If you’re thinking about selling a house in Massachusetts without a realtor, you’re not alone. Every year, thousands of homeowners in MA go the for-sale-by-owner (FSBO) route or sell directly to a cash buyer to avoid the costs and complications that come with traditional listings.
But let’s be honest — going solo in a real estate deal sounds empowering, but it can also be risky if you don’t know what you’re doing. This guide walks you through how to sell your home without an agent, when it makes sense, and how to do it legally and profitably in Massachusetts.
Why Skip the Realtor?
The biggest reason? Commissions. A traditional real estate agent typically charges 5–6% of your home’s sale price. On a $400,000 house, that’s $20,000–$24,000 out of your pocket.
Other reasons sellers in Massachusetts go without a realtor:
- You already have a buyer lined up
- You’re selling to family or a tenant
- You’re working with a real estate investor or cash buyer
- You want full control of the sale timeline
Can You Legally Sell a Home Without a Realtor in MA?
Absolutely. There’s no law in Massachusetts that requires a licensed real estate agent to sell a residential property. But you still need to follow the legal steps, especially around disclosures, contracts, and closing.
Pros of Selling Without an Agent
- No commission fees
- Faster closings, especially with cash buyers
- Direct negotiation, without a middleman
- Flexibility in how and when you show the home (or don’t)
Cons to Watch Out For
- Marketing is all on you — unless you’re selling off-market
- Pricing mistakes can cost you more than the commission would’ve
- Legal paperwork still needs to be perfect — one misstep can delay or kill the deal
- Negotiations without a pro can be emotional or uneven
Who Should Consider Selling Without an Agent?
- Sellers with distressed properties
- Homeowners facing pre-foreclosure
- Landlords offloading rentals with tenants
- Owners of inherited properties
- Anyone looking for a quick, as-is sale
If you’re in a rush, have little equity, or just want to skip the traditional process altogether, selling direct makes sense.
How to Sell a House in MA Without a Realtor
- Know Your Home’s Market Value Use online tools like Zillow, but take those numbers with a grain of salt. Get a local cash buyer to give you a direct offer for comparison.
- Handle the Paperwork You’ll need:
- A valid purchase and sale agreement
- Lead paint disclosure (if the home was built before 1978)
- Smoke detector and carbon monoxide certificate
- Title documents
- Closing attorney (required in MA)
- Market the Property (if not selling direct) If you’re not working with a buyer yet, you’ll need to take care of:
- Listing photos
- Open houses or private showings
- Creating your listing description
- Uploading to FSBO sites or Facebook Marketplace
- Negotiate Directly or Take a Cash Offer Many sellers prefer to avoid showings and negotiations entirely by working with a local, experienced cash buyer who handles all the logistics.
Final Thoughts
Selling a house in Massachusetts without a realtor can be simple — if you know what you’re doing. But if you’re overwhelmed by the paperwork, pricing, or process, you don’t have to go it alone.
At Sell Fast MA, we help homeowners close quickly and efficiently without commissions, repairs, or stress. If you’re ready to explore your options, we’ll give you a no-pressure cash offer so you can compare for yourself.
Get your free, no-obligation cash offer now and see how much you could save by skipping the agent.
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