Every year, buyers and sellers ask the same question: “Do I really need a REALTOR, or can I just do a For Sale By Owner?”

FSBOs (For Sale By Owner homes) can work in certain situations—but after years in real estate (and even before I was licensed), I can tell you they are very much a mixed bag. Some go smoothly. Others turn into expensive, stressful lessons.

Let’s talk honestly about why.

Before I was a licensed REALTOR, I worked as a loan officer alongside my husband, Roy. Over the years, we saw plenty of FSBO transactions—some were fine, and some were… not.

One situation really stuck with me.

Close personal friends of ours were buying their dream home. They had been searching for a while and finally found the one. It was a FSBO, and they were thrilled. The seller had an attorney draft the contract, and everything seemed fine on the surface.

Here’s the problem:
As loan officers, we could only advise on lending, not real estate contracts. We reviewed the paperwork and immediately noticed something was off.

Our friends believed the seller was contributing a certain amount toward their closing costs. But the way the contract was written, the contribution applied first to the seller’s closing costs, and only if anything was left over would it go toward the buyers’ costs.

That was not what they had agreed to—or at least not what they thought they had agreed to.

This put them in a real pickle. They were going to have to bring significantly more money to closing, and it was going to make the purchase much harder financially for them.

We repeatedly encouraged them to:

• Seek advice from a real estate attorney, or
• Hire a REALTOR to represent them

But because they loved the home so much, they chose to move forward anyway.

Today, as a licensed REALTOR, if I were representing them, I could clearly say:
“This is not what you agreed to. This contract does not protect you.”

At the time, we couldn’t.

When you are buying a FSBO, you don’t always know what you’re dealing with. Some sellers are great—organized, honest, and well-informed. Others:

• Don’t understand Texas real estate laws
• Use outdated or poorly written contracts
• Skip required disclosures
• Try to gain the upper hand (intentionally or not)

Texas real estate contracts, laws, and regulations change all the time. Many FSBO sellers don’t realize:

• A Seller’s Disclosure is required
• Certain timelines must be followed precisely
• Verbal agreements and emails can be legally binding

There was even a lawsuit a few years ago where neighbors negotiated a land sale through emails—no REALTORS involved. The seller later backed out, and the buyers sued… and won.

Good intentions don’t protect you in court. Proper representation does.

If you’re buying a FSBO, I strongly recommend at minimum hiring:

• A REALTOR to represent you, or
• A qualified real estate attorney

Someone whose sole job is to protect your interests.

Many sellers choose FSBO to “save on commission.” I get it—it sounds logical.

But here’s the reality:

• Most homes sell for more money when listed with a licensed REALTOR
• Pricing, marketing, negotiations, and legal compliance matter
• One mistake can cost far more than a commission

If you’re selling FSBO in Texas, you need to be very familiar with:

• Texas Property Code
• Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) requirements
• Disclosure laws
• Fair Housing laws
• Contract timelines and addenda

Missing just one of these can open the door to lawsuits, delays, or failed transactions.

Sometimes, yes—if you truly know your stuff.

But for most people, real estate is:

• One of the largest financial transactions of their life
• Something they don’t do often
• Not the place to “learn as you go”

Going it alone can work… but it can also go very wrong, very fast. FSBOs aren’t inherently bad—but they are risky without the right guidance. Whether you’re buying or selling:

• Representation protects you
• Experience matters
• Contracts are not “just paperwork”

A REALTOR isn’t just there to open doors—we’re there to:

• Catch issues before they become disasters
• Protect your money
• Keep your transaction legal, smooth, and on track

If you’re considering a FSBO—on either side of the transaction—I’m always happy to talk through your options and help you understand what you’re walking into before it becomes a problem.

Because in real estate, what you don’t know can hurt you.

If you are ready to make a move, contact me to learn more about your options. I can tell you more about the pros and cons of FSBO, and I can explain how we may be able to fully represent you for less, saving you $$$. 

Protecting your interests as a buyer or seller is important to us and we will fight to make sure your voice and needs are heard. To learn more, click on the button below to talk to me or one of our qualified agents. We look forward to hearing from you!