Should I use a realtor? | What does a realtor do in Ohio? | Cost of selling without a realtor | Ohio real estate regulations | How to sell without a realtor | Alternatives to selling without a realtor | FAQs
Selling your home without a realtor means you won’t have to pay a listing commission, which in Ohio averages 3.0% of the sale price. Considering a typical Ohio house is worth about $202,000, that’s a savings of $5,962.
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 Ohio. 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 Ohio, 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 (3.0% on average in Ohio). 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. 2.9% is typical in Ohio.
- 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 Ohio 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 Ohio, that puts 3.0% of your final sale price back in your pocket. However, you will still need to offer a competitive buyer’s agent commission (2.9% is typical in Ohio).
» LEARN: How realtor commissions work in Ohio
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 Ohio are currently selling for so you see how your local market compares.
| Avg. days on market | Avg. listing price |
| 42 days | $203,375 |
🚫 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 Ohio.
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 Ohio 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. Get started today!
What does a realtor do in Ohio?
Realtors in Ohio 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, you can plug your address into several free home value estimators for a ballpark estimate.
However, realtors will provide you with a comparative market analysis (CMA) to accurately price your home. 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.
To get an idea of how much home values can vary, here’s a comparison of different sized homes value in Ohio.
| Home size | Home value in Ohio |
|---|---|
| 2 bedrooms | $133,373 |
| 3 bedrooms | $187,888 |
| 4 bedrooms | $304,029 |
| 5+ bedrooms | $370,021 |
💰 What is my house worth? Get a free, instant home valuation
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.
Pricing your house appropriately is one of the most important aspects of selling your property, so it’s worth it to get an objective report.
» 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 Ohio?
No, the state of Ohio doesn’t require sellers to hire a real estate attorney. However, it can be a good idea to have legal guidance on your side to avoid complications during the closing process.
Cost of selling a house without a realtor in Ohio
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 | $290 to $340 | To price your home more accurately |
| Photography | $135 | To compete with homes listed by agents |
| Staging | $1,887 | To stand out to local buyers |
| Real estate attorney | $161 to $306 per hour | To assist with paperwork, contracts, and legal requirements |
| Flat fee MLS listing | $199 to $999 | To get listed on the MLS |
| Buyer’s agent commission | 2.9% of sale price | To compensate the agent that represents the buyer (the seller usually pays) |
| State transfer tax | $1 per $1,000 of sale price | To pay the state of Ohio for the title transfer |
| County transfer tax | $1 to $3 per $1,000 of sale price | To pay the Ohio county for the title transfer |
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.
The average realtor commission in Ohio is 3.0% of the sale price, or about . If you want to keep more of this money in your pocket, Clever can match you with an experienced agent at a fraction of the price.
Ohio regulations FSBO sellers should know
Real estate regulations can vary from state to state, and even county to county. Whether they live in Cincinnati or Cleveland, sellers in Ohio have to make sure they’re following federal, state, and county rules — or else they might face fines or penalties.
Here are some of the key facts you need to know before listing your home so your sale can go through without a hitch.
Disclosure requirements
Ohio sellers are required to give a completed disclosure statement to potential home buyers. Sellers must disclose all known material facts about the home that they’re aware of.
In other words, sellers don’t have to get a professional home inspection before completing the disclosure statement. They just have to describe the condition of their home to the best of their knowledge.
The Residential Property Disclosure Form is available for free from the State of Ohio Department of Commerce. The form asks sellers about the property’s:
- Environmental hazards, such as radon or asbestos
- History of pest infestations
- HVAC systems
- Risk of flooding or erosion
- Structural defects in the roof, foundation, walls, or floors
- Water, plumbing, and sewage systems
At the end of the disclosure form, there’s room for the seller to write down any additional facts or issues that don’t fit neatly into any of the previous categories.
Does Ohio have a transfer tax?
Yes! The current state transfer tax rate is $1 for every $1,000 of a property’s sale price.
Ohio counties may collect their own transfer taxes as well, charging anywhere from $1 to $3 per $1,000 of a home’s value. For example, Franklin County imposes a $2 fee for every $1,000 of a property’s sale price.
In total, this would mean that Franklin County sellers have to pay $3 per $1,000 of their home’s sale price.
FSBO marketing rules
Sellers throughout Ohio can put a “For Sale” sign in their yard. However, the exact guidelines for installing signs can vary by city or county.
For example, here’s a quick comparison of the sign regulations between Centerburg and Cleveland Heights:
| “For Sale” signs in Centerburg | “For Sale” signs in Cleveland Heights |
|---|---|
| Signs can’t exceed 6 sq ft in area | Signs must be removed or replaced within 45 days |
| Signs can’t be illuminated | No hanging signs |
| Up to 2 directional signs can be placed at any 2 intersections | Signs are allowed inside windows, inside glass doors, or in yards |
| Signs can’t impede the public right-of-way | Signs must be at least 20 ft away from the sidewalk |
| 1 sign per street frontage is allowed | Only 1 “For Sale” sign allowed per property |
| “For Sale” signs must be removed within 14 days of closing | “Open House” signs can only be displayed during the event |
| “For Sale” signs must be removed within 5 days of closing |
Check with your local county to see if there are any specific sign ordinances in your area.
9 steps to sell a home in Ohio 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
🏡 How to get your home ready to sell
1. Make basic repairs
Quick, inexpensive fixes can make a major impact on the overall appearance of your house. Taking the time to fix a squeaky door or patch up a dent in your wall can help the most important features of the home stand out. Outdoors, a fresh coat of paint and some basic landscaping work can help 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 Ohio it costs an average of $1,887 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 Ohio you can expect to pay $135 on average for a session with a professional photographer.
✍ How to list your home for sale
4. Get an appraisal
Without a real estate agent, it can be difficult to accurately price your home. An appraisal is a professional assessment of a home to evaluate its condition and estimate its value. In Ohio, an appraisal costs $290 to $340.
» MORE: Tools for pricing your home
5. Advertise your home
FSBO sellers can access several websites that allow FSBO listings for free or for a low cost, such as Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace. However, you’ll probably get the most bang for your buck by using a flat fee MLS company.
In Ohio, this will cost you $199 to $999, 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
Avoid hovering around visitors during open houses and showings. If you follow people from room to room, they won’t be able to fully 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
Keep your own priorities in mind when you’re reviewing offers. It might sound logical to pick the highest offer, but factors like closing timelines and buyer contingencies can also affect how much you walk away with.
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. A third-party agency will help you and the 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 Ohio
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.
Ohio 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 Ohio include Team Results Realty, Ohio Property Group LLC, and Flat Fee Realty. Packages range from $199–999, depending on how many services you need.
| Team Results Realty | Ohio Property Group LLC | Flat Fee Realty | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $299-$999 | $297-$997 | $199 |
| Number of Photos | Max allowed | 25 to max allowed | 6 |
| Listing Term | 6 months to until sold | 6 months to until sold | 6 months |
| Pricing Assistance | 💰 | 💰 | ❌ |
| Negotiation Support | 💰 | ❌ | ❌ |
| Yard Sign | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Open Houses | 💰 | ❌ | ❌ |
» READ: The Top Flat Fee MLS Companies in Ohio
Ohio 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 in Ohio
For discount broker services, we highly recommend our friends at Clever! Clever pre-negotiates with top agents to offer you the lowest commission rates without compromising on service quality.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a real estate attorney to sell a house in Ohio?
No, the state of Ohio doesn't require sellers to hire a real estate attorney. However, it can be a good idea to have legal guidance on your side to avoid complications during the closing process.
Does Ohio have a transfer tax?
Yes, the current state transfer tax rate is $1 for every $1,000 of a property's sale price. Individual Ohio counties may also charge transfer fees, ranging from $1 to $3 per $1,000 in value.
Related links
Still have questions about selling your Ohio home? Check out these additional resources to learn more:
The Cost to Sell a Home in Ohio: Realtor Fees and More. Ohio realtor fees and seller closing cost figures vary by market, but it’s typically more expensive to sell in Ohio compared to other states. Learn more about Ohio realtor fees and seller closing costs.
Average Real Estate Commission in Ohio: What’s Fair in 2022? Even if you choose to list your house on your own, you should still consider offering the buyer’s agent commission. Learn what Ohio agents expect to earn from an average real estate transaction here.
Top We Buy Houses Companies in Ohio REVEALED. Need to sell your place right away? A We Buy Houses company could purchase your home for cash without requiring you to make any expensive repairs. Find out if this could be the best option for you!
How to Sell Your House – The Ultimate Guide. Our guide breaks down the process of selling a house in 12 steps. We discuss how to find and choose a realtor, list your home for sale, review and negotiate offers, close, and calculate capital gains tax.
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