The Truth About FSBO: Why Selling Without a Realtor Might Cost You More in Central Oregon

Greg Powell
9 minutes ago
3 min read

In a market like Central Oregon, where homes continue to appreciate—but buyers are becoming more selective—some sellers are tempted to go the FSBO (For Sale By Owner) route to “save on commission.” But here’s the truth: trying to sell your home without a Realtor may cost you more in the long run—both in time and money.

Let’s explore why.

💸 The Real Costs of FSBO

Many FSBO sellers are motivated by one thing: avoiding the typical 5–6% commission. While that can seem like a lot on a $700,000 home, it’s important to ask:

What are you potentially leaving on the table without expert guidance?

Here’s what FSBO sellers often miss:

1. Pricing Pitfalls

Realtors use detailed market data, comps, and real-time trends to price your home correctly from the start. FSBO homes are frequently overpriced, leading to extended days on market—or underpriced, leaving thousands on the table.

In a shifting market like Bend in 2025, strategy matters more than ever.

2. Limited Exposure = Fewer Offers

When you list with an agent, your home gets:

Full MLS exposure
Marketing to thousands of buyer agents
Professional photos, staging, and advertising
Placement on Zillow, Redfin, Realtor.com, and more

FSBO listings often stay off the radar—and that means fewer showings, fewer offers, and less leverage.

3. Negotiation Mistakes

Buyers today are savvy—and often come with their own agents. That leaves FSBO sellers negotiating against professionals, without representation.

A seasoned Realtor will:

Protect your best interests
Navigate repair requests, contingencies, and appraisals
Help you avoid legal pitfalls that could cost you post-sale

4. Legal & Contractual Risks

Oregon’s real estate contracts are lengthy and legally binding. FSBO sellers are at risk of:

Missed disclosures
Invalid timelines
Contract errors
Potential lawsuits

Agents ensure everything is handled according to state laws and best practices.

5. You Still Might Pay a Buyer's Agent

Here’s a secret many FSBO sellers overlook: most buyers work with an agent. That means if their agent brings you an offer, you may still end up paying a 2.5–3% commission—with none of the help a listing agent provides.

So what exactly are you saving?

📊 What the Data Shows

Studies consistently show that:

FSBO homes sell for 5–10% less than agent-assisted sales
FSBO homes stay on the market longer, especially in mid- to high-end price brackets
FSBO sellers often relist with an agent after struggling on their own

In Central Oregon’s dynamic 2025 market, professional presentation and negotiation skills can mean the difference between a bidding war and a stale listing.

✔️ Bottom Line

You might save a commission fee with FSBO, but at what cost?

In most cases, working with an experienced Realtor means:

A higher sales price
Fewer legal risks
Faster closings
Better peace of mind

Thinking about selling your home in Bend, Redmond, or beyond? Let’s connect for a no-pressure chat about the market and your options—even if you're still considering FSBO. You deserve to sell smart.

FAQs

Q: Isn’t it cheaper to sell FSBO if I already have a buyer?

A: Possibly—but even in private sales, a Realtor can help handle the paperwork, contracts, inspections, and ensure you stay legally protected.

Q: Can’t I just hire a flat-fee MLS service?

A: You can, but you’re only getting the listing—not the expert pricing, negotiation, marketing, or legal protection.

Q: What if I’ve sold homes before and know the process?

A: Real estate laws, market trends, and buyer expectations change constantly. Even experienced sellers often benefit from having a trusted pro in their corner.