Want to sell your house without paying 5–6% in realtor commissions? You’re not alone. Thousands of homeowners in Orlando are choosing to sell “For Sale By Owner” (FSBO) or directly to local investors — saving time, money, and hassle.
But while the idea is simple, the process can get complex. This guide walks you through exactly how to sell your house without a realtor in Orlando, when it makes sense, what risks to avoid, and how to explore zero-commission, cash sale options that may make more sense for your timeline or situation.
Why Sell Without a Realtor?
For most homeowners, the biggest motivator is cost.
A typical 6% commission on a $350,000 Orlando home equals $21,000 out of your pocket — split between the listing agent and the buyer’s agent. That’s a huge bite if you’re trying to maximize profits, avoid foreclosure, relocate quickly, or sell an inherited property.
Other reasons sellers go the FSBO or investor route include:
- More control over the sale
- Faster closings
- Avoiding open houses and prep work
- No agent obligations or contracts
Step-by-Step: How to Sell a House Without a Realtor in Orlando
1. Understand What You’re Responsible For
When you skip the realtor, you take on the agent’s responsibilities. This includes:
- Pricing the property competitively
- Handling legal paperwork and disclosures
- Managing showings and negotiations
- Marketing the home online and offline
- Coordinating with the title company or attorney
If you’re not comfortable with this workload, it’s worth considering professional help. But if you’re organized and willing to learn, you can save big.
2. Research the Orlando Market and Set a Realistic Price
Don’t just guess your home’s value. Use tools like:
- Zillow’s Zestimate (directional, not definitive)
- Redfin’s home value tool
- Recent MLS comps from similar homes in your zip code
Pro Tip: Homes sold with agent assistance typically include commissions in their final price. If you’re selling without an agent, you may need to price slightly lower — or build that savings into your negotiations.
3. Decide If You’ll Offer a Buyer’s Agent Commission
Here’s a tricky truth: Even if you go FSBO, most buyers in Orlando are still working with agents.
If you don’t offer a buyer’s agent commission (typically 2.5%–3%), you could limit your pool of serious buyers. But if you do offer that fee, it may help you sell faster — while still saving the listing-side commission.
Example: On a $300,000 home:
- With full 6% agent commissions: $18,000 cost
- FSBO + buyer’s agent (3%): $9,000 cost
- FSBO to direct buyer (no agents): $0
4. List on the MLS (Without Paying Full Commission)
Many sellers don’t realize this, but you can get your home on the MLS without a full-service agent.
How?
Through flat-fee MLS listing services in Florida. These companies charge a few hundred dollars to post your home on the Multiple Listing Service, which syndicates your listing to:
- Zillow
- Realtor.com
- Trulia
- Homes.com
- And more
You’ll still handle all the calls, showings, and paperwork — but your home gets the visibility of traditional listings.
5. Maximize Your Marketing Efforts
This is where most FSBO sellers fall short.
Buyers aren’t just “driving by.” Today’s buyers are online, and they expect listings to include:
- Professional photos (not cell phone pics)
- Accurate property descriptions
- A clean, move-in ready appearance
- Clear contact info
Try these strategies to boost exposure:
- Post on Zillow FSBO
- Share in local Facebook groups
- List on Craigslist Orlando Real Estate
- Use signage with QR codes for mobile visitors
- Run a boosted Facebook ad for $50
6. Get Legal Documents Ready in Advance
Florida real estate laws require proper disclosures, including:
- Lead paint (if built before 1978)
- Known material defects
- Mold or pest issues
- Title or lien problems
You’ll also need:
- A Florida-approved sales contract
- Closing agent/title company lined up
- Payoff info for your mortgage (if applicable)
Need help? An attorney can assist with this step for a flat fee, typically $500–$1,500.
7. Know When It’s Time to Sell to a Cash Buyer Instead
Not every home is ideal for FSBO or retail buyers.
You might consider skipping the entire MLS and showing process if:
- Your home needs repairs or upgrades
- You’re facing foreclosure or tax liens
- You inherited a property you don’t want to keep
- You need to move fast (within 1–2 weeks)
- You don’t want strangers walking through your home
In those cases, a local agent/investor like Frank Jr. Buys Houses can offer a fast, fair cash offer — and help you close on your terms.
FSBO vs Selling to a Cash Buyer in Orlando — What’s Better?
| Criteria | FSBO (For Sale By Owner) | Frank Jr. Buys Houses |
|---|
| Sale timeline | 30–90+ days | As little as 7 days |
| Repairs required | Usually yes | None |
| MLS listing exposure | Optional (via flat-fee service) | Not needed |
| Agent commissions | 0–3% (buyer agent) | 0% |
| Certainty of sale | Medium | High |
| Out-of-pocket costs | Moderate to high | None |
| Cash at closing | Varies | Guaranteed |
Frank Jr. Buys Houses — A Local Option You Can Trust
We’re not some national “we buy houses” company. We’re based right here in Orlando, and we’ve helped hundreds of local homeowners sell on their terms.
We buy homes in any condition, in any neighborhood, and for any reason — including:
- Divorce
- Inherited homes
- Code violations
- Fire or water damage
- Behind on taxes
- Job relocation
- Downsizing
- Tired landlords
Ready to Skip the Agent? Let’s Talk
Selling without an agent in Orlando is possible — but it’s not for everyone.
If your home is turnkey and you’re comfortable managing the process, FSBO can save you money.
But if you’d rather sell quickly, without stress, showings, or fees, we’re here to help.
Get a no-obligation cash offer now from Frank Jr. Buys Houses — just click here or call/text us directly at (305) 775-8750.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need to use a real estate agent to sell my home in Florida?
No. Florida law allows you to sell your home “by owner.” You’re responsible for disclosures, contracts, and coordination with a title company.
Can I list my FSBO property on Zillow or Realtor.com?
Yes! With a flat-fee MLS service, your home can appear on major real estate websites, often within 48 hours.
What’s the fastest way to sell a house without a realtor?
Sell directly to a local cash buyer like Frank Jr. Buys Houses. We close in 7–14 days, no repairs or showings required.
Is it legal to sell without offering buyer’s agent commission?
Yes, but it may reduce your buyer pool. Many agents won’t show FSBO listings without a commission incentive.
Final Word
Selling a home in Orlando without an agent is totally doable — and often financially smart. Just remember:
- Know your market.
- Be prepared for paperwork.
- Don’t underestimate marketing.
- And if time, condition, or convenience matter most, explore a direct cash sale first.
At Frank Jr. Buys Houses, we believe in transparency, fair offers, and helping you move on without stress.