How Do I Sell My House in California Without a Realtor?
Selling your house without a realtor in California isn’t rocket science. But it does take planning, some paperwork, and a clear idea of what steps to follow. Whether you're trying to avoid agent commissions or just prefer to stay in control, this guide will walk you through the process, fast, clean, and straight to the point.
Know Why You’re Going Solo
Start by understanding why you’re skipping the agent. For most, it’s the commission. A typical realtor takes 5–6% of your sale price. That’s \$30,000 on a \$500,000 home. If you’re looking to pocket more from the sale or want total control over the deal, doing it yourself makes sense.
That said, you’re now the marketer, negotiator, paperwork handler, and tour guide. Know what you’re signing up for.
Step 1: Set the Right Price
This step is where most solo sellers trip up. Don’t guess. Don’t use Zillow’s Zestimate like gospel either. Use recent comps. Look at homes that sold in the last 3 months in your zip code, similar size, condition, and features. Check public records or use Redfin for a clearer view.
You want to price it just below market value. Not too low, not too high. Just low enough to generate demand and avoid sitting on the market too long.
Pro tip: List it at \$499,000 instead of \$500,000. Buyers shop with filters, and this helps you appear in more searches.
Step 2: Prepare the House
You’re not staging a model home, but it shouldn’t look like a frat house either. Clean it. Patch holes. Mow the lawn. If it smells like old gym socks, fix that. You don’t need to remodel the kitchen, but decluttering, fresh paint, and good lighting go a long way.
- A few low-cost tweaks that help:
- Swap out outdated light fixtures
- Tighten loose cabinet doors
- Add mulch to the front yard
Make it look like you’ve taken care of it even if you didn’t always.
Step 3: Take Photos That Don’t Suck
You can’t sell a house if no one wants to see it. And no one wants to see blurry cell phone pics from 2013. Use natural light. Shoot during the day. Clean the lens. Use landscape mode. If your hands shake like you’ve had six espressos, use a tripod or hire a pro. Some pros charge \$100–\$200. Worth it.
Your goal is to make people stop scrolling.
Include these shots:
- Front of the house (no cars)
- Living room
- Kitchen
- Master bedroom
- Bathrooms
- Backyard
Bonus points if you include a video walkthrough.
Step 4: Write the Listing Description
Keep it tight. Skip the fluff. Nobody cares that your house is “cozy” or has “charm.” That’s code for “small” and “needs work.”
Start with key facts:
- Number of beds/baths
- Square footage
- Lot size
Location benefits (close to freeway, top schools, etc.)
Then hit upgrades if any:
- New roof (2022)
- HVAC replaced (2021)
- Dual-pane windows
Schedule your showing today.
Step 5: List Your Property Online
California has multiple listing options. You don’t need access to the MLS (though it helps), but your house needs exposure.
Start with:
- Zillow
- Redfin
- Realtor.com
- Facebook Marketplace
- Craigslist (yes, still works)
Use a flat-fee MLS service if you want extra exposure, usually \$99 to \$500. This gets your property in front of buyer agents without paying a full listing commission.
Just note: If an agent brings you a buyer, they’ll still expect their side of the commission, typically 2.5–3%.
Step 6: Show the Property
This is where you act like an agent, without the blazer. Be available. The more flexible you are, the faster your house sells. Weekend showings are gold. Evening showings are underrated.
Before each showing:
- Open blinds
- Turn on all lights
- Wipe down counters
- Hide the laundry pile
Don’t hover. Let buyers walk around freely. If they ask questions, answer honestly but don’t overshare. This isn’t a confession.
Step 7: Handle the Offers
You’ll get emails, texts, and maybe even a fax (yes, still a thing). When you get an offer, read it carefully. Price isn’t the only thing that matters. Look at:
- Contingencies (inspection, appraisal, financing)
- Closing date
- Buyer type (cash is faster, financed is more common)
- Requested repairs or credits
Negotiate with confidence. You don’t need to say yes to the first offer. Counter smartly. Know your bottom line and stick to it.
Step 8: Hire a Real Estate Attorney or Escrow Company
Unless you enjoy legal paperwork, don’t do this part alone. California law doesn’t require an attorney, but it’s smart to use one or hire a professional escrow company. They’ll handle:
Contract details
- Title transfer
- Closing documents
- Funds disbursement
You don’t want to mess up paperwork on a six-figure deal.
Step 9: Disclosures Matter
This is California. You must disclose everything. Cracked foundation? Say it. Past water damage? Disclose. Loud neighbor with a garage band? Yep, even that.
Use the California Transfer Disclosure Statement (TDS) and the Seller Property Questionnaire (SPQ). Failing to disclose can cost you later. Don’t risk a lawsuit to hide a squeaky pipe.
Step 10: Close the Deal
Once everything’s signed, the title company or escrow agent takes it from here. The buyer wires funds. The deed gets recorded. You hand over the keys.
Congrats you just sold your house without a realtor and didn’t lose 6% to commissions.
Pros and Cons Recap
Pros:
- Save tens of thousands in commission
- Control your own timeline
- Direct communication with buyers
Cons:
- Time-consuming
- Legal liability
- You do all the heavy lifting
But if you’re organized, realistic, and follow the steps, it’s doable.
FAQ
Q. Can I sell my house without a realtor and still get full price?
Yes, especially if the market’s hot. But pricing right and marketing well is key.
Q. Is it legal to sell a house on my own in California?
Absolutely. FSBO (For Sale By Owner) is 100% legal in all parts of California.
Q. Do I need a real estate attorney?
Not legally, but it helps avoid costly mistakes, especially with contracts and disclosures.
Q. What if I get stuck during the process?
You can always bring in a pro (agent, attorney, escrow company) at any point. You're not locked in.
Q. How fast can I sell without a realtor?
It depends on price, condition, and marketing. But motivated sellers can close in 30 days or less, especially with a cash buyer.
It depends on price, condition, and marketing. But motivated sellers can close in 30 days or less, especially with a cash buyer.
Selling solo in California isn’t for everyone. But if you’re looking to keep more of your equity and don’t mind a little hustle, it’s one way to take control of your home sale, without the middleman.
