Selling For Sale By Owner?

Thinking of Selling Your Home “For Sale By Owner” (FSBO)?

When you’re preparing to sell your home, especially in the competitive Downers Grove and western suburb market, it’s tempting to consider going it alone. After all, skipping the listing-agent commission might look like extra cash in your pocket. But before you pull down the FSBO sign, let’s explore the common reasons homeowners choose FSBO, then dig into why that path often produces fewer showings, fewer offers, and a lower sales price. And we’ll examine why working with a skilled Realtor like Sabrina Glover and the team at The Glover Team at Platinum Partners is not just a safe bet, it’s a strategy to get your home seen, vetted and positioned for top dollar.

Why Homeowners Consider FSBO

It’s easy to see the appeal:

• Save money by avoiding a listing-agent commission.

• You know your home, your neighborhood and you believe you can market it yourself.

• You might already have a potential buyer (a friend, family member or neighbor).

• You control showings, scheduling, negotiations and can make the process “your way.”

Yes, those are valid motivations. But they often overlook the full scope of what it really takes to sell successfully.

Why FSBO Often Falls Short

Here’s where the real story begins, and why many FSBO sellers eventually decide to call in a Realtor.

1. Limited reach = fewer buyers + fewer offers

When you work with a Realtor, your home is exposed to a broad network of professionally-represented buyers, unrepresented buyers and agents with ready clients. Marketing extends far beyond a “For Sale” sign or a few online listings.
FSBO homes, conversely:

• Often aren’t listed on the full Multiple Listing Service (MLS), which means less exposure to buyer-agent networks. 

• May rely solely on yard signs, personal social posts or generic listing sites, leaving thousands of local and regional buyers unaware your home is available.

More visibility means more showings, which turns into more offers, which typically drives better price outcomes.

2. Lower sale prices for FSBO sellers

Studies consistently show that FSBO homes sell for significantly less than agent-represented homes. That means the “saving commission” may not actually translate into higher net profit. For example:

• Median sale price for FSBO homes: $380,000 in recent data vs. $435,000 for agent-assisted homes a gap of $55,000. National Association of Realtors

• FSBO homes sold for nearly 15% less on average than comparable homes with an agent. Real Estate Witch

• Sellers who opted not to work with an agent were significantly more likely to say they lost money on the sale. On average loss to the tune of $55,000. National Association of Realtors
  So, yes, you might avoid paying a listing agent, but you often leave money on the table.

3. Attracting qualified, pre-approved buyers

One of the strengths that the Glover Team brings: we work in the local Downers Grove area and have a broad network of buyers, many of whom are pre-qualified, vetted and ready. When you go FSBO, you’re likely to encounter many “lookers” rather than serious buyers, or you may miss someone entirely who didn’t know your home existed until we marketed it.
Fewer qualified buyers = fewer offers = less leverage to negotiate.

4. Safety, accountability and scheduling coordination

Working with a professional Realtor means:

• Controlled showings (agents bring vetted buyer-agents, ID checks, appointments).

• You’re not fielding surprise walk-ins or strangers in your home without screening.

• Your Realtor handles logistics, security, lock-box coordination, all while you live your life.
  In contrast, as a FSBO seller you become the point person for scheduling, access, follow-up, all of it takes your time and exposes you to risk.

5. Legal protection, paperwork and liability

Real estate transactions come with disclosure requirements, contracts, negotiations, contingencies (inspection, appraisal, title, etc.). A small misstep can lead to liability, a renegotiation, or even litigation.
Home-seller surveys found that FSBO sellers were more likely to make legal errors (36% reported mistakes) and struggled with contracts and disclosures. National Association of Realtors
When you partner with a seasoned Realtor, like our team, the complex parts of the process are handled professionally, reducing your risk.

6. Buyer psychology and perceived value

Buyers know that FSBO sellers are not paying a listing agent, and many buyers assume that means they’ll pay less. That dynamic can work against you: a seller listing FSBO may attract low-ball offers because the buyer believes you’ll accept less.
When you list with a well-known local team such as the Glover Team, you signal the home is being professionally marketed, so you’re in a more competitive posture, which can lead to higher offers and stronger terms.

7. Time, energy and stress

Selling your home is often the largest financial transaction you’ll make. Handling everything yourself, photography, marketing copy, scheduling, showings, negotiations, paperwork, can be overwhelming.
One survey found that FSBO sellers were nearly twice as likely to say they didn’t accept an offer within a month, and many reported emotional stress, regret or delays. 
By contrast, a realtor takes on the heavy lifting so you can focus on preparing your move, not managing the headaches.

8. Many FSBO sellers eventually switch to an agent

It’s not uncommon for sellers to start FSBO and then realize they need help. Some statistics show that roughly 36% of FSBO sellers bring in a realtor midway when they face obstacles such as no offers, low offers, paperwork difficulties. Why wait to accept that reality? Starting with a strong team can save time, money and stress.

Why Working with the Glover Team is a Better Choice

When you choose The Glover Team, with Sabrina Glover leading you here are the advantages built into our approach:

• Broad marketing reach: We tap our network of buyers, agents, local web marketing, professional photography, targeted campaigns so your home is seen by buyers who didn’t even know they were looking, yet we turned them into buyers after they saw your listing.

• Pricing strategy expertise: We leverage MLS data, local Downers Grove and western-suburb trends, our deep market knowledge to set a price that attracts competition and maximizes your net.

• Qualified buyer vetting: We help ensure showings are productive and that buyers are pre-qualified, serious, and represented, reducing wasted showings and time.

• Professional showings & coordination: Our team handles scheduling, agent coordination, marketing materials, open house strategy, and safeguards your home throughout the showing process.

• Legal & paperwork protection: From contract to closing, we guide you through disclosures, negotiation strategies, inspections, contingencies, and you benefit from our experience and network of trusted attorneys/title professionals.

• Net higher sales: The data shows homes listed with agents fetch higher median sale prices and better outcomes. Our local track record reinforces that.

• Less stress, more time for you: While we manage the sale, you’re free to focus on your move-out, your next home, scheduling, and life.

In Closing

If you’re thinking of “going it alone” by listing FSBO, please ask yourself this:

• Are you comfortable handling marketing, showings, negotiations and contracts yourself?

• Do you have ready access to hundreds of qualified buyers who may not even know your home is on the market?

• Are you confident you won’t leave money on the table just to save a commission?

Our experience, over 50 years across The Glover Team, with Sabrina Glover bringing over 10 years of dedicated real estate service, shows the scenario all too often: a seller lists FSBO, struggles for months, overlooks potential buyers, mis-prices the home, then finally signs with an agent and still sells for less than they could have. With the Glover Team, you don’t have to go it alone. You benefit from proven marketing, broad reach, vetting of buyers, professional oversight and the full weight of our team behind your transaction. We’d love to help you get the most from your sale in Downers Grove and the western suburbs, on schedule, stress-free, and for the highest possible value. When you trust Sabrina Glover and The Glover Team, you’re choosing more than a service, you’re choosing a results driven partner.