If you’re preparing to sell your home and looking for ways to keep more of your proceeds, you may be researching how to sell your house by owner in Washington, DC.

Selling your DC home without a real estate agent (for sale by owner or FSBO) can help you avoid paying a listing agent’s commission. However, it also means taking on full responsibility for the sale — and it comes with risks if you’re unfamiliar with the process.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through seven key steps for selling your Washington, DC home by owner, along with important tips, legal considerations, and alternatives if FSBO starts to feel overwhelming.

Why Washington, DC homeowners consider selling by owner

Washington, DC, homeowners who choose FSBO are typically looking to save money on agent commissions, primarily the listing agent’s portion, which is often around 2.5% to 3% of the sale price.

Some sellers are also drawn to the control FSBO offers. Selling by owner allows you to:

• Set your own listing and final selling price
• Communicate directly with potential buyers
• Manage all showings and negotiations as you see fit

That said, FSBO sales are relatively uncommon. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), only about 5% of home sales are sell-by-owner transactions, and many involve buyers and sellers who already know each other, such as family members.