
If you’re a homeowner in New York looking to sell your property fast, you may feel overwhelmed by the complications of the traditional home-selling process. With closing costs, commission fees, and endless paperwork, it’s easy to see why so many people are exploring alternatives. If you’re ready to sell quickly and avoid all the typical hassles, selling without a realtor might be the right choice. Whether you’re trying to sell your house fast in Queens New York, or anywhere else in the state, this blog will guide you through the process of selling your home without an agent, outline the benefits, and show you how you can sell quickly while keeping more money in your pocket.
The Traditional Route: Why It’s Time to Rethink Selling Your Home with a Realtor
When you hire a realtor in New York to list your home, you’re committing to paying hefty commission fees, typically around 5-6% of the sale price. That’s a substantial amount of your home’s value that could go directly into your pocket instead of the agent’s. In addition, you’ll often face other costs, such as closing costs and the time it takes to wait for a buyer. Plus, there are inevitable delays in opening houses and the possibility of your home sitting on the market for months.
However, selling your house without a realtor, otherwise known as For Sale By Owner, gives you carry out control over the sale. This can be especially useful if you want to sell quickly and avoid paying agent fees and the long waiting periods typically associated with traditional sales.
How to Sell Your House Without a Realtor in New York

Selling a house without a realtor in New York isn’t as difficult as you may think. When you sell your home on your own, you’ll take care of a few main things—getting your home listed, finding buyers, and handling the paperwork yourself.
Step 1: Prepare Your House for Sale
Before you list your home, it’s a good idea to pause and consider if any repairs or updates are needed. But don’t stress too much—if you’re selling to cash buyers, you often don’t have to fix a thing. If you’re working with cash home buyers in New York, you can sell your place as-is, without stressing over things like leaks, broken appliances, or outdated décor.
But if you’re planning to list your home on your own, it’s important to make a good impression. this often means fixing up small things, doing a deep clean, and making sure the outside of your home looks welcoming. you don’t have to do everything perfectly, but the nicer your home feels, the faster it’s likely to sell.
Step 2: List Your Home
When selling homes without a realtor, you can still list your home for sale, but you won’t be able to access the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) unless you work with a flat-fee service or a realtor offering MLS access. Instead, you’ll need to list your home across real estate sites, social networks, and more places potential buyers frequently visit.
You can also advertise “For Sale” signs and hand out flyers in your neighborhood to increase visibility. The goal is to get as many potential buyers as possible to see your listing.
Step 3: Show Your Home to Buyers
Once you’ve listed your home, you’ll need to handle showings. Unlike when you hire a realtor in New York, you don’t have to schedule open houses or wait for an agent to show the home. You completely control when and how often potential buyers come to view your property.
Schedule private showings at times that are convenient for you. Be flexible, but keep in mind that the more people visiting your home, the more likely you are to find a buyer quickly.
Step 4: Negotiate and Close the Deal
After showing your home to potential buyers, you’ll receive offers. One of the most significant advantages of selling your house without an agent is that you can negotiate directly with the buyer. You won’t need to deal with an agent who takes a cut of your profit, and you can discuss terms that suit your needs.
Once you agree on a price, you’ll need to handle the legal aspects of the transaction. You can work with an attorney to ensure all the paperwork for sale by the owner (FSBO) is in order and avoid legal issues. Alternatively, some buyers—especially cash home buyers—may help with the paperwork and streamline the entire process for you.
The Pros of Selling a House by Owner in New York

Save on Commission Fees
By selling your home directly, you can avoid paying hefty real estate agent commissions—often up to 6% of the sale price. That’s money you can keep, which is especially helpful if you need every dollar to move on quickly.
Quick Sale
If you’re a motivated seller looking to close fast, going the FSBO (For Sale By Owner) route can dramatically speed things up. Working with cash home buyers in New York can get you to the closing table in as little as 7 to 14 days—perfect if you’re facing foreclosure, relocating, or financial hardship.
Full Control
Selling on your own gives you complete control over the process. You can set your price, schedule showings based on availability, and negotiate directly with buyers. This is ideal for motivated sellers who want to move quickly and make decisions without delays.
No Additional Fees
In many FSBO and cash transactions, buyers cover closing costs—meaning you won’t be hit with extra fees at the last minute. You keep more of the money from the sale.
Sell As-Is
Motivated sellers often don’t have time or resources to make repairs. Many direct buyers in New York are willing to purchase properties in “as-is” condition, saving you time, stress, and renovation costs.
Avoid Appraisal or Financing Delays
choosing a cash buyer means fewer worries and a faster process. A bank appraisal or the buyer’s loan falling through. That’s one less obstacle, which is great for sellers on a tight timeline.
Flexible Terms
Some buyers will work with you on a flexible closing date, leaseback option, or other terms that fit your situation—giving you time to transition smoothly.
Why Selling Without a Realtor Might Be the Right Choice for You
If you want to sell your house quickly and keep more of the proceeds, selling without a realtor can be an excellent option. You can avoid commission fees, closing costs, and long waiting periods. Plus, you can skip the hassle of showings, open houses, and inspections.
However, if you’re looking for a fast, reliable, and hassle-free experience, working with cash home buyers in New York could be your best bet. cash buyers will buy your home just the way it is, so there’s no need to stress over repairs or getting it ready for showings.
At Fair Offer NY, we buy homes in any condition, and we can close quickly, often in as little as 7-10 days. Our buying process is transparent and straightforward, and we will work with you to create a solution that fits your needs.
If you’re ready to sell your home without the stress and expense of working with a realtor, visit us at Fair Offer NY today. Let us make a fair cash offer for your home and help you sell your house quickly. Visit our website to learn more and kick off your hassle-free home sale today!