“You might save on commission—but it could cost you somewhere else.”
Many sellers believe that going FSBO guarantees more profit. But without professional support, FSBO sellers often lose money through pricing errors, legal oversights, or signing contracts with unfavorable terms.
FSBO can reduce commission costs, but only if the rest of your sale is solid. That means:
“Most FSBO mistakes are small—but they add up fast.”
Sellers often underestimate how many legal and logistical steps are involved, and one small oversight can delay or derail the sale.
Common FSBO mistakes include:
Stay organized with a seller checklist, understand Illinois requirements, and seek legal assistance for your contract and disclosures.
“Buyers know FSBO sellers don’t always have backup—so some take advantage.”
Scam buyers may target FSBO listings, assuming the seller doesn’t know how to verify funds, recognize fraud signals, or navigate contract protections.
Watch for red flags:
To avoid scams, always verify the buyer’s identity and funding through a trusted title company—and consider working with a licensed attorney to screen offers before accepting.
“Free templates aren’t free if they create legal risk.”
Many templates online are outdated, non-compliant with Illinois law, or missing essential details—leaving you exposed to contract disputes.
Before using any contract template:
Legal contracts should protect you—not just “look official.”
“As-is doesn’t mean ‘no rules’—it just means no repairs.”
Some FSBO sellers think “as-is” eliminates the need for legal disclosures. In Illinois, that’s not true.
Even in an “as-is” sale, Illinois law still requires:
Provide these before contract signing. A real estate attorney can confirm which ones apply based on your property and municipality.
“Buyers trust process—not just professionals.”
FSBO sellers sometimes lose buyer confidence by appearing unprepared, unresponsive, or legally unclear—especially during offer negotiation.
Earn buyer trust by:
Working with a legal advisor can also demonstrate that you’re serious and protected—just like an agent-listed seller.
“In FSBO, the contract protects the buyer—unless you know how to protect yourself.”
FSBO sellers may not realize that offers include inspection, financing, and attorney review contingencies that give buyers legal windows to cancel.
Protect yourself by:
A clear timeline and legal oversight can help reduce cancellations—or at least help you respond quickly and fairly.
“It’s not just about what you sell—it’s how you sell it.”
FSBO sellers who fail to meet Illinois legal standards for disclosure or contract handling may be exposed to lawsuits—even after the closing.
Protect yourself by:
Most issues can be avoided with preparation and guidance from a licensed legal professional.
What to Do Next?
FSBO sellers have every right to handle their own sale—but legal protection isn’t automatic. If you’re unsure about your documents, timeline, or buyer offer, schedule a free FSBO consultation to avoid costly mistakes before they happen.