How Do I List My Home on Zillow When Selling FSBO?

How do I list my home on Zillow?

Follow these steps to list your home on Zillow as a For Sale By Owner (FSBO) listing:

1. Create a Zillow profile or log in: If you don’t have a Zillow account yet, you need to create one. Visit Zillow’s website and click “Sign In” in the top right corner. Then click “New Account” on the pop-up window. Fill in the required information to set up your profile. If you already have an account, simply log in.

2. Search for your property: Use Zillow’s search function to locate your home. Enter your property address in the search bar and find your existing property page.

3. Claim ownership: Once you’ve found your property, you’ll need to claim ownership. Click on the “More” button and select “Claim ownership.” Follow the prompts to verify your ownership. If you cannot find an existing property page for your home, you can create a new listing page by hovering your mouse over the “Sell” tab in the navigation menu. Then click “Post For Sale By Owner” and enter your property address to proceed.

4. Check your profile (optional): Once you’ve completed these initial steps, your home should appear in your “My Zillow” profile under “My homes.”

5. List home for sale by owner: Now you can post your FSBO home information, which will include the following steps:

• Set your sale price: Determine a competitive price for your home based on market conditions and comparable properties.
• Upload photos: High-quality photos are essential for attracting buyers. Include clear, well-lit images of each room and key features of your home.
• Enter or edit home facts: Ensure all information about your home is accurate and up-to-date. This includes square footage, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and any recent renovations.
• Provide contact information: Determine how you want potential buyers to reach you and enter your contact details.
• Agree to Zillow’s Terms of Use: Check the box to agree to Zillow’s terms and conditions.
• Submit your listing for review: Click the blue “Post For Sale By Owner” button to submit your listing. Once submitted, it typically takes about 72 hours for Zillow to verify and approve it.

The FSBO submission page will look something like this:

What if my listing doesn’t appear after 72 hours?

If you don’t see your verified listing after 72 hours, Zillow has created an online page called, “Where is my for sale by owner listing?” The page addresses the following scenarios:

• You missed the verification call
• You answered a question wrong during the verification call
• You need to change the sale price or other listing facts
• You’ve changed your mind and want to cancel the listing
• The listing is verified, but you don’t see it in search results

It may be that your listing is posted, and you’re just not looking in the right place. Zillow’s listings are now separated into two categories within its search results, one for agent listings and one for other listings. For Sale by Owner homes appear in the “Other Listings” tab.

Will my FSBO listing also appear on Trulia?

Yes, your FSBO listing will also appear on Trulia. Trulia is owned by Zillow Group, Inc., so when your FSBO listing is verified and activated on Zillow, it will automatically appear in Trulia search results within 24 hours. This integration ensures that your listing reaches a broader audience, increasing your chances of finding a buyer.

What’s included in a free FBSO listing on Zillow?

Zillow offers a simple way for homeowners to list their property without hiring an agent. Here’s what you can expect when you use their free FSBO listing option:

• Basic listing exposure: Your home will be visible on Zillow with photos, a description, and key property details. This gives your listing some visibility without any cost. It’s a solid start for DIY sellers.
• Owner control: You can edit your listing anytime: adjust pricing, swap photos, or rewrite your description. This flexibility lets you respond to feedback or market changes quickly. You’re in full control of your home’s presentation.

What’s not included in a free FBSO listing on Zillow?

While listing for free has its perks, there are important limitations to keep in mind. These missing features could impact your home’s visibility and the overall selling process:

• MLS access: Free FSBO listings don’t show up on the MLS, which limits your reach. Many buyers work with agents who search the MLS first. Without it, your home may not appear on other popular real estate platforms.
• Agent support: Zillow doesn’t offer guidance or help from licensed agents for FSBO sellers. You’ll handle pricing, paperwork, and negotiations on your own. It’s a true DIY approach, which can be overwhelming for some.
• Boosted placement: Free listings aren’t prioritized in Zillow’s search results. Agent-listed or paid homes often get more visibility. That could mean fewer eyes on your property overall.

Are there other ways to list my home on Zillow?

Many FSBO sellers choose to use a flat fee multiple listing service (MLS) to get their listings on Zillow and other real estate search sites. Here are the basics you need to know about this type of service:

• What’s a flat fee MLS service? A flat fee MLS service lets FSBO sellers list their homes on the MLS without hiring a full-service agent. Instead of paying a commission, you pay a one-time fee, usually a few hundred dollars.
• What are the benefits of a flat fee MLS service? By listing your home on the MLS, your property gets more visibility, as it will also appear on popular real estate websites like Zillow, Trulia, Realtor.com, and others. This can attract more potential buyers compared to listing on Zillow alone.
• How does a flat fee MLS service work? You’ll need to provide your home’s details and photos to the flat fee MLS service, and they will handle the rest. Be sure to review the service’s terms and conditions, as some may offer additional support for an extra fee.

Helpful tips when selling FSBO

Here are some key tips to help you successfully sell your home on your own:

• Preparing your home: Clean and declutter your home, make any necessary repairs, and consider getting a pre-listing inspection to identify potential issues.
• Pricing your home: Research comparable properties in your area to set a competitive price. Consider getting a professional appraisal to ensure your home is priced accurately.
• Marketing your home: Use high-quality photos and a compelling description in your listing. Consider posting a walk-through video. Promote your home on social media, local classifieds, and yard signs.
• Staging your home: Arrange furniture to highlight your home’s best features. Use neutral colors and decor to appeal to a broad range of buyers.
• Showing your home: Be flexible with showing times to accommodate potential buyers’ schedules. Keep your home tidy and presentable for showings.
• Negotiating your home price: Be prepared to negotiate with buyers. Know your bottom line and be willing to make reasonable compromises.

Pitfalls to avoid when selling FSBO

Be aware of these common pitfalls when selling your home on your own:

• Unwanted phone calls: Screen calls to avoid scammers and unqualified buyers. Use a separate phone number for your listing if possible.
• Overpricing: Setting your price too high can deter potential buyers. Be realistic about your home’s value.
• Lowball offers: Be prepared for buyers to make low offers. This is especially common with FSBO listings. Stay calm, negotiate in good faith, and know when to walk away from the negotiating table.
• Security risks at showings: Always have someone with you during showings. Consider requiring potential buyers to provide identification before scheduling a showing.
• Fake buyers and scams: Be cautious of buyers who seem too eager or who ask for personal information upfront. Verify their credibility before proceeding.
• Disclosure mistakes: Disclose any known issues with your home to avoid legal problems later. It’s better to be upfront than to face potential lawsuits. Most states have disclosure laws you’ll need to follow.
• Fewer proceeds: Understand that while you may save on agent commissions, selling FSBO typically results in a lower sale price. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), FSBO homes sold for a median of $380,000 in 2023 compared to a median of $435,000 for agent-assisted sales.

How Much Is Your Home Worth Now?

Home values have rapidly increased in recent years. How much is your current home worth now? Get a ballpark estimate from HomeLight’s free Home Value Estimator.

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What if I need to sell my house fast?

If you need to sell your house fast, consider HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform. It connects you to one of the largest networks of cash home buyers in the country. Simply answer a few questions about your home and selling timeline, and you’ll receive a no-obligation all-cash offer in 24 hours. If you accept the offer, you can close the sale in as few as 10 days.

Here’s how HomeLight Simple Sale works in four easy steps:

What if I need to buy before I sell?

Modern real estate solution companies like HomeLight offer innovative programs that can reduce or remove the stress and financial pressure of having to sell your current home before purchasing a new one.

These buy-before-you-sell programs allow homeowners to easily tap into existing home equity and use the funds for a down payment on a new home — simplifying the entire process.

Here’s how HomeLight Buy Before You Sell works:

What does it mean to sell a FSBO house as-is?

Selling a house as-is means putting your home on the market in its current condition, without making any repairs or improvements. This option can be particularly appealing if your property needs a fair amount of work and you don’t have the time or funds to fix it up.

By listing your home as-is, you’re letting potential buyers know upfront that what they see is what they get. This can attract buyers who are looking for a fixer-upper or investors willing to take on renovation projects. However, be prepared for lower offers, as buyers will factor in the cost of repairs into their bids.

While you may not get top dollar for your home, selling as-is can be a quick and straightforward way to move on from a property in poor condition that needs significant repairs.

Unsure about FSBO? Consult with an agent for free

If you decide the FSBO route is not for you, or if you’re unsure and you’d like to consult with a local expert before you jump in, try HomeLight’s free Agent Match platform. We analyze over 27 million transactions and thousands of reviews to determine which agent is best for you based on your needs.

Simply answer a few questions, and we’ll recommend the most experienced agents in your market within minutes. These agents can offer expert advice, help you determine the best strategy for selling your home, and handle the complex details of the transaction.

Whether you decide to proceed with FSBO or choose to work with an agent, having professional guidance can make a significant difference in your home-selling experience.

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