How to Sell a House Without a Realtor in Tennessee

Selling your home without a realtor means you won’t have to pay a listing commission, which in Tennessee averages 2.8% of the sale price. Considering a typical Tennessee house is worth about $283,000, that’s a savings of $7,911.

However, trying to sell a home For Sale by Owner (FSBO) can be challenging. 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 Tennessee. 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 Tennessee, 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 (2.8% on average in Tennessee). 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. 2.8% is typical in Tennessee.
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 Tennessee 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 Tennessee, that puts 2.8% of your final sale price back in your pocket. However, you will still need to offer a competitive buyer’s agent commission (2.8% is typical in Tennessee).

» LEARN: How realtor commissions work in Tennessee

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 take on all the tasks a realtor normally handles.

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 Tennessee are currently selling for so you see how your local market compares.

Avg. days on market	Avg. listing price
31 days	$371,000

^{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 Tennessee.

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 Tennessee 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 Tennessee?

Realtors in Tennessee are familiar with the local market, federal and state regulations, and each step of the home-selling process. An experienced agent can manage dozens of tasks that could easily overwhelm a first-time seller, such as preparing a house for showings, listing a property on the MLS, negotiating with buyers, and completing 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 aspect of the selling process on your own.

Prices homes competitively

Agents will do 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.

If you’re earlier in the home selling process and just need a general idea of what your house is worth, you may not need to contact a realtor. Try online home value estimators instead.

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

Home size	Home value in Tennessee
2 bedrooms	$202,504
3 bedrooms	$274,894
4 bedrooms	$422,903
5+ bedrooms	$575,761

^{Based on Zillow data}

⚡ How much is my house worth? Get a free home value estimate!

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 Tennessee?

No, you don’t need to hire a real estate attorney when selling a house in Tennessee. However, having a legal expert on your side can help you avoid potential complications and ensure that the transaction goes smoothly.

Cost of selling a house without a realtor in Tennessee

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	$370 to $445	To price your home more accurately
Photography	$159	To compete with homes listed by agents
Staging	$1,529	To stand out to local buyers
Real estate attorney	$150 per hour	To assist with paperwork, contracts, and legal requirements
Flat fee MLS listing	$100 to $500	To get listed on the MLS
Buyer’s agent commission	2.8% of sale price	To compensate the agent that represents the buyer (it’s customary for the seller to pay)
Realty transfer tax	$0.37 per $100 of sale price	To pay the state of Tennessee 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 Tennessee, 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 Tennessee, sellers pay an average of 2.8% to a listing agent. Considering the median home value in Tennessee is $283,000, that amounts to $7,911. 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.

Tennessee regulations FSBO sellers should know

Real estate regulations can vary from state to state, and even county to county. Sellers in Tennessee 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

The Tennessee’s Residential Property Disclosure Act requires sellers to disclose all known material defects of the property. You can fill out a disclosure statement to inform buyers of your home’s condition.

The disclosure document includes questions about the home’s:

Amenities and appliances
Environmental hazards, such as radon or asbestos
Heating and air conditioning systems
HOA information (if applicable)
Past renovations or additions
Roof age and condition
Structural defects
Zoning issues or property boundary disputes

For each section, simply check “Yes,” “No,” or “Unknown.” The law only requires sellers to complete the form to the best of their knowledge, so it’s OK if you mark “Unknown” for some conditions.

If any information changes after you complete the form, you must contact the buyer immediately. Unlike “buyer beware” states, buyers in Tennessee can take legal action after closing if they find a material defect you didn’t disclose.

On the other hand, sellers do NOT need to tell buyers if:

A previous resident had a disease that’s unlikely to be transmitted through occupancy, such as HIV
The property was the site of a homicide or suicide

Does Tennessee have a transfer tax?

Yes, Tennessee’s realty transfer tax is $0.37 per $100 of the home’s sale price. This fee is typically paid by the seller.

FSBO marketing rules

FSBO sellers are allowed to put “For Sale” signs in their yards throughout the state of Tennessee. However, sign ordinances vary by city, so make sure you check for any local regulations in your area.

For example, here’s how the city of Red Bank compares to Knoxville:

“For Sale” signs in Red Bank	“For Sale” signs in Knoxville
No permit required	No permit required
Signs can’t exceed 4 sq ft in area	Signs can’t exceed 9 sq ft in area
Only 1 sign per street frontage	Only 1 ground sign per street frontage and 1 wall sign per dwelling unit
“Open House” placards can be temporarily added on or above a “For Sale” sign	“Open House” signs can’t exceed 6 sq ft in area
1 directional sign to an open house event can be temporarily placed off-premise	“Open House” signs can be installed up to 4 days before the event andmust be removed within 24 hours after the event
Signs can’t be illuminated in any way	Signs can’t obscure the view of drivers
Freestanding signs can’t have any moving parts, such as ribbons or feathers	Signs can’t be on public property or interfere with public right-of-way

9 steps to sell a home in Tennessee 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 Tennessee it costs an average of $1,529 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 Tennessee you can expect to pay $159 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 Tennessee, an appraisal costs $370 to $445.

» 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, purchasing a flat fee MLS package often gives FSBO sellers the best bang for their buck.

In Tennessee, this will cost you $100 to $500, 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 buyers start contacting you, it’s important to have a system to track showing appointments and their contact information. If you don’t have one already, set up a digital calendar that will remind you when showings are and also allow you to take notes about the buyer.

Also, ask if they have a pre-approval letter from a lender before scheduling a tour. A pre-approval letter shows that a buyer is able and qualified to buy a house.

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 Tennessee

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.

Tennessee 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 Tennessee include Results MLS, For Sale Martin Properties, and Tennessee Flat Fee MLS. Packages range from $99 to $499, depending on how many services you need.

💰 Service is an additional cost or not included in the basic package
	Results MLS	For Sale Martin Properties	Tennessee Flat Fee MLS
Price	$99-$499	$99-$395	$99-$149
Number of Photos	10 to max allowed	10-30	6-25
MLS Listing	6-12 months	3 months to until sold	6 months
Pricing Assistance	✅	❌	❌
Negotiation Support	✅	❌	❌
Yard Sign	✅	💰	❌
Open Houses	✅	✅	❌

» READ: The Top Flat Fee MLS Companies in Tennessee

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 the lowest commission rates without compromising on service quality.

Frequently asked questions

Is Tennessee a buyer beware state?

No, the state Tennessee has strict disclosure laws for sellers. Sellers must tell buyers about all known material defects of the property.

Do I need to hire a real estate attorney to sell a house in Tennessee?

No, sellers aren't required to hire an attorney for closing in Tennessee. However, it can be a smart move to have legal advice when you're reviewing offers or filling out paperwork.