How to Determine the Right Asking Price for Your FSBO Home
Ever wonder why some FSBO listings sell fast while others sit for months?
Imagine this...
You put your FSBO home on the market. Fresh paint. Staged to sell. You're feeling good. But weeks go by—no offers, no buzz, just crickets.
The culprit?
Your price is off.
Pricing a home is more strategy than guesswork—and as a FSBO seller, you're walking the line solo. But with the right tools, real-world tactics, and data-backed decisions, you can hit that sweet spot—and win big.
This guide breaks down how to confidently determine your asking price without an agent, using real-world examples, expert-level tools, and FSBO wisdom that could mean the difference between a fast, full-price offer or a stale listing.
Why Pricing Matters More in FSBO
Let’s be real: Most buyers today start their search online—filtering homes by price, location, and photos.
If your home doesn’t make the cut on price, you're invisible.
- Overpricing? You sit on the market too long, and buyers assume something's wrong.
- Underpricing? You risk leaving thousands on the table.
And unlike traditional sellers, you don’t have a listing agent constantly adjusting and advising. The good news? You don’t need one if you know how to price like a pro.
Start with Online Valuation Tools (But Don’t Stop There)
Platforms like Zillow Zestimate, Redfin Estimate, and Realtor.com offer quick ballpark figures based on public data—but they can be off by 5–15%, sometimes more.
Real Talk: One Wrong Click Could Cost You $50K
A Miami FSBO townhouse:
- Zillow Zestimate: $582,000
- Redfin Estimate: $605,000
- Sold Comps in Area (Past 3 Months): $615K–$635K
Had the seller relied on the Zestimate, they might’ve left $30K–$50K on the table.
Use these tools as a starting point—not your final number.
Pull Comps Like a Pro (aka DIY CMA)
A Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) is the gold standard agents use to price homes—and you can do it too.
Step 1: Search Homes Sold in the Last 3–6 Months
Look for:
- ✅ Same zip code or within 1–2 miles
- ✅ Similar size (±200 sq ft)
- ✅ Same number of beds/baths
- ✅ Similar condition and upgrades
Step 2: Adjust for Differences
- 💧 Pool? Add $15K–$30K
- 🔨 Upgraded kitchen? Add $10K–$20K
- 🚪 One less bathroom? Subtract $10K–$15K
Quick Tools to Pull Your Own Comps:
- Zillow → Filter “Sold” within 6 months
- Redfin → Use “Recently Sold” map view
- Realtor.com → Property history + neighborhood insights
- Propstream or PropertyRadar (for paid, investor-level data)
Example:
Selling a 3/2, 1,700 sq ft home in Orlando?
Your comps:
- 3/2, 1,680 sq ft — sold for $465K (no upgrades)
- 3/2, 1,750 sq ft — sold for $485K (new kitchen & floors)
- 3/2, 1,700 sq ft — sold for $475K (same condition as yours)
Your price? Likely around $475K.
Avoid These FSBO Pricing Traps
🚫 Pricing Emotionally
“But my kids took their first steps here…”
Sentimental value doesn’t pay the mortgage. Buyers only care about value on paper.
🚫 Copying Active Listings
Your neighbor might have listed at $525K—but what did homes actually sell for?
🚫 Leaving “Negotiation Room”
Thinking, “I’ll list high and leave room to negotiate”?
In today’s market, buyers scroll right past overpriced homes. You won’t even make the shortlist.
Should You Get an Appraisal First?
A professional appraisal typically costs $400–$600 and gives you an unbiased, third-party value of your home.
It’s smart if:
- You’re in a unique market
- You want proof for buyers
- You’re unsure about comps or upgrades
Some FSBO sellers even use the appraisal as backup during price negotiations.
Reassess if You Miss the Mark
📌 Listed for 2–3 weeks with showings but no offers? You might be slightly overpriced.
📌 Listed for a month with zero showings? It’s definitely off.
Pro Tip:
Make the adjustment early, not late. A well-timed drop can create urgency and even spark a bidding war if you hit the right number.
FAQs
❓ What if I get multiple offers—does that mean I underpriced?
Not necessarily. You might’ve priced perfectly and created a competitive edge.
❓ Can I raise my price if I get a lot of interest?
You can—but it might backfire. Better to set a deadline and review offers all at once.
❓ How do I know if my FSBO price is too high?
Crickets for 10–14 days? That’s your signal.
❓ Should I use the county tax assessment?
Nope. That’s for taxes—not for determining current market value.
Final Thoughts: Price Smart, Sell Fast
The right price attracts the right buyers. It builds momentum, creates urgency, and keeps you in control.
You don’t need a listing agent—you need a winning FSBO strategy.
Want to Price Like a Pro Without Paying Agent Fees?
My FSBO Power Play Course gives you the full roadmap—pricing, comps, negotiation, contracts, and more.
Save thousands. Win offers. Sell smart.
[Grab It Here]
Related Articles
📌 [What Does FSBO Mean? A Beginner’s Guide]
📌 [Avoid These Costly FSBO Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Sale]