How to Buy a House for Sale by Owner

Most home sellers work with real estate agents to list and market their properties and negotiate with buyers. But about 7% of sellers skip hiring an agent and list their homes “for sale by owner,” or FSBO, according to a National Association of Realtors 2021 survey.

Buying a home “for sale by owner” means you, or you and your agent, will deal with the homeowner directly, rather than through a listing agent who represents the property owner. Here’s what to know.