When selling a home, many homeowners automatically turn to a real estate agent to handle pricing, marketing, and negotiations. While this traditional approach works for some, it’s not the only option, and for many Maryland homeowners, it’s not always the best one.
Realtor commissions can be costly. In Maryland, agent fees are typically around 5–6% of the home’s sale price, which often includes both the listing agent and the buyer’s agent. On a $300,000 home, that’s roughly $15,000–$18,000 in commissions.
For homeowners looking to keep more of their equity or sell quickly, it’s worth understanding what selling without a realtor actually looks like.
Selling Your Home For Sale By Owner (FSBO)
Selling your home without a realtor, often called For Sale By Owner or FSBO, means you handle the sale yourself. This includes pricing the home, marketing it, scheduling showings, negotiating with buyers, and managing paperwork.
The biggest advantage of FSBO is avoiding agent commissions. Homeowners also have full control over pricing decisions, timelines, and negotiations. For some sellers, especially those with real estate experience or flexible schedules, this approach can work well.
However, FSBO does come with challenges. Without a professional guiding the process, pricing mistakes, limited buyer exposure, and legal missteps are more common. Sellers are also responsible for understanding and complying with Maryland’s real estate laws, disclosures, and contract requirements, which can feel overwhelming if you’ve never sold a home before.
Legal Requirements You Still Must Follow in Maryland
Selling without a realtor does not mean selling without rules. Maryland homeowners are still required to follow state real estate laws, including proper disclosures.
Most sellers must complete the Maryland Residential Property Disclosure and Disclaimer Statement, which informs buyers about the property’s condition or formally disclaims representations. Homes built before 1978 are also subject to federal lead-based paint disclosure requirements.
Contracts, escrow handling, and closing documents must be completed correctly to avoid delays or legal issues. Many FSBO sellers choose to work with a real estate attorney or title company to ensure compliance, which can add time and cost to the process.
Closing Costs Without a Realtor
Even when selling without an agent, certain costs still apply. These often include title insurance, transfer and recordation taxes, recording fees, and settlement charges. In some transactions, sellers may also agree to cover part of the buyer’s closing costs.
While FSBO sellers save on commissions, it’s important to plan for these remaining expenses so there are no surprises at closing.
There’s an Easier Alternative to FSBO
For homeowners who want to avoid realtor commissions and skip the complexity of selling on their own, there is another option:
At Dominion Properties, we buy houses directly from homeowners; no realtors required. As a local cash homebuyer, we purchase homes as-is, meaning you don’t need to make repairs, stage the property, or host open houses.
Our process is straightforward:
- No agent fees or commissions
- No showings
- No repairs required
- Fast closings on your timeline
This option works especially well for homeowners who value speed, simplicity, and certainty.
Choosing the Right Selling Path
Selling a house without a realtor can save money, but it also requires time, effort, and a solid understanding of Maryland’s real estate rules. For some homeowners, FSBO is a good fit. For others, selling directly to a cash buyer offers a simpler and less stressful solution.
If you’re looking to sell your Maryland home without a realtor and without the headaches that often come with FSBO, Dominion Properties is here to help. We make fair cash offers and handle the details so you can move forward with confidence.