Should I Just Call the Listing Agent? (The Myth of the "Direct Deal")If you are browsing homes on Zillow or driving through a Redlands neighborhood and see a "For Sale" sign, your first instinct
How to Sell Your House Without a Realtor
Dated: January 27 2026
Views: 59
How to Sell Your House Without a Realtor (And Why You Might Still Want to Call One)
So, you’ve decided to be a "Do-It-Yourself" home seller. You’ve got the "For Sale" sign from the hardware store, you’ve cleared the clutter, and you’re ready to save a bundle on commission.
It sounds like a fun weekend project, right? Kind of like building a deck or fixing a leaky pipe. But before you dive into the world of "FSBO" (For Sale By Owner), there are a few things you should know about the Redlands market—and your bank account.
The "DIY" Dream vs. The Reality
In theory, selling your own home is simple: Put it online, show it to people, and collect the check. In reality, there is a reason why a record 91% of home sellers in 2025 chose to work with a professional Realtor.
Here is what the "Selling Solo" journey usually looks like:
The Pricing Guessing Game: You think your home is worth $700,000 because your neighbor's sold for that. But did their home have the 20-year-old roof yours does?
The Paperwork Mountain: California has some of the strictest disclosure laws in the country. One missed form can lead to a lawsuit years after you’ve moved out.
The "Looky-Loo" Parade: Without an agent to vet buyers, you’ll spend your Saturday afternoons showing your house to people who can’t actually afford it (but really like your kitchen).
Let’s Talk About the Money
Most people go solo to save money on commission. But here is the "fun" part: data shows that DIY sellers often leave way more money on the table than they "save."
According to the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), agent-assisted home sales typically sell for roughly 18% more than homes sold by owners alone.
Realtor-Assisted Median Sale Price: $425,000
FSBO Median Sale Price: $360,000
In a high-value area like Redlands, an 18% difference isn't just "lunch money"—it’s a brand-new car or a massive chunk of your next down payment. Even after paying a commission, most sellers walk away with significantly more cash in their pocket when they use a pro.
The Patrick Edgett "Safety Net"
I get it. You’re independent, you’re capable, and you want to try it your way first. As a hobby woodworker, I respect a good DIY spirit (I’ve also assembled my fair share of playhouses).
But here is my advice: Call me anyway.
Even if you are 100% sure you want to sell without a Realtor, I’m happy to chat. I can give you a quick "pulse check" on the Redlands market or share a recommendation for a local wine bar where you can celebrate (or vent about the process).
I’ve served on the Board of Directors for both TIGAR and the California Association of Realtors, so I’ve seen every "DIY" mistake in the book. My goal is to make sure Redlands families don't get taken advantage of—whether they hire me or not.
The Moral of the Story? You can certainly try to sell your house yourself. But if you want the highest price, the least amount of paperwork, and a professional who has your back, it’s usually cheaper (and much less stressful) to hire a Realtor.
Ready to see the real data on your home? Contact Patrick Edgett today. I’ll show you the numbers, and you can decide which path is right for you.
Sources:
Patrick Edgett
Hi I'm Patrick Edgett, I live in Southern California, I am a realtor. I am a #girldad to four amazing humans!In my past life I have worked on marketing campaigns for the governor, prod....
Latest Blog Posts
Closing Costs: What Are They and Who Pays?When you are buying or selling a home in Redlands or the Inland Empire, the price you see on the contract isn't the final number you’ll see at the.
Realtor Fees: How Much Does It Really Cost to Sell a House?If you are planning to sell your home in Redlands, you likely have one big question: "How much are the Realtor fees?" or "What is a
Who is the Best Realtor in the Inland Empire? If you live anywhere from the historic streets of Redlands to the foothills of Rancho Cucamonga, you’ve probably asked: Who is the best
Based on information from California Regional Multiple Listing Service, Inc. as of September 23, 2026 1:00 PM UTC This information is for your personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties you may be interested in purchasing. Display of MLS data is usually deemed reliable but is NOT guaranteed accurate by the MLS. Buyers are responsible for verifying the accuracy of all information and should investigate the data themselves or retain appropriate professionals. Information from sources other than the Listing Agent may have been included in the MLS data. Unless otherwise specified in writing, Broker/Agent has not and will not verify any information obtained from other sources. The Broker/Agent providing the information contained herein may or may not have been the Listing and/or Selling Agent.
This information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. You should rely on this information only to decide whether or not to further investigate a particular property. BEFORE MAKING ANY OTHER DECISION, YOU SHOULD PERSONALLY INVESTIGATE THE FACTS (e.g.square footage and lot size) with the assistance of an appropriate professional. You may use this information only to identify properties you may be interested in investigating further. All uses except for personal, non-commercial use in accordance with
The information being provided by Conejo Simi Moorpark Association of REALTORS ® ("CSMAR") is for the visitor's personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties visitor may be interested in purchasing. Any information relating to a property referenced on this web site comes from the Internet Data Exchange ("IDX") program of CSMAR. This web site may reference real estate listing(s) held by a brokerage firm other than the broker and/or
