![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.
Developers, homebuyers and investors may be able to find a bargain in an Opportunity Zone.
Seattle offers easy access to water, mountains and numerous national parks. It’s also home to many huge and well-known corporations.
Price per square foot is a useful metric for home pricing, but it does not necessarily reflect a home’s fair market value.
What are contingent listings, and are they still worth looking at when you’re searching for a new home?
Consistently voted one of the best places to live in the U.S., Austin receives top marks for its quality of life and job prospects, among other factors.
Price and location aren’t the only factors when buying a home. Its age might be just as important.
Buying a home that’s for sale by its owner can be complicated. Follow these guidelines when buying a FSBO property.
Buying a home that includes every single item on your wish list is a tough goal to achieve — compromises almost always have to be made.