This Month’s Hot Topic: Should You Really Sell Your Home Without an Agent?

by Tom McNamara

We get it. Commission fees sting. And in the age of YouTube how-tos, Zillow estimates, and ChatGPT, it’s tempting to go solo when selling your home. But before you dive into FSBO (For Sale By Owner) territory, let’s break down the real risks, hidden costs, and what you don’t know you don’t know.

🏚️ Myth vs. Reality: “I Can Save Money Without an Agent”

It sounds logical on paper: No agent = No commission = More cash in your pocket.

But here’s the math most FSBO sellers forget:

Lower visibility = Fewer offers
Fewer offers = Weaker leverage
Weaker leverage = Lower price + More concessions
Mistakes = Big financial and legal headaches

📉 Result: You often net less, not more.

In fact, most data shows FSBO homes sell for 5–26% less on average than homes listed with agents. Not because you’re not smart — but because you're not trained in real estate law, buyer psychology, and modern negotiation strategy.

⚠️ 5 Hidden Hazards of Going Solo

Negotiation Gone Wrong You’re negotiating your biggest financial asset — with a stranger who probably does have an agent. That power imbalance can cost you thousands.
Legal Landmines Miss one disclosure? Misread a contract clause? Congratulations, you’re now on the hook. Florida real estate law isn’t forgiving — and “I didn’t know” won’t hold up in court.
Valuation Confusion Zillow and Redfin are tools, not truth. Their “Zestimates” often miss real-time market shifts, renovations, or local buyer demand. Pricing wrong can lead to stale listings — or leaving money on the table.
Invisible Fixes, Missing Money A good agent doesn’t just list your home. They catch title issues, lien errors, or incorrect utility charges before they derail your deal. One Florida agent we know saved his seller $1,200 by citing a little-known state statute — without the seller even knowing there was a problem.
Time is Money — And Stress Coordinating showings, vetting buyers, scheduling inspections, chasing paperwork… it’s a full-time job. And unless you’re already an expert, it’s one filled with second-guessing, late-night Googling, and missed workdays.

💬 Real Talk: Who Can Sell Without an Agent?

We’re not saying you must hire an agent — but here’s when it makes sense not to:

✅ You’re an experienced investor who has done this dozens of times ✅ You’re selling to a trusted family member or neighbor with legal counsel ✅ You have a lawyer preparing every detail of your contract and title work

If that’s not you? You probably need someone in your corner.

📚 Free Resource of the Month

🎁 Grab Your Copy of the Sunshine State Handbook Whether you’re buying, selling, or inheriting — this free digital guide walks you through Florida’s unique real estate quirks and opportunities. No catch. No spam. Just real insight. 📥 Download Here

🧠 One Final Thought: The $70,000 Mistake

We’ll leave you with this: One seller inherited a home and “avoided probate” by transferring the deed before their parent passed. Smart, right?

Not quite. That single decision triggered $70,000 in capital gains taxes. All because they didn’t know about a simple, $100 tool called a Lady Bird Deed. That’s the difference between trying to save money and being protected by someone who knows how.

🎁 Free Bonus for You: I also put together the Sunshine State Handbook, a totally free, no-fluff guide that walks you through:

Moving to Florida tips
Florida tax and homestead exemption secrets
HOA realities, short-term rental rules, and more

👉 [Download the Sunshine State Handbook now]

📞 Want to Chat?

If you’re thinking about selling, downsizing, or inheriting property in Florida, reply to this email or book a free consultation. We’re not here to pressure — just to help you understand your real options, risks, and timelines.

Because sometimes the biggest return isn’t the highest offer — it’s the peace of mind that you didn’t screw it up.

📲 Have questions? Need advice? I answer every call, text, and email personally.

Thanks for being part of this amazing journey.

– Tom McNamara Your FL Real Estate Insider

📞 Let’s connect. You can reply to this or call! 407-754-6412