What are the biggest sell by owner websites?

ForSaleByOwner.com

Believe it or not, ForSaleByOwner.com has been around for over two decades—well before the majority of today's sell by owner websites came to be. Their longevity is not only a testament to their reputation, it also positions them favorably in terms of site traffic, as they have gained authority with search engines over the years. This is good news for both buyers and sellers as the constant flow of traffic ensures there's great potential for many people to view the listings.

However, despite the high traffic volume that ForSaleByOwner.com generates each month, it is only people who visit ForSaleByOwner.com that will see your listing, as ForSaleByOwner.com properties are not populated on the MLS.

Additionally, ForSaleByOwner.com does not enable buyer's agent commission. While this seems like it could be a benefit to keep costs down, in actuality it could limit exposure to your listing, because agent's aren't incentivized to show ForSaleByOwner.com listings to their clients.

In terms of listing services, ForSaleByOwner.com offers one of the best for sale by owner listing experiences, complete with fully customizable listing options. You just have to keep in mind that even if you take advantage of their free basic listing package, the only potential buyers will be among the monthly ForSaleByOwner.com site users and you will not reach potential buyers searching the MLS, as well as other popular listing sites.

Price Per Listing

• $0 Basic listing.
• $399 Supported listing services, including legal documentation and assistance with pricing.

Listing Types

• All listing types.

Monthly Traffic

• 450,000

Pros

• Free basic listing.
• Customizable listing options.
• Unlimited photos.
• Relatively large user base.

Cons

• Higher pricing on listing support.
• Listing not populated to the MLS and other listing websites.
• Lack of buyer's agent commission could limited exposure to agent-assisted buyers.

Houzeo

If you are looking for a state-of-the-art experience, Houzeo is well-known for its sleek user experience. Featuring easily customizable listings, automated reminders, and step-by-step video guides walking you through every step of the listing and sales process, Houzeo makes it easy to complete the entire real estate transaction online.

Another great benefit of Houzeo is that your listing doesn't just appear on Houzeo, it auto populates to the MLS and other major listing websites. This is important because it means you aren't limited to buyers and sellers just browsing Houzeo, so your listing can gain significant visibility.

Additionally, Houzeo allows buyer's agent commission and, better yet, enables you to control what that commission is. Enabling buyer's agent commission can benefit you because it incentivizes real estate agents to show your listing to potential buyers, and allowing you to control the amount lets you select how much you save.

While Houzeo does not offer free listings, the high-tech experience, ability to control buyer's agent commissions, and the fact that listings auto populate to other listing sites, make it one of the more popular for sale by owner sites today.

Price Per Listing

• Approximately $199, varies by state.

Monthly Traffic

• 28,000

Pros

• User-friendly experience.
• Customizable listing options.
• Ability to control buyer's agent commission.
• Listing populates to MLS and other listing websites.

Cons

• No free listing option.
• Pricing varies from state to state.
• Ability to turn off buyer's agent commission could limited exposure to agent-assisted buyers.

FSBO.com

Another veteran of the for sale by owner industry, FSBO.com has been offering the option to buy and sell homes without an agent since 1997. Since then, FSBO.com has gained industry clout, making FSBO.com a trusted source with a decent amount of online traffic.

FSBO.com is unique in that it offers two completely separate service tiers, accommodating the varying needs and budgets of different buyers and sellers wishing to use their platform.

Their basic listing option includes a year long customizable listing, complete with unlimited photo and video uploads. This package also enables the auto population of your listing to Redfin, for added listing exposure.

The upgraded package is priced among the highest in the industry and offers everything that's included in the basic package, plus increased visibility by way of auto population of your listing to Zillow, Realtor.com, and your local MLS, in addition to Redfin. This option also offers agent support, although it is said to be limited. The potential downside to the upgraded package is that it also fixes the buyer's agent commission at 3%, however, while this can reduce savings, it can incentivize agents to show your listing to potential buyers, which can actually work in your favor.

Despite the higher price points, FSBO.com remains one of the biggest sell by owner websites. It's unlimited video uploads benefit and enhanced listing visibility with the upgraded package make it a competitive option when deciding where to post your home for sale by owner.

Price Per Listing

• $99.95 Basic listing with auto population to Redfin.
• $399.95 Upgraded listing with auto population to Redfin, Zillow, Realtor.com, and the MLS.

Listing Types

• All listing types.

Monthly Traffic

• 26,000

Pros

• Customizable listing options.
• Unlimited photos and videos.
• Upgrade option for more support and listing visibility.

Cons

• No free listing option.
• Basic listing doesn't show on the MLS.
• Fixed 3% buyer's agent commission could impact seller savings.
• Limited listing support.

Zillow For Sale By Owner

The brand name alone makes Zillow's for sale by owner site an appealing choice for many buyers and sellers. With their recognized brand comes a steady flow of heavy online traffic each month, which can mean significantly more opportunities for prospective buyers to view your listing.

That said, Zillow's for sale by owner capabilities only offers the basics in online listing services, with virtually no listing support. Sellers looking to list their home for sale on Zillow can expect to get a Zillow listing and a "Zestimate," which is Zillow's estimation of what your property is worth. If you're looking for extras, such as step-by-step guidance, legal documentation, and supplementary items like yard signs, Zillow's sell by owner platform isn't your best bet.

Additionally, some sellers express concerns over the paid advertising approach on Zillow's for sale by owner site. Since real estate agents can pay for ads, potential buyer's could end up contacting buyer's agents, rather than reaching out to you directly. When a buyer's agent is involved in a sale, you will incur an additional fee, typically up to 3% commission.

All in all, Zillow's brand name and free listing service makes their site an excellent option for many, but offers limitations and possible risks for those looking for additional support.

Price Per Listing

• $0 Basic listing.

Listing Types

• Residential, new construction, and foreclosure listings.

Monthly Traffic

• 72 million

Pros

• Free listing.
• Home value Zestimate.
• Leading brand recognition.
• High traffic and visibility.

Cons

• Limited listing support.
• High risk of Zillow-sponsored buyer's agent, which incurs additional fees.

Trulia

Also owned by Zillow, Trulia is another highly respected for sale by owner platform that receives a large amount of monthly traffic. Backed by Zillow's user-friendly technology and industry clout, Trulia is a popular option for buyers and sellers who don't require much support with the listing process.

Very similar to the Zillow model, Trulia offers free property listings and the benefit of plenty of visibility. However, if you are looking for more than a basic listing, Trulia may not be your answer. Don't expect much guidance, documentation assistance, or common listing extras, such as yard signs.

The same concerns regarding Zillow's paid advertising also apply—you might find yourself dealing with buyer's agents instead of potential buyers directly, as agent-sponsored ads can direct interest buyers to contact the agent for assistance, instead of the property owner. Having an agent involved could result in up to 3% additional fees.

That said, in addition to Trulia's recognizable name and excellent site visibility, the other benefit of posting your home for sale by owner on Trulia is their very accurate crime data statistics. Properties listed on Trulia that are located in a low crime area are presented favorably, which can increase your chances of a faster sale, and a higher purchase price.

Price Per Listing

• $0 Basic listing.

Listing Types

• Residential, new construction, and foreclosure listings.

Monthly Traffic

• 29 million

Pros

• Free listing.
• Crime data statistics.
• Leading brand recognition.
• High traffic and visibility.

Cons

• Limited listing support.
• High risk of Trulia-sponsored buyer's agent, which incurs additional fees.

USRealty

A newer for sale by owner listing site that's nonetheless growing quickly, USRealty claims to have assisted over 25,000 owners in selling their home to date (and saving thousands of dollars in the process).

Offering four listing service options, starting with a free service and increasing in price to $249, USRealty offers a package for everyone, depending on your specific listing needs and preferences.

All packages include 6 months of listing exposure on the MLS, as well as auto population of your listing to Zillow, Trulia, and Realtor.com, which is necessary because of USRealty relatively low site traffic.

Their higher tier package can make life exceptionally easy for the owner who would like assistance with every step of the listing and sale process. It includes all the bells and whistles, from yard signs and brochure boxes, to sales documentation, and even a broker review.

In fact, USRealty includes free phone and email support with all their packages, which can offer buyers and sellers greater peace of mind. That said, if you choose to post your home for sale by owner on USRealty, you should be conscious of their cancellation and listing edit fees, as well as their photo restrictions.

Price Per Listing

• $0 Free listing.
• $99 Basic listing.
• $139 Deluxe listing.
• $249 Premium listing.

Listing Types

• Residential and commercial listings.

Monthly Traffic

• 2,000

Pros

• Free listing option.
• Ability to control buyer's agent commission.
• Email and phone support included.
• Listing populates to MLS and other listing websites.

Cons

• Lower site traffic.
• MLS listing expires after 6 months.
• Restricted number of photos.
• Fees for editing your listing on all but the highest listing package.
• Cancellation fee applies on the free listing.

FSBO Homes

FSBO Homes was founded over a decade ago and has since gained authority in the for sale by owner market. Committed to transforming an outdated real estate model into an easy online transaction platform, FSBO Homes takes a concierge approach—offering both online presence and hands-on support from experts throughout the listing and sales process.

Included with every FSBO Homes listing is free consultation, pre-market appraisal, inspections (in most areas), professional photography, 3D virtual tours, floor plans, custom signage, and legal documentation, such as purchase agreements.

In addition to their comprehensive package and decent monthly website traffic, FSBO Homes posts to Zillow and Trulia, and offers sellers home warranty coverage to provide further peace of mind.

While pricing varies by zip code and, with the inclusions can be expected to be higher than other for sale by owner listing sites, the FSBO Homes model is ideal for those who prefer to have support every step of the way.

Price Per Listing

• Varies by zip code.

Listing Types

• Residential listings.

Monthly Traffic

• 54,000

Pros

• Concierge model.
• Expert support throughout the process.
• Includes photography, collateral, and sales documentation.
• Listing posted to Zillow and Trulia.
• Relatively large user base.

Cons

• Pricing varies by zip code.
• Lower listing visibility than major websites.
• Detailed process may not suit all buyers and sellers.

Fizber

Also not new to the for sale by owner business, Fizber has been around for 15 years and is known as the tech-oriented FSBO platform that offers handy additional features, such as advanced marketing, 3D virtual tours, online brochures, and other marketing materials that can help you sell your property like a true professional.

While Fizber's free listing option is too limited for most, they do offer three paid listing options that range in price from $95 to $395 per listing. By upgrading your listing to a paid package, you can take advantage of Fizber's marketing collateral, yard signs, and sales documentation, as well as have the option to enlist a transaction coordinator to assist you with the closing paperwork. Fizber also enables you to easily keep track of showings.

Since Fizber has relatively low website traffic, it's important to leverage the extended listing exposure of their paid plans. This ensures your listing is seen on other major for sale by owner websites, such as Redfin, Zillow, Trulia, Realtor.com, and the MLS.

Another thing to be aware of, if you choose to list your home with Fizber, is their MLS photo limitations, which could potentially impact your ability to sell your home.

Other than needing to pay for a listing to take full advantage of what Fizber has to offer, they are an excellent choice for sellers looking for a highly customized sales process with plenty of supportive sales materials.

Price Per Listing

• $95 Basic listing with auto population to Redfin.
• $295 Mid-tier listing with auto population to Redfin, Realtor.com, Zillow, Trulia, and an MLS listing with 6 photos.
• $395 Top-tier listing with auto population to Redfin, Realtor.com, Zillow, Trulia, and an MLS listing with 6 photos.

Monthly Traffic

• 5,000

Pros

• High-tech marketing suite.
• Transaction coordinator available for assistance with closing paperwork.
• Paid listings populate to MLS and other listing websites.

Cons

• Free basic listing too limited.
• Restricted MLS listing photos.
• Lower listing visibility without paid package.