5 Mistakes to Avoid When Selling Your DC Home Without a Realtor
Thinking of selling your Washington DC home without a Realtor? You’re not alone—many homeowners consider the FSBO (For Sale By Owner) route to save on commission. But skipping professional help can lead to costly missteps that delay your sale or reduce your profit.
In this blog, DC Realtor Dan Wheeler outlines five common mistakes FSBO sellers make—and how to avoid them if you’re thinking about going solo.
Reminder: Even if you start FSBO, you can always bring in a Realtor like Dan Wheeler at any point to help with strategy, negotiation, or compliance.
Mistake #1: Mispricing Your Home
Overpricing is the most common FSBO error. Without access to real-time MLS data and a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA), many sellers rely on Zestimate or guesswork.
Why It Hurts:
- Overpriced homes sit on the market longer
- You may need multiple price cuts
- Underpricing leaves money on the table
How to Avoid It: Work with a Realtor or appraiser to set a competitive, market-driven price. Dan Wheeler offers free CMAs for DC sellers.
Mistake #2: Skimping on Marketing
Putting a sign in the yard and listing on Zillow isn’t enough—especially in a competitive market like DC.
Why It Hurts:
- Limited exposure = fewer qualified buyers
- Poor photos or lack of staging can hurt first impressions
- Buyer agents may overlook your listing without MLS access
How to Avoid It: Invest in professional photography, create a compelling listing, and get your home on the MLS. Dan’s listings include full digital and offline marketing packages.
Mistake #3: Underestimating Legal and Disclosure Requirements
DC has strict laws regarding seller disclosures, fair housing, lead paint, and contract procedures. FSBO sellers are responsible for:
- Drafting compliant contracts
- Delivering required disclosures
- Avoiding discriminatory advertising or language
Why It Hurts:
- Legal mistakes can lead to lawsuits
- Delays in closing due to missing or incorrect documents
How to Avoid It: Work with a title company and consider a limited-service Realtor who can guide you through contracts and compliance.
Mistake #4: Mismanaging Showings and Negotiations
Scheduling showings, screening buyers, and negotiating terms are time-consuming and emotional. Many FSBO sellers:
- Miss showing opportunities
- Fail to qualify buyers
- Accept offers with poor terms
Why It Hurts:
- You may lose serious buyers
- Contracts may fall apart before closing
How to Avoid It: Set clear showing availability, screen all buyers for pre-approval, and be prepared to negotiate on more than just price.
Mistake #5: Not Understanding Appraisal and Inspection Hurdles
Even after accepting an offer, deals can fall apart during the appraisal or home inspection phase. Without a Realtor, you may:
- Struggle to justify the sale price to appraisers
- Overreact or concede too much during inspections
Why It Hurts:
- A low appraisal can kill financing
- Buyers may walk if repair negotiations fail
How to Avoid It: Have a plan for responding to inspection requests and be prepared with comps to support your pricing.
Final Thoughts: Going FSBO Doesn’t Mean Going It Alone
You can sell your DC home without a Realtor—but make sure you’re not making rookie mistakes that cost you time and money.
Dan Wheeler offers flexible support for FSBO sellers, from pricing to paperwork. Whether you need a full-service listing or just expert guidance, he’s here to help.
