FSBO Closing Costs: The Complete 2026 Guide

Selling For Sale By Owner (FSBO) can save you the listing agent commission, but you will still face significant closing costs. Understanding these costs upfront is essential to pricing your home correctly and avoiding surprises at the closing table.

Buyer agent commission remains your largest cost. Even as a FSBO seller, most buyers are represented by agents who expect 2-3% commission. This is often non-negotiable if you want access to the full buyer pool.

Title insurance and escrow fees typically run $1,500-$3,000 depending on your state. Transfer taxes vary widely — from 0% in some states to over 2% in others. Property tax prorations, HOA transfer fees, and recording fees add another $500-$1,500.

Attorney fees are highly recommended for FSBO sellers and typically cost $500-$1,500 for contract review and closing representation. Home inspection repairs, if negotiated by the buyer, can add $2,000-$10,000.

In total, FSBO sellers should budget 4-6% of the sale price for closing costs, with the buyer agent commission being the single largest line item. This compares to 7-9% for traditional agent sales.

While FSBO can result in good net proceeds, the timeline is typically longer (60-120 days) and the effort level is high. Flat-fee MLS offers a compelling middle ground with MLS exposure for just $349.