When it’s time to sell your home, one of the biggest decisions you’ll face is whether to sell it yourself or hire a real estate agent. This choice directly affects how much money you keep in your pocket after the sale. Many homeowners ask, "What are the main cost differences between FSBO and using a real estate agent?" The answer lies in understanding FSBO vs agent costs, and how those differences play out in the real world.

Let’s break it down so you can make an informed decision that suits your financial goals and timeline.

Commission Fees: The Biggest Difference

The most obvious cost difference between FSBO (For Sale By Owner) and using a real estate agent is the commission.

When you hire a traditional agent, you typically pay 5–6% of the home’s sale price in commission. This amount is split between the listing agent and the buyer’s agent. On a $600,000 home, that means you could be paying $30,000–$36,000 in fees—money that comes out of your equity.

By contrast, when you sell your home through a platform like For Sale By Home Owner, you eliminate the listing agent commission entirely. You only pay for the services you actually need, and you control your own sale. That can translate into thousands of dollars in savings.

Listing and Marketing Costs

When you work with an agent, listing your home on the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) is part of their service. They also usually handle photography, signage, online listings, and sometimes even staging. These costs are included in their commission, though you may be charged extra for premium marketing.

On the other hand, FSBO sellers pay for marketing directly. Fortunately, companies like For Sale By Home Owner offer affordable listing packages that give your home wide exposure on major real estate websites. Some packages include professional signage, brochures, and even photography—at a fraction of what you'd pay through an agent or outside vendors.

While you may spend $300 to $800 on a high-quality FSBO listing, you’re still saving far more than you would in commission fees.

Legal and Documentation Costs

Real estate agents often handle contracts, disclosures, and other paperwork, either themselves or with help from their brokerage. These services are baked into their commission.

As an FSBO seller, you’re responsible for the legal side of the transaction. But that doesn’t mean you’re alone. Most FSBO sellers work with a real estate attorney or conveyancer for a one-time fee—typically between $500 and $1,500, depending on your location.

Platforms like For Sale By Home Owner also provide access to standardized legal documents and guidance to make the process smooth and compliant.

Negotiation and Sale Price Differences

One concern many sellers have is that going FSBO might mean accepting a lower sale price. However, that’s not necessarily true. Many FSBO sellers achieve results similar to agent-assisted sales—especially when the home is priced correctly and marketed effectively.

It’s true that agents bring negotiation experience, but FSBO sellers can still succeed with the right preparation. For Sale By Home Owner offers seller resources, pricing tools, and support to help you set the right price and negotiate confidently.

Even if an FSBO home sells for slightly less, the savings on commission can still result in a higher net profit than using an agent.

Buyer’s Agent Commission (Optional)

Even when selling FSBO, some sellers choose to offer a buyer’s agent commission—usually 2–3%—to incentivize real estate agents to bring qualified buyers.

Offering this commission is optional but can expand your pool of interested buyers. That said, you’re still saving the listing agent’s portion, which often represents the bigger chunk of total commission costs.

If you’re comfortable negotiating directly with buyers, you may be able to avoid both sides of the commission entirely, especially in a hot market.

Time and Effort: A Non-Monetary Cost

While not a direct financial cost, your time and effort are valuable. FSBO sellers take on tasks like scheduling showings, negotiating with buyers, and handling documentation. Some sellers find this empowering and worthwhile, especially when backed by services like For Sale By Home Owner that simplify and streamline the process.

Real estate agents handle more of the workload, which can be helpful if you're short on time or prefer a more hands-off approach—but that convenience comes at a premium.

Final Verdict: FSBO vs Agent Costs

When comparing FSBO vs agent costs, it’s clear that selling your home yourself can lead to significant savings, especially on commission. Here’s a quick summary of the differences:

With the right tools, support, and information, selling your home FSBO can be both cost-effective and successful. If you're ready to take control of your sale and save money in the process, check out For Sale By Home Owner—Australia's trusted FSBO platform.