If you’re a homeowner in Kansas City (or anywhere, really), you might be tempted to skip the realtor and sell your home on your own: “Can I sell my home without a realtor and still come out ahead?” Technically, yes, but the smarter question is, “What do I risk by doing that, especially in our local market?”
In the KC metro, where neighborhoods shift rapidly, buyer expectations are high, and competition is fierce, going solo often means leaving money, time, and peace of mind on the table. Below, I’ll walk you through the real costs of an FSBO (For Sale By Owner) approach, the advantages of using a realtor, and why working with New Day Home Group might be your best move from start to finish.
Why Sellers Often Come Out Short When They Go FSBO
1. Lower Sale Prices — Often by Tens of Thousands
According to the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), FSBO homes sold for a median of $380,000, versus $435,000 for agent-assisted sales. That’s a gap of $55,000.
FSBO transactions made up just 6% of all home sales in 2024, the lowest share on record.
Some real estate sources report that FSBO homes tend to sell nearly 15% less than comparable homes represented by agents.
One data summary from Clever suggests that agent-assisted sellers net a profit of $207,500, compared to $128,500 for FSBO sellers, a difference of $79,000.
These numbers suggest that, even after paying realtor commissions, a full-service agent often pays for themselves and then some.
2. Limited Exposure & Buyer Reach
Realtors list on the MLS (Multiple Listing Service), which feeds all the major portals used by buyers and buyer’s agents. FSBO sellers often skip MLS or pay added fees to syndicate their listing.
Real estate agents also have networks, marketing budgets, staging resources, and advertising strategies that amplify visibility—things most FSBO sellers don’t have access to.
3. Pricing Risks & Time on Market
FSBO sellers frequently misprice their homes (either too high or too low). According to NAR’s survey, 17% of FSBOs said “getting the price right” was their biggest challenge.
FSBO listings tend to stay on the market longer. A report from ListWithClever notes FSBO sellers are slightly more likely to wait beyond one month and 9% more likely to wait more than three months.
Only 54% of FSBO sellers say they are satisfied with how long it took to sell, compared to 83% of agent-assisted sellers.
Longer time on market can lead to price reductions, buyer doubts, and stale listing stigma.
4. Paperwork, Disclosures & Legal Exposure
Real estate transactions involve numerous disclosures, local/state/federal regulations, deadlines, and contingencies. Miss a disclosure or incorrectly complete a contract, and you’re exposed to liability or delays.
Realtors are professionally trained to spot potential pitfalls, structure contingencies, and guide negotiation of repairs, inspections, and buyer requests.
5. Negotiation Discrepancies
Buyer agents negotiate often—they understand tactics, contingencies, and leverage. FSBO sellers typically lack this experience.
Without a buffer, it’s easy to emotionally concede too much or accept lower offers than necessary.
6. Seller Regret & Switching Mid-Process
Many FSBO sellers eventually bring in an agent during the process when they don’t get offers or feel overwhelmed.
In surveys, a significant number of FSBO sellers report stress, confusion, and regret. For example, more than half of FSBO sellers said the process was stressful; 47% even said it brought them to tears at least once.
The Tangible Value a Realtor Brings (Especially in KC)
- Pricing Strategy Based on Local Data
A realtor uses comps, days-on-market trends, and buyer demand to set a competitive but profitable price, not just “what you want or need.” - Marketing & Presentation
- Professional photography, virtual tours, staging guidance
- MLS exposure + syndication to Zillow, Realtor.com, etc.
- Targeted ad campaigns (social media, local demographics)
- Open houses, broker previews, and agent networks
- Buyer Screening & Showing Management
Realtors qualify prospective buyers (pre-approval, motivation) and manage showings without overburdening your schedule. - Negotiation Buffer & Strategy
- Agents act as an objective intermediary — helping you counter offers, request repairs, evaluate appraisal gaps, and push back when needed.
- Transaction Management
Coordinating inspections, appraisals, title work, escrow, closing logistics — while keeping the timeline on track and ensuring all contingencies and deadlines are met. - Risk Mitigation
Ensuring all legal disclosures are made, deadlines are followed, and all contract terms are compliant and clear. - Local Market Knowledge
In Kansas City, neighborhoods vary wildly in buyer preferences, pricing expectations, HOA rules, and comparables. A local realtor keeps you in tune with those nuances.
Expanding the Context: When FSBO Might Still Make Sense (But Rarely Does)
While FSBO can work in very specific situations (e.g. selling to a family member, already having a buyer lined up, or off-market transactions), even in those cases using an agent can still add protection and leverage.
However, for most sellers, the potential savings from skipping a realtor are overshadowed by the risks and lost upside.
Final Thoughts & Call to Action
Yes, you can sell your home without a realtor. But the data is clear: FSBO sellers tend to net significantly less, face more stress, and often extend the time on market (or bring in an agent later).
In the Kansas City market, where buyer expectations and competition are high, working with a professional gives you leverage, peace of mind, and better financial outcomes.
If you’re thinking about selling in Kansas City’s Northland, Parkville, or anywhere in the KC metro, partnering with New Day Home Group gives you:
- Local market expertise
- Full-service marketing (MLS, high-quality media, staging)
- Strategic negotiation and transaction management
- A smoother, more profitable path to closing
👉 Ready to explore how much more your home could sell for without all the hassle? Reach out to New Day Home Group today. Let’s strategize your sale, maximize your net, and make your move as seamless as possible.
