey
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.
REX Real Estate
Full Review💲 Listing Fee
2.5% ($9,000 min.)
💰 Avg. Savings
-$325
⭐ Avg. Customer Rating
4.7/5 (1,041 reviews)
REX’s promise of huge savings is misleading. Its advertising misrepresents the significant risks of its pricing model and marketing approach. And its high minimum fees mean that many sellers won't save anything.
- REX's approach is incredibly risky — but if the gamble pays off, you could save about 50% on realtor fees
- Like other full-service brokerages, REX agents provide in-person services and support
- REX's 2.5% listing fee doesn't save you much — many full-price agents charge similar rates
- REX doesn't list your home on the MLS, so up to 90% of buyers may not even know it's for sale
- This risky marketing strategy seems likely to fail, so you may not save anything on commission
REX has a 4.7 out of 5 rating (1,041 reviews) across popular review sites like Google and Zillow.
REX is available in the following areas: AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, MD, NV, NJ, OR, PA, TX, WA, DC.
» COMPARE: Discount Real Estate Brokers: Who's the BEST?
Flat fee MLS companies in New Jersey
A flat fee MLS service will post your listing on the local MLS, usually for a low, upfront fee. In New Jersey, this will typically cost you a couple hundred dollars.
New Jersey Real Estate Boutique
New Jersey Real Estate BoutiqueBest For
Inexperienced sellers who want a little extra guidance from the listing broker
Price Range
$395-995
Pros:
- The basic listing includes a for sale sign with a 1-888-number that forwards calls directly to your phone number. Many flat fee MLS companies charge extra for signs and automatic call forwarding.
- You can post as many open houses as you want on the MLS without paying extra.
- You can add a la carte options like professional photography and home staging if you don't want to upgrade to the agent-assisted flat fee MLS plan ($995).
Cons:
- The money-back guarantee becomes void once your listing goes live on the MLS (usually within 48 hours after you turn in your listing forms).
Realmart Realty
Realmart RealtyBest For
Sellers looking for a lot of a-la-carte options
Price Range
$395
Pros:
- You can choose from a lot of different a la carte options, like lockboxes, professional photography, and yard sign upgrades.
- If you decide to go with a full-service broker, you can get a full refund when you sign with someone Realmart referred you to.
Cons:
- You'll have to pay extra if you want to change any photos after your listing is live on the MLS.
Flat Fee Group
Flat Fee GroupBest For
Sellers who are confident their property will sell quickly
Price Range
$199-999
Pros:
- You can choose a timeframe that fits how quickly you think your property will sell. Packages include three month, six month, 12 month, and unlimited time listings.
- If you don't need a very in-depth listing, the bronze package is cheaper ($199) than most other New Jersey flat fee MLS companies. It comes with only six photos and a three month duration.
Cons:
- You have to sign up for the Platinum plan ($999) if you want any extra guidance like contract reviews and negotiation advice from the listing broker.
- You have to pay extra to see nearby sales comps that could help you choose a listing price.
» FIND: 5 Best New Jersey Flat-Fee MLS Companies in 2021
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 New Jersey. 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.
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Additional resources for New Jersey home sellers
FAQs: How to sell your house without a realtor in New Jersey
A real estate attorney is not required to sell a house in New Jersey, but you should hire one if you're selling without an agent. Home buyers and sellers typically hire attorneys in New Jersey to review their contracts, safeguard their rights, and ensure that local laws are followed.
Yes, you can sell your home as is in New Jersey, even if it's in bad shape, provided you can find a buyer. We Buy Houses companies will buy homes in any condition, allowing you to sell your home quickly for cash — but you'll only get about 70% of the fair market value of your property. Consider fixing up your home to boost its value and then listing it on the market instead.
The best way to advertise your house is to list it on the MLS. Only real estate agents can list on the MLS, so you can either work with an agent or use a flat-fee company that charges a one-time fee for an MLS listing. Your listing will populate onto major real estate websites like Zillow, boosting your home's online presence.
Pricing your home wisely is key to a successful sale. Set a price that will attract buyers while reflecting what your home is actually worth. Look at comparable listings online in your area and analyze details about those homes to see how they compare to yours. Be careful not to overprice your home.