If you’re selling your home without an agent, you might be wondering whether you should move out before putting it on the market. The short answer? Most sellers do—but you don’t have to.
There are definite advantages to moving out before listing, but it’s not a requirement for a successful sale. Let’s look at the pros and cons so you can make the right choice for your situation.
Why Many Sellers Move Out Before Listing
Moving out before selling often makes the process smoother and can sometimes help your home sell faster or for a higher price. With an empty house, it’s easier to:
- Deep clean and make repairs
- Stage your home to appeal to buyers
- Host open houses and showings without disrupting your daily routine
Many buyers find it easier to picture themselves in a home that feels fresh, clean, and move-in ready.
Selling While You’re Still Living There
If moving out isn’t an option—whether for financial, logistical, or personal reasons—you can absolutely still sell your home successfully while living in it. The key is to make the home as inviting and clutter-free as possible.
Simple steps like keeping spaces tidy, minimizing personal items, and scheduling showings strategically can go a long way.
How List With Freedom Fits In
No matter which approach you take, visibility is essential. With List With Freedom’s flat-fee MLS service, you can get your home listed on your local MLS for as little as $89—giving it the same exposure as listings from full-service agents.
Your property will automatically appear on top real estate sites like Zillow, Realtor.com, and Redfin, reaching serious buyers where they’re already searching. And because you’re in control of the sale, you decide the timeline, the showings, and how much commission (if any) to offer a buyer’s agent.
Things to Consider Before Deciding
Ask yourself:
- How quickly do you need to sell?
- Do you have another place to live if you move out?
- Is your home in good showing condition now, or does it need updates?
- Are you comfortable with showings while you’re still living there?
The answers to these questions will help you choose the best strategy.
The Bottom Line
You don’t have to move out to have a successful FSBO sale—you just need the right tools and exposure. List With Freedom makes it easy to reach thousands of buyers and keep more of your equity, whether you’re selling a vacant home or one you still live in.
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Explore our packages and see why over 100,000 sellers have listed with us and saved thousands in commission.
