The Benefits of Using a Realtor vs. Selling by Owner in Texas
Whether you're moving to a new city, downsizing, or upgrading to something bigger, a question will hit you: Do I hire a realtor or go the “For Sale By Owner” (FSBO) route?

This is where things get interesting! Let’s break down the pros and cons of each, so you can decide what’s best for you.
Overview
There are a lot of perks using a realtor, especially if you want to sell your home fast. Though the FSBO route has its merits, a lot of studies says that hiring a professional real estate agency would be beneficial if you want to make a sell in a snap.

What's the real deal of realtors?
Here’s a stat to kick things off: According to the National Association of Realtors, homes sold by realtors go for an average of 16% more than homes sold by owners. That’s right—16%! That's like having an extra cushion of cash just for using a realtor, and that's whether you want to sell your home in cash or not.

Realtors also take care of all the details like paperwork, contracts, negotiations, and legal stuff. Let’s be honest, if you’re not a fan of legal jargon or spending your weekends filling out forms, this is a big plus.
What are the key benefits of using a realtor?
- Experience and Expertise: Realtors have the experience to price your home right. They’ll look at recent sales in your area, evaluate the condition of your home, and set a competitive price.
- Marketing Power: Realtors have access to the MLS (Multiple Listing Service), meaning your home will be seen by thousands of potential buyers and other agents. That’s exposure you can’t get with a simple yard sign if you decided to sell your home alone.

- Negotiation Skills: A realtor can negotiate on your behalf to get the best deal. Selling a home can be an emotional rollercoaster, and having a professional handle the negotiations can save you from saying, “Sure, I’ll drop the price another $10,000…” in a moment of stress.
- Legal Protection: They handle all the contracts, disclosures, and paperwork. One mistake on a form could cost you a lot more than the commission fees!
For Sale By Owner (FSBO) – Is It Worth It?
Now, if you’re someone who likes to take control and do things yourself, FSBO might appeal to you. Selling your home by yourself can save you from paying realtor commissions (which typically range from 5-6% of the sale price).

But here’s the catch—saving on realtor fees doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll pocket more at the end of the sale. According to Zillow, homes sold by owners tend to go for around 11% less than those sold by realtors. That’s quite a difference!
You might save on commission, but you might lose more in the overall sale price.
The Perks of FSBO
- No Commission Fees: This is the big one. If your home sells for $300,000, you could save up to $18,000 in commissions.
- Total Control: You’re the boss. You decide the price, marketing strategy, and who gets to walk through your house. There’s no middleman.
- Direct Communication with Buyers: Some sellers like negotiating directly with buyers. It feels more personal, and you might find common ground faster.But selling by owner also comes with a lot of work, and it’s not for the faint-hearted.
But selling by owner also comes with a lot of work, and it’s not for the faint-hearted.
Realtor vs. FSBO: The Real Costs
Let’s break this down with some simple numbers. Say your home is worth $350,000.
Realtor’s Fee
At 6%, you’d be paying $21,000 in commissions. That sounds steep, right? But remember, they’re likely to sell your house for top dollar, and after all the costs and negotiations, you’ll probably come out ahead.
FSBO Costs
You save the commission, but you may have to handle marketing costs, legal fees, and the potential risk of selling for less. Plus, if your home sits on the market longer, it could mean more carrying costs (like taxes, insurance, and utilities). A home that sits unsold for months can actually cost you more in the long run.
According to the National Association of Realtors, 89% of all home sales are handled by realtors. That leaves just 11% for FSBO. It seems like most people aren’t willing to take the risk of going solo.
Selling Fast: Which option is quicker?
Let’s be real—no one wants their home to sit on the market for months. If you’re looking to sell your home fast in Texas, hiring a realtor might be your best bet. Realtors have access to a wide network of buyers and other agents, which can significantly speed up the sale process.

According to a study by Collateral Analytics, homes sold with realtors sell 20 days faster on average than FSBO homes. In today’s market, where speed matters, those 20 days can feel like a lifetime.
Our Take: Realtor or FSBO?
If you want a quick, smooth, and profitable sale, using a realtor like Terra Digital Realty is probably your best move. Yes, you’ll pay commission fees, but with the higher sale price and fewer headaches, it’s worth the investment in most cases. They take care of the details, and you can sit back and wait for the offers to roll in.
But, if you’re confident, enjoy a challenge, and have the time to spare, FSBO can be a rewarding experience. Just be ready to wear a lot of hats: marketer, negotiator, legal expert, and tour guide.
Conclusion
In the end, the choice is yours. Whatever you decide, just make sure you weigh the pros and cons carefully. After all, selling a home is one of the biggest financial transactions of your life—it’s worth taking the time to do it right!