The longer you spend in real estate, the more you start to question what truly makes financial sense.

One of the biggest decisions sellers face is whether to list on the MLS with a broker or try to sell For Sale By Owner.

When I first started investing, I thought FSBO was smart. Why pay a commission when I had a sales background? I believed I could handle negotiations myself and keep more money in my pocket. I learned the hard way that this thinking was flawed.

1. It Severely Limits Exposure

If your property is not listed on the MLS, it receives zero exposure from the vast majority of brokers and agents in your market. A yard sign only captures local drive by traffic. That dramatically reduces your buyer pool.

2. It Impacts Perception

Perception drives value. Buyers compare your property to professionally marketed listings that appear across every major real estate platform. Presentation matters.

3. It Usually Costs You More

Most buyers work with agents, so you often still pay a commission. FSBO homes also tend to sit longer, increasing interest, taxes, utilities, and maintenance costs.