On the surface, skipping the real estate agent and selling your home yourself might seem like a smart financial move—just like changing your own transmission to save money on a mechanic. But as anyone who’s tried that DIY route knows, it’s rarely that simple (or that cheap in the long run).
In Georgia, homes listed “For Sale By Owner” (FSBO) typically sell for about 13% less than homes sold with a real estate agent. On a median-priced home in our state, that’s a difference of roughly $50,570. That’s a significant chunk of money left on the table—money many sellers thought they were saving on commissions.
What FSBO Sellers Take On Themselves
1. Answering every inquiry—even during work or family time
When your home is on the market, your phone becomes a customer service line. You’ll field calls, texts, and emails from curious buyers, agents, and even tire-kickers. Many of those calls will come during work meetings, family dinners, or your kid’s soccer game.
2. Scheduling showings on buyers’ timelines
Most buyers want to see homes after work or on weekends. If you’re trying to balance that with your job, kids, or errands, you’ll likely miss out on showings—or frustrate buyers who move on to the next listing.
3. Navigating legal contracts and disclosures
Georgia real estate contracts are packed with legal language, timelines, and obligations. Without guidance, it’s easy to misinterpret a clause, miss a deadline, or leave out a required disclosure—any of which could lead to disputes or legal trouble later.
4. Hiring an attorney for representation
Unlike working with a licensed Realtor, FSBO sellers often need to retain a real estate attorney to protect their interests and ensure paperwork is correct. That comes with added expense and doesn’t cover the marketing, negotiation, or logistics an agent handles.
5. Handling negotiations directly with buyers
From pricing and contingencies to repairs and credits, negotiations are where deals are won—or lost. Without an experienced agent in your corner, you’re not just negotiating money—you’re negotiating your time, your liability, and your peace of mind.
What You Get With a Sage & Cedar Agent
1. Professional listing photos that make your home shine
We work with top-tier photographers to ensure your home looks its absolute best online, where 95% of buyers start their search.
2. Access to the MLS and thousands of buyers
Your listing will be entered into the MLS, syndicating it to platforms like Zillow, Realtor.com, and Redfin. This expands your reach exponentially—something FSBO listings can’t match.
3. Targeted marketing across social, web, and agent networks
We don’t just wait for buyers to find your home—we go find them. From social media campaigns to email blasts to agent networking, we market strategically to your ideal buyer.
4. Negotiation expertise that protects your bottom line
We know how to position your home competitively, handle multiple offers, and negotiate terms that favor you—not just on price, but on timelines, repairs, and risk.
5. Step-by-step guidance from list to close
Selling a home comes with dozens of steps, from disclosures to inspections to appraisals and closing. We handle the details, the deadlines, and the potential curveballs—so you can stay focused on what’s next.
When it’s time to sell your home, don’t go it alone. With Sage & Cedar Real Estate, you get a trusted partner who helps you sell faster, for more, and with a whole lot less stress.
Have questions about selling? Visit us here to learn more!