How to Sell Your House Without a Realtor in Texas (FSBO Guide)
Selling FSBO in Texas saves the commission but adds complexity. Here's what you need to handle yourself — and when it makes sense.
Selling your house without a realtor (For Sale By Owner, or FSBO) in Texas saves you the listing agent's commission — typically 2.5–3% of the sale price — but requires you to handle pricing, marketing, contracts, and negotiations yourself. Here's everything you need to do it right.
What FSBO Actually Saves You
On a $350,000 home, a 3% listing commission = $10,500 saved. But: you still typically offer a buyer's agent commission (2.5–3%) to attract represented buyers. So net savings is only the listing-side commission, not both. Some buyers expect a lower price when purchasing FSBO precisely because no commission is owed.
What You're Responsible For
- Pricing the home accurately using recent MLS comps
- Photography and marketing (Zillow FSBO, Facebook Marketplace, yard sign)
- Showing the home and qualifying buyers
- Completing the Seller's Disclosure Notice (TREC Form OP-H)
- Negotiating offers and handling counteroffers
- Managing the title and closing process
- Complying with Fair Housing laws
The Texas FSBO Contract
You can use the TREC One to Four Family Residential Contract — the same form realtors use — available free on the TREC website. You should still hire a real estate attorney or title company to review the contract before signing. Title companies in Texas are required for most sales and will handle the closing regardless of whether agents are involved.
Common FSBO Mistakes in Texas
- Overpricing — FSBO homes statistically sell for 5–6% less than agent-listed homes
- Poor photography — the first showing is always online
- Accepting earnest money without a proper escrow arrangement
- Skipping the Seller's Disclosure — legally required in Texas
- Not knowing how to handle inspection repair requests
The Cash Buyer Alternative to FSBO
Selling directly to a cash buyer is technically FSBO without the complexity. No listing, no showings, no contract negotiations. The buyer presents an offer, you review it, you close with a title company. Same commission savings, less work. Cash offers are typically below market — but so are most FSBO deals once you account for the time, cost, and price concessions involved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Official Resources & Further Reading
- TREC — FSBO Requirements — Texas Real Estate Commission
- TX Property Code §5.008 — Disclosure Requirement — Texas Legislature Online
- TX AG — FSBO Consumer Protections — Texas Attorney General
Related reading: cash buyer vs. realtor comparison · how selling for cash works · what earnest money is in Texas
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