![Image of a front lawn with a "For Sale By Owner" sign](https://www.bankrate.com/2022/05/12113748/Homes_What-is-FSBO_.jpg?auto=webp&fit=crop&width=230&height=150)
FSBO meaning: For sale by owner, explained
Depending on whom you ask, the FSBO model can either save money or cost you even more.
Hire a real estate attorney for any home sale or purchase, even if your state doesn’t require you to. The contracts are complex, and the stakes are high — it’s worth the extra cost to make sure everything is legally buttoned-down.
— Michele Petry
Michele Petry is a senior editor for Bankrate, leading the site’s real estate content since January 2022. Before joining Bankrate she was a writer and editor for StreetEasy, Zillow’s New York City real estate site. Before that, she amassed 20 years of experience on staff at national magazines, honing her skills editing home-based content at House Beautiful, Elle Decor and Veranda (among other titles). Michele earned her journalism degree from Syracuse University’s Newhouse School of Public Communications and is a member of the Society for Advancing Business Editing and Writing (SABEW). She lives in Manhattan.
Buying your first home is scary, stressful and thrilling all at once. I couldn’t believe a bank was willing to lend a young, clueless me what seemed at the time like SO. MUCH. MONEY. The fact that it was a New York City co-op apartment, with all the esoteric rules and nerve-racking interviews that includes, made it even more surreal. I know firsthand how important it is to have a knowledgeable real estate agent to guide you through the journey — mine specialized in my neighborhood, knew the building I was buying in specifically, and saved me from making a million naive missteps. I’m happy to use my experience and skills to help others achieve the dream of homeownership.
Hire a real estate attorney for any home sale or purchase, even if your state doesn’t require you to. The contracts are complex, and the stakes are high — it’s worth the extra cost to make sure everything is legally buttoned-down.
— Michele Petry
Depending on whom you ask, the FSBO model can either save money or cost you even more.
When a home is for sale, an open house can bring in as many potential buyers as possible.
Counter-offers are a key part of the real estate negotiation process.
Should you buy a home? Or keep renting? We weigh the pros and cons of each.
Selling a home is complicated enough without having to worry about a lien. Here’s what to know.
Buying land is different than buying a house.
Be prepared for closing day with this checklist.
The term single-family home seems self-explanatory, but there’s more to it than you think.
There are ways to speed up this often-slow process — here’s what you need to know.
The Fed again held steady with no new rate hike at its second meeting of 2024.
What to know about the many “we buy houses” companies in Washington.
The cost of buying a house goes far beyond just the mortgage payment.
All Realtors are real estate agents or brokers — but not all agents or brokers are Realtors.
12 of the most crucial questions to ask a Realtor when buying a house.
Need to sell your Oregon house fast? You have several options.
Flipped houses look dazzling on the surface, but new finishes can sometimes mask shoddy work.