How to Sell a House Without a Realtor in Arizona

Selling your home without a realtor means you won’t have to pay a listing commission, which in Arizona averages 2.6% of the sale price. Considering a typical Arizona house is worth about $425,000, that’s a savings of $11,213.

However, trying to sell a home For Sale by Owner (FSBO) can be tough. You’ll be responsible for every step of the selling process, which can take up a lot of your time and energy.

In the end, selling a house without a real estate agent isn’t worth it for most homeowners in Arizona. Many sellers don’t even realize that there are low commission real estate companies that offer professional assistance at reduced prices.

If you’re considering selling a house without a realtor in Arizona, read on to find out everything you need to know to do it successfully.

✍️ Key Takeaways of FSBO Sales

Selling without a real estate agent means avoiding a listing commission (2.6% on average in Arizona). But in exchange for those savings, you’ll have to do everything from advertising your home to completing legal paperwork to negotiating the final deal.
In most cases, you’ll still need to offer a buyer’s agent commission. 2.7% is typical in Arizona.
Selling without an agent is best for experienced sellers or people selling to family or friends.
For most sellers, there are better cost-saving options that will net you more money and provide professional support.

Should I sell my house without a realtor?

Not sure if FSBO is right for you? Use the checklists below to find out if selling your Arizona home without a realtor is the best option for your situation.

✅ Selling without an agent might be right for you if…

You want to save on commission.

When you sell without a realtor, you won’t pay a listing agent commission. In Arizona, that puts 2.6% of your final sale price back in your pocket. However, you will still need to offer a competitive buyer’s agent commission (2.7% is typical in Arizona).

» LEARN: How realtor commissions work in Arizona

You already have a buyer.

If you’ve already lined up a deal with a friend or family member, there’s no need to pay an agent to list your home on the MLS, host open houses, or negotiate on your behalf.

You have lots of time to spare.

Selling a house is a lot of work! You’ll need time to complete all the tasks an agent would typically take care of, such as preparing the home for sale, marketing the property, reviewing paperwork, and much more.

You’re in a hot seller’s market.

If you’re in a high-demand area with low inventory, it can be easy to find a buyer without an agent’s help. With a flat fee MLS package or “For Sale” in your yard, it’s possible to find several potential buyers in no time.

Here’s how fast and for how much homes in Arizona are currently selling for so you see how your local market compares.

Avg. days on market	Avg. listing price
33 days	$477,871

^{Based on data from realtor.com}

🚫 Selling without a realtor might not be right for you if…

You’re short on time.

If you’re on a tight deadline, hiring an agent might be your best option. Unless you already have a buyer lined up, you’ll have to squeeze home selling tasks into your nights and weekends — or make sacrifices elsewhere in your schedule.

You’ve never sold a home in Arizona.

Without an agent, you won’t have any professional guidance about increasing your property’s curb appeal, pricing your home, or choosing the best offer.

We can’t say this enough: If you’ve never been through a Arizona home sale or are facing a complicated transaction, do not try it without a real estate agent.

Making one mistake could cost you tens of thousands of dollars or create some serious legal headaches for you.

You want to sell for more money.

There are conflicting studies about whether FSBO properties sell for less compared to those sold by agents.

On the one hand, FSBO sellers are more likely to sell to friends or family and offer them a good deal on the home. This lowers the average price of homes sold without a realtor.

However, if a FSBO seller is inexperienced with pricing a home, they can lose money by pricing too low or scare away buyers by pricing too high.

There are other ways to save on commissions if selling your house without a realtor sounds too risky or stressful.

Clever Real Estate offers a free service that gets home sellers lower rates from top agents at trusted brands like Keller Williams and RE/MAX. You’ll get full service from a local agent (guaranteed) but pay just 1.5% in listing fees — half the rate agents typically charge. Get started today!

What does a realtor do in Arizona?

Realtors in Arizona are familiar with the local and state regulations that can easily confuse and overwhelm first-time sellers. An experienced agent can manage dozens of home-selling tasks, such as connecting you with local pros to prepare your house for showings, listing your property on the MLS, negotiating with buyers, and taking care of all the paperwork.

Even if you’re in a highly desirable city, selling a house can feel like a full-time job. If you don’t hire an agent, you’ll be responsible for handling every step of the selling process on your own.

Prices homes competitively

If you’re earlier in the home selling process and just need a general idea of what your house is worth, we recommend trying several free online home value estimators.

To get an idea of how much home values can vary, here’s a comparison of different sized homes value in Arizona.

Home size	Home value in Arizona
2 bedrooms	$330,587
3 bedrooms	$390,337
4 bedrooms	$484,941
5+ bedrooms	$688,590

^{Based on Zillow data}

💰 What is my house worth? Get a free, instant home valuation

A realtor can provide you with a comparative market analysis (CMA) for a more accurate home value before listing. They look at the popularity of your housing market, how much similar properties are selling for, new upgrades you’ve added to the home, and other variable factors.

Before you list your home on your own, consider getting an appraisal first. During this process, a state-certified appraiser will estimate your home’s fair market value based on its location, condition, amenities, and other key details that buyers are looking for.

» LEARN: What is an appraisal?

Connects you with local pros

Experienced agents have networks of the best professionals in the area. They can connect you with handymen, stagers, photographers, and other service providers so you don’t have to track down reliable pros on your own.

Lists your home

Working with an agent will get your property listed on the multiple listing service (MLS) database. This site can only be accessed by real estate agents, who use it to find homes for their clients. Without a realtor, you’ll either need to pay a flat fee MLS company to list your property on the database or forgo this marketing opportunity altogether.

» MORE: Read This BEFORE You Pay For a Flat Fee MLS Service

Markets and negotiates

An agent can market your home, schedule open houses, reach out to potential buyers, and follow up with people who toured your home.

Agents will also negotiate with prospective buyers, which can be an intimidating process for FSBO sellers. It can be difficult for homeowners to view their houses objectively, so having a professional take care of negotiations can lead to the best outcomes for both parties.

Completes paperwork

Agents can take care of all the paperwork required to complete the real estate transaction, which can be a huge relief for sellers. It’s easy to get overwhelmed at the sheer number of documents you’ll need to finalize the transaction.

» MORE: How to Sell a House By Owner: Paperwork You Need

Do I need a real estate attorney in Arizona?

No, the state of Arizona doesn’t require sellers to hire an attorney. However, it can be helpful to have legal guidance when reviewing offers, filling out paperwork, or working through the closing process.

Cost of selling a house without a realtor in Arizona

Below, you’ll find a list of prices for common services you might want to consider if you decide to sell without a realtor. However, know that if your home is in need of repairs or is in a buyer’s market, you might need to spend a lot more to prep and market your property.

💸 Common costs for FSBO sellers

Appraisal	$310 to $395	To price your home more accurately
Photography	$108	To compete with homes listed by agents
Staging	$2,565	To stand out to local buyers
Real estate attorney	$225 to $333 per hour	To assist with paperwork, contracts, and legal requirements
Flat fee MLS listing	$89 to $1,000	To get listed on the MLS
Buyer’s agent commission	2.7% of sale price	To compensate the agent that represents the buyer (it’s customary for the seller to pay)
Transfer tax	$2	To pay the state of Arizona for the title transfer

^{Based on service estimates from across the country}

On average, it costs 7.5% of the home price to sell by owner and about 10% of the home price to sell with a real estate agent. However, the amount you’ll actually save will depend on repairs you need to make, concessions, and other expenses.

Use our calculator to get an idea of how much you can expect to spend if you sell without a realtor.

If you’re considering selling without a realtor in Arizona, check out our friends at Clever Real Estate. Clever eliminates all the hassles and headaches of FSBO while helping you pay less than you would for a traditional realtor.

In Arizona, sellers pay an average of 2.6% to a listing agent. Considering the median home value in Arizona is $425,000, that amounts to $11,213. But with Clever, you can sell with a top local agent for just 1.5%, letting you keep more of your home’s equity in your pocket.

Arizona regulations FSBO sellers should know

Real estate regulations can vary from state to state, and even county to county. Sellers in Arizona have to make sure they’re following federal, state, and county rules to avoid fines or other penalties.

Here are some of the key facts you need to know before listing your home — whether you choose to sell with or without a realtor.

Disclosure requirements

Arizona law requires sellers to disclose all known material defects with prospective buyers. The Arizona Association of Realtors created the Residential Seller’s Property Disclosure Statement to help sellers cover all necessary information.

The disclosure document is divided into six main sections:

Property and ownership: Contains general and legal information about the property, such as location, year built, and occupancy
Building and safety information: Covers information about heating, cooling, plumbing, and electrical systems; pest infestations; and structural issues with the home
Utilities: Asks about provided utilities, like water, electricity, and Internet access
Environmental information: Asks about any environmental hazards, such as mold, lead-based paint, and asbestos
Sewer/Wastewater treatment: Defines the type of sewage system the property uses
Other conditions and factors: A catch-all section for room to disclose any other issues that don’t fit into any of the categories listed above

If sellers find a new issue after submitting the disclosure statement, but prior to closing, they must inform the buyer of the problem as soon as possible.

Sellers aren’t legally required to disclose whether the property:

Is located in an area with a sex offender
Was previously home to someone exposed or diagnosed with AIDS, HIV, or any other disease not known to be transmitted through occupancy
Was the site of a suicide, natural death, murder, or a felony

If a buyer asks about any of the topics above, sellers should either answer honestly or say they’re unable to disclose that information.

Additional disclosure documents

Depending on the location and condition of the property, a seller might be legally required to provide a:

Federal regulations also require all sellers to disclose any lead hazards on properties built prior to 1978.

Does Arizona have a transfer tax?

No! Arizona is one of 13 states that doesn’t impose transfer taxes for real estate transactions. Instead, there’s just a flat $2 transfer fee for all real estate sales, regardless of the property’s value.

FSBO marketing rules

Sellers in Arizona are allowed to put a “For Sale” sign in their yard, but the exact regulations for signs can vary by city or county. For example, here’s a quick comparison of real estate sign laws in Phoenix vs. Carefree.

“For Sale” signs in Phoenix	“For Sale” signs in Carefree
1 sign per driveway	1 “For Sale” and 1 “Open House” sign
Must be on-premise and 6 sq ft or smaller	“For Sale” sign can’t exceed 3 sq ft
Can’t obstruct view of drivers or extend into public right-of-way	“Open House” signs must be a sandwich or tent style and can only be displayed during open house hours with owner present
No permit required	Can’t be illuminated
	Must be removed within 5 days of property selling

Be sure to check with your local county about any specific sign ordinances in your area.

9 steps to sell a home in Arizona without a realtor

Selling your home without a realtor can be intimidating. Here, we’ve created a step-by-step guide for you to rely on and make the selling process less daunting.

🏡 Section 1: Prepare your home for sale

✍ Section 2: List your home

📅 Section 3: Manage showings

🤝 Section 4: Accept an offer

🏡 How to get your home ready to sell

1. Make basic repairs

Don’t underestimate the power of quick, inexpensive fixes! Taking the time to fix a squeaky door or patch up a dent in your wall can greatly improve the aesthetic appeal of your house. Outdoors, a fresh coat of paint and some basic landscaping work can boost curb appeal.

» LEARN: The 8 most important repairs to make before selling your home

2. Stage the rooms

You can hire a professional stager to get your home picture-perfect for showings, but this can be expensive. While prices vary from city to city, in Arizona it costs an average of $2,565 to stage a house.

3. Photograph the home

High-quality photos of your property can make a huge difference when attracting buyers. Prices can vary based on your location, but in Arizona you can expect to pay $108 on average for a session with a professional photographer.

✍ How to list your home for sale

4. Get an appraisal

Pricing your house can be difficult without an agent’s guidance. Getting a professional appraisal done can make it easier to estimate your home’s fair market value based on its condition, location, and other factors. In Arizona, an appraisal costs $310 to $395.

» MORE: Tools for pricing your home

5. Advertise your home

There are plenty of free or affordable websites where you can list your home. However, you’ll probably get the most bang for your buck by using a flat fee MLS company.

In Arizona, this will cost you $89 to $1,000, but without a realtor, it’s the only way to get your property listed on the MLS — which is how most buyers find homes.

📅 How to show your home

6. Get organized

Once interested buyers start contacting you, use a digital calendar to keep everything organized. Schedule open house times, set reminders for buyer tours, and take notes of each visitor who comes through your door.

When you schedule tours with individual buyers, make sure they have a pre-approval letter from a mortgage lender first. Pre-approved buyers know they’re qualified to purchase a house, so they’re more likely to make an offer.

7. Don’t hover

During open houses and showings, try to avoid following people from room to room. Allow them to take their time so they can appreciate everything your house has to offer.

It’s recommended to stay in a common area — like the living room or kitchen — so visitors can easily find you if they have questions.

🤝 How to accept an offer and close

8. Know your priorities

Make sure to consider more than the sales amount as you’re reviewing offers. Keep your own priorities in mind, such as your preferred closing date or your renovation budget.

For example, if a buyer is willing to waive certain contingencies, that could save you money on expensive home repairs.

» LEARN: Common home buying contingencies

9. Use a title and/or escrow company

To make sure the closing process goes smoothly, find a title or escrow company to oversee the closing. The third-party agency will help you and your buyer complete the required paperwork, collect the closing fees, and handle the title transfer.

» LEARN: What fees sellers should expect to pay at closing

Alternatives to selling without a realtor in Arizona

Most sellers come to realize that trying to sell without an agent isn’t worth the hassle. If you think you’ll need some help selling your house, here are a few other low-cost options to consider.

Arizona flat fee MLS companies

If you’re confident about selling your home on your own, you might benefit from using a flat fee MLS company to increase the visibility of your property.

Some of the best flat fee MLS agencies in Arizona include Congress Realty, AZ FSBO Pro, and Sell By Owner Arizona. Packages range from $89 to $499, depending on how many services you need.

💰 Service is an additional cost or not included in the basic package
	Congress Realty	AZ FSBO Pro	Sell By Owner Arizona
Price	$299	$89-$299	$299-$499
Number of Photos	4	10-25	6-25
MLS Listing	6 months	3-12 months	3-12 months
Pricing Assistance	✅	💰	❌
Negotiation Support	❌	❌	❌
Yard Sign	💰	💰	💰
Open Houses	💰	💰	💰

» READ: The Top Flat Fee MLS Companies in Arizona

Discount brokers

Discount brokers are full-service real estate agents who are willing to work for a reduced commission rate. Sellers can save thousands while still receiving assistance from an expert local agent.

» READ: The Best Discount Real Estate Brokers for Every Budget

For discount broker services, we highly recommend our friends at Clever! Clever pre-negotiates with top agents to offer you low commission rates without compromising on service quality.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a real estate attorney to sell my home in Arizona?

No, the state of Arizona doesn't require sellers to hire a real estate attorney. However, having legal guidance can give you peace of mind when reviewing offers, completing paperwork, or navigating the closing process.

What is the transfer tax rate in Arizona?

Arizona charges a flat fee of $2 for every real estate transaction, regardless of the property's value. Arizona is one of just 13 states that has prohibited transfer taxes for home buyers and sellers.