For many homeowners, realtor fees are one of the biggest drawbacks of selling a home.
Traditional real estate agents typically charge 5–6 percent of the sale price in
commissions. On a $400,000 home, that can mean $20,000 or more gone before you even
see your proceeds.
If you’re wondering how to avoid realtor fees when selling your home, there are legitimate
alternatives that allow you to keep more of your money—without sacrificing speed or
certainty.
How Realtor Fees Work
In a traditional sale, the seller usually pays:
- Listing agent commission
- Buyer’s agent commission
- Additional closing costs
These fees are deducted from the sale proceeds at closing. While agents provide
marketing and negotiation services, those services may not be necessary for every seller—
especially if speed or as-is condition matters more than retail exposure.
Selling Without an Agent
Selling your home without an agent—often called “For Sale By Owner” (FSBO)—is one way
to avoid commissions. However, FSBO sellers must handle pricing, marketing,
negotiations, disclosures, and paperwork on their own. This can be overwhelming and
risky, especially for first-time sellers.
Cash Buyers: A Simpler Alternative
Another way to sell home without agent involvement is by working with companies that buy
houses for cash. Cash buyers purchase homes directly, eliminating the need for MLS
listings, showings, or agent commissions.
When selling to a cash buyer, you:
- Avoid realtor fees entirely
- Skip repairs and staging
- Close faster
- Receive a predictable payout
Because there are no agents involved, there are no commission deductions at closing.
Cost Comparison
Even if a traditional sale produces a higher price, sellers often lose a large portion of that
amount to commissions, repairs, and holding costs. Cash sales eliminate those expenses,
allowing sellers to keep more of their proceeds.
Who Benefits Most from Avoiding Realtor Fees
Selling without an agent makes sense if:
- Your home needs repairs
- You need to sell quickly
- You want a private sale
- You want a guaranteed closing
Avoiding realtor fees can save you thousands of dollars. By selling directly to a reputable
cash buyer, you eliminate commissions, reduce stress, and keep more of your money at
closing.
