Real Estate and Home Selling Questions (FAQ) - ByOwner.com

ByOwner helps homeowners save thousands in commissions, gain full MLS visibility, plus nationwide exposure, and stay in complete control of their sale. You set the price, manage communication, and close the deal- all with transparent, flat-fee pricing.

Yes! ByOwner’s MLS package ensures your listing appears on major real estate websites like Zillow, Realtor.com, Trulia, Redfin, and Homes.com, reaching millions of active buyers- just like a traditional agent listing.

Homeowners typically save $10,000–$20,000 or more by avoiding the traditional 6% agent commission. ByOwner’s packages start at just $95 for FSBO and $195 for MLS listings.

Absolutely. ByOwner’s team offers customer support, professional consultation, and access to state-specific contracts and disclosures. You can also add optional services like yard signs, photography, and showing coordination.

Not at all! ByOwner provides all the tools you need- listing templates, MLS paperwork, and free seller resources. Plus, our step-by-step FSBO eBook walks you through pricing, marketing, negotiations, and closing coordination.

If you choose the ByOwner only option, you will go live immediately. With the MLS package, once you complete your listing details and any required MLS forms, your home can go live within 24 hours, or the next business day.

No. ByOwner follows a completely transparent pricing structure- you pay only the flat listing fee. Some MLS listings may include a small closing fee (as little as 0.25%) that’s clearly stated upfront. No surprises.

Offering a buyer’s agent commission (usually 1–3%) is optional, but recommended for wider visibility. Many sellers still choose to offer it, yet they still save thousands compared to the traditional 6% total commission.

ByOwner has been helping homeowners sell smarter since 1996, offering nationwide coverage, transparent pricing, and proven results. Thousands of sellers have successfully closed deals while keeping more of their equity.

No, there are absolutely no hidden fees when using ByOwner.com. Our pricing structure is completely transparent:

We charge a low upfront fee to post your listing
Some of our packages include a small fee at closing to cover our costs
All fees are clearly stated before you make any commitment

Our listing packages may vary from state to state to accommodate different regional requirements. To see the specific pricing options available in your area, click here to view our pricing page.

We believe in complete transparency, allowing you to make informed decisions about selling your home without worrying about unexpected costs.

When selling your house by owner, you'll need various legal documents to complete the transaction properly. ByOwner.com provides all the necessary paperwork, including:

Purchase agreements
Disclosure forms
Property transfer documents
Closing statements

If you need help understanding or completing these documents, we can connect you with a local title company or attorney who specializes in real estate transactions. This ensures your sale proceeds smoothly while meeting all legal requirements in your area.

Your home is in MLS typically within 24 hours of you completing the MLS paperwork.

Your home will show up in Zillow and Trulia typically within 24-48 hours of you completing the MLS paperwork.

You can make changes to your listing or cancel it at any time. MLS listings may include a cancellation fee. Check your listing agreement for details.

Yes you can. You can start your ad today and come back to finish it at any time. So if you're not ready for your home to go live yet, or haven't finished taking your photos, ...no problem. Just save it and finish it later.

The short answer is no, but it is highly recommended to offer a fee to a Buyer’s Agent. See FAQ 10 Have questions? Click here or call us at 800-296-9637.

While it is not mandatory, there are several compelling reasons why offering a commission to a buyer's agent remains a smart strategy for sellers:

1. Attracting More Buyers: Offering a commission to buyer's agents can increase the visibility of your property. Agents are more likely to show homes to their clients that offer competitive commissions, as it’s a key factor in their livelihood. By offering a commission, you’re incentivizing agents to bring qualified buyers to your property, potentially speeding up the sale process.


2. Standing Out in the Market: In a competitive real estate market, where buyers have many options, offering a commission to buyer's agents can make your property stand out. It signals to agents that you’re serious about selling and willing to invest in the process, which can give your home an edge over others that do not offer such incentives.


3. Maximizing Your Sale Price: A well-compensated buyer's agent is motivated to negotiate the best deal on behalf of their clients while ensuring the transaction goes smoothly. This can help maximize the final sale price and reduce the likelihood of complications during the closing process. An agent with a clear financial incentive is likely to work harder to finalize the deal.


4. Building Goodwill and Cooperation: Real estate transactions are complex and often involve multiple parties. Offering a commission fosters goodwill and cooperation between the buyer’s and seller’s agents, which can lead to a smoother and faster sale. It also reduces the risk of disputes or misunderstandings that could delay the transaction.


5. Meeting Buyer Expectations: Many buyers expect their agents to be compensated by the seller, as this has been the industry norm for years. Offering a commission aligns with these expectations, making your property more attractive to potential buyers who prefer this traditional arrangement.

Note: Commissions are not mandated by law and can be freely negotiated between the Seller and the Broker in listing agreements. It is the Sellers responsibility to notify the Selling Office (Buyers Agent), of their offer of compensation. No offers of commission will be allowed in the MLS.

Summary: While the new ruling allows for more flexibility and negotiation in how commissions are handled, offering a buyer's agent a commission can still be a strategic move that benefits sellers. It can enhance the marketability of your property, attract more potential buyers, and help you achieve a successful sale at the best possible price.

The recent ruling on real estate commissions introduces significant changes to how buyer's agents are compensated. Traditionally, the seller's agent would offer a portion of their commission to the buyer's agent. However, under the new rules, the process is more transparent, allowing for greater negotiation and clarity.

Here’s what you need to know:

1. Transparency in Commission Disclosure: Sellers and their agents must now clearly disclose the commission being offered to the buyer's agent. This information must be made available to potential buyers early in the home-buying process, typically through MLS listings or other marketing materials.


2. Negotiability of Commissions: The ruling emphasizes that commissions are negotiable. Buyers can now have open discussions with their agents about the commission rates and structure. This could lead to different commission agreements depending on the services provided by the buyer's agent.


3. Direct Payment Options: In some cases, buyers may have the option to pay their agent directly, rather than having the seller cover the buyer's agent's commission. This approach can lead to more personalized service agreements and potentially lower overall costs.


4. Impact on Buyer Representation: The new ruling encourages transparency and competition, potentially benefiting buyers by giving them more control over the services they receive and how they compensate their agents. It’s important for buyers to understand the terms of any commission agreement with their agent to ensure it aligns with their expectations and financial plans.

Note: Commissions are not mandated by law and can be freely negotiated between the Seller and the Broker in listing agreements. It is the Sellers responsibility to notify the Selling Office (Buyers Agent), of their offer of compensation. No offers of commission will be allowed in the MLS.

There are a few ways to communicate the commission you're offering to a buyer's agent:

1. Specify in the Listing Agreement: When you sign a listing agreement with your real estate agent, the commission rate offered to the buyer's agent will be specified in the contract.


2. Direct Communication: If you are not listing your property on the MLS or are working in a private sale scenario, you can directly inform buyer's agents of the commission you're offering. This can be done through email, during negotiations, or when an agent reaches out with interest in your property.


3. Marketing Materials: You can also include commission details in any marketing materials or property brochures you distribute. While this is less common, it can be useful in certain situations, especially in off-market or private sales.


4. During Appointment Coordination: When a buyer's agent contacts you to schedule an appointment to view your home, this is another opportunity to confirm or remind them of the commission being offered. The amount should match the stated amount in your listing agreement. Clear communication at this stage ensures that the agent is fully informed before bringing their client to your property.

By clearly communicating the commission you're offering, you increase the likelihood of buyer's agents bringing interested and qualified buyers to your property.

Note: Commissions are not mandated by law and can be freely negotiated between the Seller and the Broker in listing agreements. It is the Sellers responsibility to notify the Selling Office (Buyers Agent), of their offer of compensation. No offers of commission will be allowed in the MLS.

If you decide to offer a commission to a Buyer's Agent who brings you an acceptable offer, the commission amount will be deducted from your proceeds at closing. This payment is typically handled by the title company or closing attorney, so you won't need to pay the agent directly. We suggest offering 1-3% of the selling price as a commission to the Buyer's Agent. However, you still have the option to sell your home on your own without incurring any additional brokerage or Buyer’s Agent fees.

Your home will show up in Zillow and Trulia typically within 24 hours of you completing the MLS paperwork.

You can make changes to your listing or cancel it at any time. Please use the contact us link and include the address of your listing you'd like to cancel. Click here

Your phone number is on ByOwner.com, BUyowner.com and yes, your phone number can be included in the MLS system, but it will not be publicly visible to the general public. Instead, it will be accessible to cooperating brokers and agents who are working with buyers to find a property. They will contact you directly with offers and showing requests. This is because MLS systems prohibit the inclusion of direct contact information for sellers in public comments. However, the listing agent will still be able to refer buyers and cooperating agents directly to you.

Your listing is for 6 months. In some areas your listing can be extended. Call to see if your area qualifies. 800-296-9637

We add your listing to ByOwner.com, ByOwnerMLS, a local MLS system, Trulia, Google, Zillow, MSN and many other highly trafficked websites. This exposes your property available to tens of millions of potential buyers.

Yes, to get your property in MLS it is requirement to have a signed listing agreement. You still maintain your right to lease your home yourself without paying an additional fee.

The main advantage of ByOwner.com is its nationwide coverage. You get local MLS access and listed on major sites like Zillow and Realtor.com for a low fee. And you will save money by avoiding real estate commissions using our Flat Fee Service Package.

When buying a home directly from an owner (FSBO), buyers are protected by seller disclosure laws (varies by state), title searches, and the option to purchase title insurance to prevent ownership disputes. Home inspections and contingencies in the purchase agreement (such as appraisal and financing contingencies) provide further safeguards. Funds are typically held in escrow until closing, ensuring a secure transaction. Misrepresentation or fraud by the seller can lead to legal recourse under state consumer protection laws. Always review contracts carefully and consider consulting a real estate attorney for added protection.

As an example, on a $300,000 home, you can save $17501. Here is how: In traditional sales, sellers often pay a 6% commission, split between the listing and buyer’s agents. Both fees add up to $18,000 ($9,000 each). However, with ByOwner, you skip the listing agent’s 3% fee ($9,000). You may still offer to pay 0-3% for a buyer’s agent if involved. If you choose not to, you pay only the upfront listing fee and a small fee at closing, up to one quarter of one percent. (.25 of 1%)

We currently operate in over 40 states (and growing), you can review our licensing here.

Yes, if you upgrade from a ByOwner only ad to an MLS ad, you will only be charged the difference if your ad has not expired.

Listing your rental is simple. Choose a rental plan, upload photos, set your rent and terms, and your property goes live on ByOwner.com immediately or with an MLS package your home can go live within 24 hours, or the next business day. Renters can contact you directly — no middlemen, no commissions.

No. ByOwner is a commission-free rental platform. You pay only a small flat listing fee, which gives your property nationwide exposure and access to potential renters.

Yes. Your ByOwner rental listing can be syndicated to top rental sites such as Zillow, Trulia, Realtor.com, and Apartments.com, depending on your chosen plan — helping you reach thousands of renters.

Many landlords find qualified tenants within days or weeks, depending on price, photos, and market demand. ByOwner’s rental listings receive strong local and national visibility to speed up the process.

You can list apartments, houses, condos, townhomes, vacation homes, and rooms for rent. ByOwner supports both long-term leases and short-term vacation rentals.

Yes! Renters can message property owners directly through the ByOwner platform, ensuring transparent communication and faster decisions without agent interference.

No hidden fees. All pricing is flat and transparent, with clear terms shown upfront. You’ll only pay the listing fee you select — no commissions or surprise costs later.

Yes. You have full control over your listing. You can edit details, change pricing, update photos, or deactivate your listing whenever you want through your ByOwner dashboard.

ByOwner helps you save thousands in management and leasing fees while keeping you in full control of your property. With 20+ years of experience and a large renter audience, it’s the smarter, cost-effective way to manage your rentals.

If you are in an area where we have MLS coverage, you will pay a onetime fee with ByOwner to list your home. There is NO OTHER FEES, however we encourage you to offer a fee to other real estate brokers to entice them to bring you a tenant . We recommend 5-10% of the annual lease amount, but give you full control to set your own rate. (you can still rent it on your own and pay no additional fees) Have questions? Click here

Rates can fluctuate daily or even multiple times a day based on market conditions, inflation, and Federal Reserve policies. Checking updated rates regularly ensures you don’t miss a better deal.

Key factors include your credit score, down payment, loan amount, loan type, property location, and overall market trends. Lenders adjust rates based on risk and economic indicators.

• Fixed-rate mortgages have a stable interest rate for the entire loan term.
• Adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) start with a lower initial rate but can change periodically.
  Fixed-rate loans offer predictability, while ARMs may save you more short-term.

Even a 0.25% rate difference can increase or decrease your total loan cost by thousands of dollars over time. Comparing rates ensures you find the most affordable option for your budget.

Your rate depends on personal financial details — credit history, income, loan term, and property type. You can use ByOwner’s Mortgage Calculator or Pre-Approval tool to estimate your rate.

Lock your rate when market trends and personal finances align. Many experts suggest locking when rates are at a six-month low or before a major Fed policy announcement.

Yes. You can refinance your mortgage to take advantage of lower rates, though you should factor in closing costs and how long you plan to stay in your home.

ByOwner partners with trusted mortgage lenders and financial tools to help you compare real-time rates, estimate payments, and get pre-approved — all in one place.

Simply enter your state and loan details in the ByOwner Mortgage Rate Comparison Tool to view live rates from multiple lenders and start saving instantly.

It shows how different loan amounts, rates, or terms affect your monthly payments, helping you budget confidently and choose the most affordable mortgage.

The calculator provides reliable estimates, but your actual payment may vary slightly depending on lender fees, insurance, property taxes, and credit profile.

Key factors include the loan amount, interest rate, loan term, property taxes, insurance, and down payment. Even small changes in rates or terms can affect affordability.

Yes! You can easily adjust property taxes, homeowners insurance, and HOA fees in the calculator to get a complete picture of your expected monthly cost.

While this calculator estimates payments, you can use ByOwner’s Home Affordability Calculator to understand what price range fits your income and budget.

Absolutely. The tool works for new purchases, refinancing, or investment homes, letting you compare payment scenarios across property types.

You can lower payments by making a larger down payment, choosing a longer loan term, or finding a lower interest rate through ByOwner’s mortgage comparison tools.

No. ByOwner’s mortgage calculator is completely free and credit-safe — it doesn’t involve a credit check or affect your credit score in any way.

Yes! Once you’ve estimated your payment, you can use ByOwner’s “Get Pre-Approved” tool to compare lender offers and lock in your best rate.

It analyzes your annual income, monthly debts, loan term, down payment, and interest rate to calculate an affordable home value aligned with lender guidelines.

Most experts recommend that your total housing cost (including mortgage, taxes, and insurance) shouldn’t exceed 28–30% of your gross monthly income.

A higher down payment reduces your loan amount and monthly payments, helping you qualify for a larger home or secure a better interest rate.

Yes. The calculator includes estimated taxes and insurance in the total monthly payment, giving you a realistic budget for your new home.

Absolutely. You can combine household incomes (for couples or co-buyers) to calculate a shared home affordability estimate.

The calculator gives strong estimates, but for exact loan limits, you can use ByOwner’s Get Pre-Approved Tool to receive a verified pre-approval from lenders.

You can update your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) anytime. Reducing debt improves affordability and helps you qualify for a higher loan amount.

No. ByOwner’s affordability calculator is 100% free and doesn’t require a credit check, so you can experiment risk-free.

Once you know your ideal home price range, explore homes for sale on ByOwner.com or connect with a trusted lender to start your pre-approval process.