Selling your home is a big decision, and one of the first questions many homeowners ask themselves is whether to go the For Sale By Owner (FSBO) route or work with a real estate professional. FSBO can definitely have its appeal — if you find your own buyer, you may save money on commission and walk away with a little extra in your pocket.
At the same time, some sellers discover that the process can be more stressful and time-consuming than expected. From pricing and marketing to paperwork and negotiations, selling a home involves a lot of moving parts. And in many cases, FSBO homes end up selling for less than they would have if they’d been listed on the MLS with an agent.
That’s why at Bay Realty Michigan, we created our Smart Seller Program — a solution that gives you the best of both worlds.
National Association of REALTORS® data shows that FSBO homes typically sell for 13–26% less than agent-assisted homes.
Locally, FSBO homes have sold for nearly 29% less on average compared to homes listed with an agent. That difference can easily equal $50,000–$75,000 or more, far outweighing the cost of commission.
FSBO sales also make up only 6% of the market nationwide (an all-time low), showing how difficult it has become for sellers to succeed on their own.
The takeaway is clear: while FSBO may save commission upfront, many sellers ultimately net less money than if they had listed with a professional.
Limited Exposure. Without the MLS, your home misses out on being seen by thousands of buyers on Realtor.com, Zillow, and other major platforms. Fewer eyeballs means fewer offers.
Pricing Challenges. Online estimates like Zestimates are often tens of thousands of dollars off. Overpricing leads to stale listings, while underpricing leaves money behind.
Negotiation Pressure. Buyer’s agents negotiate every day. Sellers who go it alone often give up more than they should, or worse, lose the deal.
Paperwork & Legal Risk. Disclosures, inspections, deadlines, and contracts are critical. One missed detail could delay or derail your sale — or expose you to legal liability.
At Bay Realty Michigan, we understand you want flexibility and results. That’s why our Smart Seller Program is designed to put you in control while ensuring you don’t leave money on the table. Here’s how it works:
Your home goes on the MLS for maximum exposure.
You can still market it FSBO. If you find the buyer yourself, you pay no commission.
Total flexibility. Bay Realty Michigan includes “Sellers may terminate this contract at any time” in every listing agreement.
Risk free, no pressure. We hate contracts too, but as professionals we’re required to have them. That’s why ours are simple, flexible, and always seller-friendly.
You stay in control while gaining the marketing power and visibility of the MLS.
You get professional support when you need it — pricing advice, negotiation help, and transaction coordination.
You walk away with more money. Our program is designed to maximize your bottom line, not cut into it.
You can cancel anytime. You’re never locked in.
We know FSBO sellers are trying to make the smartest financial decision possible — and we respect that. But selling your home shouldn’t mean sacrificing your peace of mind or your profit. With Bay Realty Michigan’s Smart Seller Program, you get the flexibility of FSBO combined with the reach, expertise, and protection of a professional.
It’s the best of both worlds — and it’s risk free. Most importantly, it’s built to help you sell your home for the most money possible.
📞 Call us today at 989-385-1311 or 248-838-8564
🌐 Learn more here: Smart Seller Program