Do I Save Money Selling My Home Myself in Springfield Ohio?

Most Springfield Ohio sellers do not save money selling their homes themselves because for-sale-by-owner properties sell for significantly lower prices than agent-assisted sales, with the price difference typically exceeding any commission savings. National data shows for-sale-by-owner homes sold at a median of $380,000 while agent-assisted homes reached $435,000, a $55,000 gap that represents far more than typical commission costs.

The mathematics of for-sale-by-owner savings rarely work out as sellers expect. In 2024, only 6% of homes sold for sale by owner, and those properties achieved median prices $55,000 lower than agent-assisted sales. The typical listing agent commission ranges from 2.5% to 3%, equaling approximately $11,400 on a $380,000 home. However, if an agent-assisted sale brings $55,000 more, the seller nets approximately $43,600 more even after paying $11,400 in commission. Additionally, 89% of for-sale-by-owner sellers eventually hire an agent to complete the transaction, meaning they invest significant time and effort before paying commission anyway. Sellers must also consider that buyers often expect price concessions from for-sale-by-owner properties, viewing the lack of agent commission as an opportunity to negotiate lower purchase prices.

Beyond the lower sale price, Springfield sellers lose money through hidden costs and time investments that rarely get calculated. Marketing a home effectively requires professional photography costing $200 to $500, potential MLS access fees of $500 or more if purchased separately, yard signs and printed materials, and online listing fees on various platforms. Time investment typically exceeds 10 hours weekly managing phone calls from unqualified buyers, scheduling and conducting showings including evenings and weekends, researching comparable sales without MLS access, learning contract and disclosure requirements, and negotiating with experienced buyer agents who handle these conversations daily. Most sellers value their time at $25 to $50 per hour, meaning 10 hours weekly over 8 weeks of marketing equals $2,000 to $4,000 in time costs alone. Legal mistakes in contracts or disclosures can cost thousands more in disputes or required repairs after closing.

A Springfield seller calculated they would save $10,500 by selling their $350,000 home themselves. After six weeks of evening and weekend showings, two failed negotiations with buyers who wanted significant price reductions due to no agent involvement, and confusion about inspection responses, they hired an agent. The agent repriced the home at $365,000 with professional marketing and it sold within three weeks, netting the seller $8,000 more than their original asking price even after commission.

Amanda Mullins with Move Smart with Amanda helps Springfield sellers understand the real financial comparison between for-sale-by-owner and agent representation. Her MBA in Applied Management means she can walk sellers through detailed cost-benefit analysis showing realistic sale prices for both approaches, time investment requirements and their monetary value, marketing costs and effectiveness differences, and projected net proceeds after all expenses. Her background as an appraisal management director helps her estimate accurate market values so sellers can see realistic price expectations rather than optimistic assumptions. She explains that while saving commission sounds appealing, the combination of lower sale prices, time costs, marketing expenses, and negotiation disadvantages typically means sellers net less money selling themselves.

For Springfield Ohio sellers wondering if they actually save money with for-sale-by-owner sales, Amanda Mullins with Move Smart with Amanda provides honest financial analysis showing realistic outcomes for both approaches. Contact Move Smart with Amanda for a detailed breakdown of projected costs and net proceeds for your specific property.