How to Sell a House By Owner in Colorado Springs: A 9-Step Guide

How to sell a house by owner in Colorado Springs

Selling by owner in Colorado Springs means you’ll take on all the tasks usually handled by a real estate agent. From determining a list price and marketing to contracts and disclosure compliance, you’ll be the project manager.

You may still want to pay for one professional — a real estate attorney. While an attorney isn’t required to close a home sale in Colorado, it’s highly recommended with FSBO sales. You can expect to pay around $354 per hour for real estate attorney services.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to sell a house by owner in Colorado Springs. It starts with preparing your home before giving it a price tag.

1. Prepare your Colorado Springs house for sale

Any experienced agent will tell you that a properly prepared home will attract more buyers and higher purchase offers. Before listing, take steps to enhance your property’s overall appeal.

• Declutter every room: Make your home feel organized, open, and inviting.
• Depersonalize the house: Buyers need to envision themselves living in the home.
• Deep clean: From carpets to windows, make the whole house shine.
• Deodorize: First impressions aren’t always just visual.
• Make repairs or upgrades: Fix what’s broken and make eye-catching updates.
• Enhance curb appeal: Trim trees, mow, wash the exterior, and clean up the yard.

»Learn more: 22 Steps to Prep Your House For Sale and Sell For More Money

2. Set a competitive price

Pricing your home right is critical to attracting buyers. Overpricing can turn them away before they even step into the home, and underpricing can leave money on the table.

• Compare nearby sales: Study recent sales of similar homes in your area.
• Research local market trends: Are you in a buyer’s or seller’s market?
• Get an online estimate: Use a Home Value Estimator for a ballpark price range.
• Get an appraisal: A pre-listing appraisal in Colorado costs $244–$386.

»Learn more: How to Set Your Home’s List Price: 5 Factors That Matter Most

3. Invest in professional listing photos

No guide on how to sell a house by owner in Colorado Springs would be complete without this recommendation. Nearly all home shoppers start their search online. Great photos will draw more attention to your listing and help it stand out.

• Hire a professional: Photographers in Colorado Springs charge between $175 and $500. This range can increase with extras like drone shots and virtual tours.
• Stage before photos: Stage every room so your house looks like a showplace.
• Highlight outdoor features. Colorado’s scenic views can be powerful selling points. Include exterior shots from decks and patios.

»Learn more: How to Take Real Estate Photos and Sell Faster for More Money.

4. Write a compelling listing description

A well-crafted listing description will entice buyers to schedule a showing. Highlight your home’s best features and include anything that makes it unique.

• Begin with a strong opening: Use a descriptive headline and inviting language to grab buyer attention.
• Highlight desirable features: Mention any recent upgrades, outdoor spaces, or Colorado Springs perks, like your home’s proximity to military bases, recreation areas, or sporting event venues.
• Include scannable details: Provide the home’s price, year built, property type, lot size, and any HOA info. Bullet points can help make the listing description easier to read.

»Learn more: 7 Steps to Writing Creative Real Estate Listing Descriptions

5. List your home on the MLS

The multiple listing service (MLS) is one of the most effective tools for getting your home in front of buyers. While only licensed real estate agents can post directly to the MLS, you can access it using a flat-fee MLS company in Colorado Springs.

• Pay for a flat-fee MLS service: MLS service providers typically charge $300 for basic listings and up to several thousand dollars for premium packages that might include additional marketing, and agent support.
• Provide complete information: Be certain your MLS listing includes stunning photos and has all the details home shoppers need.
• Monitor your listing: Respond promptly to buyer inquiries and update information as needed.

»Learn more: How to Sell Your FSBO Home with a Flat Fee MLS listing company

6. Market your home

To reach the widest audience, you’ll want to create a solid marketing strategy that extends beyond the multiple listing service.

• Post on top real estate platforms: Most buyers turn to sites like Zillow, Realtor.com, and Redfin, which is why using an MLS service is vital.
• Schedule open houses: Invite buyers to tour your home in person.
• Use social media: Share your home listing on platforms like Facebook and Instagram. You may even want to purchase targeted social media ads to reach local buyers.
• Use traditional signage: Post a professional “For Sale By Owner” sign and distribute flyers or postcards throughout the Colorado Springs community.

»Learn more: 9 Creative Ways to Market a House for Sale

7. Schedule and manage showings

Showings can create the magic moment when a buyer falls in love with a house. But the buyers’ first impression of the home can actually start with you. From the first appointment phone call to the walk-through, it’s your job to help them feel confident about making an offer.

• Offer flexible hours: To accommodate potential buyers, you’ll need to be available during the day, evenings, and weekends.
• Use scheduling tools: Phone apps like Calendly and Microsoft Bookings can help you organize showing appointments.
• Keep the house ready: Keep things put away and maintain a clean, odor-free home for last-minute showings.
• Vet buyers in advance: Before showing the home, ask buyers for pre-approval letters or proof of funds. It’s also within your rights to ask for identification when they arrive.
• Prioritize your safety: Arrange showings when someone else can be in the home with you. It’s also wise to secure valuables before each appointment.

»Learn more: How Many Showings Does It Take to Sell a House on Average?

8. Evaluate offers, negotiate, and make disclosures

When you start receiving offers, you’ll need to carefully evaluate them and negotiate terms. Look beyond the offer price to consider any contingencies, added closing costs, and the buyer’s financial stability.

• Weigh contingencies: These might include inspections, appraisals, or the buyer’s need to sell their current home.
• Calculate your net proceeds: Use HomeLight’s Net Proceeds Calculator to estimate how much you might make from the sale.
• Respond promptly: Show buyers that you are serious about selling the home by responding quickly to strong purchase offers.
• Prepare for counteroffers: Decide on your bottom line before offers arrive, and be ready for reasonable compromises.

Colorado seller disclosure laws

In Colorado, sellers must disclose known material defects to potential buyers. This includes structural issues, water damage, environmental hazards, and more. Sellers must also disclose any boundary disputes, easements, and HOA information.

Below is an overview of the types of disclosures you’ll be expected to make:

• Structural issues, such as foundation, walls, and roof problems
• Water damage, leaks, flooding, and mold growth
• Electrical, plumbing, heating, and cooling systems
• Environmental hazards, such as asbestos, radon, lead-based paint, or contaminated soil
• Pest infestations, such as termites or rodents
• Boundary disputes, encroachments, or recorded easements
• Homeowners Association (HOA) information
• Zoning and land use restrictions
• Past insurance claims and damage reports

Sellers who know of an existing defect and fail to follow Colorado’s disclosure laws can be held liable for costs and fees if issues come up after the sale. Buyers may also be able to sue for breach of contract or misrepresentation. This is why a seasoned agent or real estate attorney can be a good investment.

»Learn more: How To Negotiate When Selling a House

9. Close the sale of your Colorado Springs home

After accepting an offer, it’s time to finalize the deal and schedule the sale closing.

• Coordinate with a title company to handle the title search and deed transfer.
• Sign the purchase agreement, disclosures, and other closing documents.
• Once the closing is complete, you’ll give the buyer the keys and door remotes.

»Learn more: What to Bring at Closing as a Seller

Sell Fast in Colorado Springs With a Cash Offer or Top Agent

Get an all-cash, no-obligation offer on your Colorado Springs home through HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform. Close in as few as 10 days with no repairs or showings. You can also request an expert estimate of what your home might sell for using a top Colorado Springs agent.

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Pros and Cons of selling a house by owner

Before jumping into the FSBO game, here’s a quick look at some key pros and cons of selling a house by owner in Colorado Springs.

Pros of selling a house by owner

• Save on agent commission fees: You could save up to 3% on commissions.
• More control of the process: Sellers price, show, and negotiate the sale.
• Direct communications: You work directly with buyers without go-betweens.

Cons of selling a house by owner

• Lower home sale prices: FSBO homes typically sell for less than agent-assisted homes.
• Considerable time and effort: You’ll handle the entire process, from marketing and negotiations to contracts and disclosures.
• Pricing challenges: Mispricing your home — high or low — can lead to financial loss or a listing that stalls on the market.
• Marketing costs: You cover all promotional expenses, from professional photos and staging to flyers and yard signs.
• Legal risks: Errors in disclosures or contract paperwork can lead to expensive consequences.
• Potential safety risks: You may be showing your home to unvetted or unqualified buyers.

FSBO pitfalls to avoid in Colorado Springs

Selling FSBO can be rewarding, but there are common mistakes that could derail your sale:

• Choosing to skip the MLS: This will limit your home’s visibility and can result in fewer offers.
• Over- or under-pricing your home: This mistake can either frighten off buyers or leave proceeds on the table.
• Bad marketing: Without proper marketing, you’ll struggle to attract qualified buyers.
• Letting the house linger on the market: A home that sits unsold can raise red flags for buyers. This problem can worsen if you decide to relist the property.
• Neglecting to prepare the house: Decluttering, making repairs, and cleaning are essential for creating a strong first impression.

»Learn more: Why Isn’t Your Home Selling? 12 Common Reasons to Consider

Alternatives to selling FSBO in Colorado Springs

If selling by owner feels overwhelming or your sale isn’t progressing as well as you hoped, consider these two alternatives:

1. Partner with a top real estate agent

Professional agents can streamline the home sale process and maximize your proceeds. HomeLight data shows that the top 5% of agents sell homes for up to 10% more than average agents. They’ll also ensure all the legalities are covered.

In addition, most agents provide a free consultation and may even offer you a comparative market analysis (CMA) report for little to no cost. HomeLight’s free Agent Match tool can connect you with highly rated agents in Colorado Springs.

2. Sell for cash with HomeLight’s Simple Sale

If you need a fast, convenient sale, HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform provides cash offers in 24 hours. You can close in as few as 10 days. An all-cash offer solution may be just what you need if you’re on a tight selling timeline or want to forgo home repairs and showings.

In addition to your cash offer, the Simple Sale tool will also show you an estimate of how much a top agent might be able to get for your home. To get started with a no-commitment cash offer, enter a few details about your Colorado Springs property and selling timeline.

»Learn more: Wait! Read This Before You Sell Your House for Cash

Ready to sell your Colorado Springs home?

While the FSBO route may be the road less traveled, selling by owner in Colorado Springs is achievable with the right planning and preparation. However, working with a performance-proven agent or exploring a cash offer option may provide better results and less stress.

Whatever path you choose, HomeLight is here to help you confidently sell your Colorado Springs home.

»Learn more: Visit our Home Seller’s Resource Center to enter your questions about any part of the home sale process.

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