Sell Your Home Without a Realtor in Florida: What You Need to Know

Many Florida homeowners are realizing they can successfully sell their home without a realtor—saving thousands in commission fees while maintaining full control of the sale. This approach, known as For Sale By Owner (FSBO), can be both rewarding and cost-effective when done correctly. However, it’s not as simple as posting a “For Sale” sign and waiting for offers. There are legal requirements, disclosures, and documents that must be handled with precision to avoid costly mistakes.

At Barnes Walker, our attorneys and title professionals guide Florida homeowners through every step of the FSBO process—from drafting contracts and preparing deeds to managing title insurance, escrow, and closing. If you’re considering selling your home without a realtor, here’s what you need to know to do it right.

Myths About Selling a Home Without a Realtor

There are plenty of misconceptions surrounding FSBO sales. Let’s clear up a few of the most common ones:

• Myth #1: You have to use a real estate agent to sell your home.
  False. Florida law allows homeowners to sell their own property directly, as long as all required disclosures and legal steps are followed.
• Myth #2: FSBO sales are only for experienced investors.
  Not true. With professional legal and title support, first-time sellers can easily navigate the process while avoiding unnecessary costs.
• Myth #3: You’ll make mistakes without an agent.
  While the process involves legal details, working with an experienced FSBO attorney ensures that contracts, title, and closings are handled correctly—without paying agent commissions.
• Myth #4: FSBO homes sell for less.
  Recent Florida data shows that FSBO sellers often net more profit, especially when they reinvest savings from the 5–6% commission into proper marketing and legal support.

Legal Requirements for Selling Without a Realtor in Florida

Even if you’re selling your home independently, you must comply with Florida’s real estate laws. The main requirements include:

• Written Purchase Agreement: Florida real estate transactions require a written, signed contract that outlines the terms, contingencies, and responsibilities of both parties.
• Disclosure Obligations: Sellers must disclose any known material defects that could affect the property’s value or safety—such as roof damage, plumbing issues, or flood history.
• Title Transfer: The seller must provide a clear and marketable title, free of liens or ownership disputes, before the property can legally transfer to the buyer.
• Settlement and Closing: The closing must comply with state and federal laws governing escrow, title insurance, and deed recording. These steps are best managed by a law firm or title company.

Our FSBO legal team at Barnes Walker ensures each of these requirements is met—protecting you from post-sale disputes and ensuring the transaction is smooth, compliant, and stress-free.

Practical Steps to Sell Your Home Without a Realtor

1. Prepare Your Home for Sale

Start by making small improvements that boost curb appeal and listing value. Clean, stage, and photograph your property professionally to stand out in online listings.

2. Determine Your Price

Use recent comparable sales (comps) in your neighborhood to set a fair price. You can access public property records through your county appraiser’s office or online real estate portals.

3. Market Your Property

List your home on major platforms such as Zillow, Realtor.com, or the MLS (via a flat-fee listing service). Don’t forget signage, social media, and word-of-mouth marketing to reach local buyers.

4. Handle Buyer Inquiries and Showings

Respond promptly to potential buyers and schedule viewings. Keep records of all communications and offers for transparency and protection.

5. Negotiate and Draft the Contract

Once you receive an offer, carefully review it—or have it reviewed by your attorney. A FSBO closing attorney can draft or revise the contract to ensure it meets Florida law and includes contingencies to protect your interests.

6. Manage Title, Escrow, and Closing

After signing, your attorney or title company will perform a title search, issue title insurance, hold escrow funds, and prepare closing documents. At Barnes Walker, our integrated title department handles all these services in-house, saving you time and reducing costs.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Failing to properly disclose known property issues
• Using incomplete or outdated contract forms
• Accepting offers without proof of financing or earnest deposit
• Skipping a title search or title insurance policy
• Not recording the deed correctly after closing

Each of these mistakes can lead to financial loss or even legal disputes. With a Barnes Walker FSBO attorney by your side, you’ll avoid costly missteps while maintaining control of your sale.

Frequently Asked Questions About Selling Without a Realtor

Do I need a lawyer to sell my home FSBO in Florida?

While it’s not legally required, having a real estate attorney ensures that contracts, disclosures, and title work are properly handled. This prevents errors and provides peace of mind throughout the sale.

Can I use the standard Florida Realtors FAR/BAR contract?

Yes, you can—but it’s strongly recommended that an attorney review or customize it to match your FSBO transaction. The standard form was designed for agent-managed deals and may not cover unique situations for owner-sellers.

Who holds the buyer’s deposit in a FSBO sale?

Deposits should be held in an escrow account managed by a title company or attorney to comply with Florida law. Never hold the buyer’s deposit in your personal account.

Do I still need title insurance?

Yes. Title insurance protects both the buyer and seller from future ownership disputes or undisclosed claims. Our title department at Barnes Walker provides full title insurance services for FSBO transactions statewide.

What if I receive multiple offers?

That’s a great problem to have! An attorney can help you review and compare offers, clarify terms, and guide you through counteroffers to ensure you get the best deal possible.

Why Choose Barnes Walker for Your FSBO Sale

For more than 30 years, Barnes Walker has guided Florida homeowners through every type of real estate transaction. As both a law firm and a full-service title company, we simplify FSBO sales by handling your contracts, title search, escrow, and closing under one roof. You get professional guidance, accurate documentation, and legal protection—without paying real estate agent commissions.

• Attorney-prepared contracts and disclosures
• Full title search and insurance services
• Escrow management and disbursement
• Remote or mail-away closing options
• Local expertise in Sarasota, Manatee, and Pinellas Counties

Talk to Our FSBO Legal Team

Thinking about selling your Florida home without a realtor? Our attorneys and title professionals at Barnes Walker are here to help. We’ll walk you through each step—from listing to closing—ensuring your transaction is compliant, efficient, and fully protected.

Talk to Our FSBO Legal Team today to schedule your consultation and start your FSBO sale with confidence.

---

Sources

• Florida Realtors — Selling a Home Without an Agent in Florida
• The Florida Bar Journal — Understanding Real Estate Contracts
• Florida Department of Financial Services — Title Insurance Guidelines
• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau — For Sale By Owner Information
• Super Lawyers — Selling Your Home Without a Realtor in Florida