FSBO Checklist: Everything You Need Before Going Live on the MLS

Going FSBO means you're taking on the coordination an agent would normally handle. A little prep before your listing goes live makes the whole process smoother once buyers start reaching out.

1. Know Your Price

Have a defensible list price backed by recent comparable sales before you list — see our guide on how to price your home.

2. Gather Your Property Details

Square footage, lot size, year built, bedrooms/bathrooms, recent updates (roof, furnace, water heater, appliances), and any HOA information. The more complete and accurate this is, the fewer surprises later.

3. Take Good Photos

Photos are what get a buyer to click into your listing in the first place. Shoot during the day with natural light, declutter each room first, and capture every room plus the exterior, yard, and any standout features.

4. Line Up Your Disclosures

Most states require sellers to disclose known material defects to buyers. Start gathering this information early — see our overview of required seller disclosures.

5. Decide How Showings Will Work

Will you handle showing requests yourself, or use a scheduling tool? Many FSBO sellers add ShowingTime so agents can book showings without calling you directly.

6. Decide How Buyers Will Reach You

Once your listing syndicates to Zillow, Realtor.com, and other sites, buyers and agents will want a way to contact you. See how buyers contact sellers and consider whether call forwarding makes sense for you.

7. Think Through Buyer's Agent Commission

Decide up front whether, and how much, you're willing to offer a buyer's agent — see who pays the buyer's agent commission for how this works today.

8. Prep the Home Itself

Deep clean, declutter, handle minor repairs, and tidy up curb appeal. See our tips on staging on a budget.

9. List on the MLS

This is what actually gets your home in front of buyers and agents. Get started with a flat fee MLS listing for $99.