How to Sell a House Without a Realtor in Rochester NY: A Complete Guide for Homeowners

Introduction

In my 20 years of working with Rochester and Upstate New York homeowners, one of the most common questions I hear is: “Can I sell my house without a realtor?” The short answer is yes — but it’s not always easy.

Going the FSBO (For Sale By Owner) route can save you thousands in commission fees, but it also means taking on the work of pricing, marketing, showings, paperwork, and negotiations yourself. Some Rochester homeowners thrive with FSBO; others find it overwhelming and eventually look for faster solutions, like selling directly to a local cash buyer.

At Brett Buys Roc Houses LLC, we’ve guided dozens of homeowners who wanted to skip the realtor process altogether. Whether you want to maximize profit or just move on from a property quickly, this guide will walk you through the realities of selling without a realtor in Rochester NY.

The Benefits of Selling Without a Realtor in Rochester NY

• Save on commissions – Avoid the 5–6% realtor fee that eats into your equity.
• Control the process – You set the price, schedule showings, and negotiate directly.
• Flexibility – Choose whether to list traditionally, market FSBO, or sell as-is.

For some Rochester sellers, especially those who don’t mind rolling up their sleeves, FSBO can be a smart way to protect profits.

The Drawbacks of Selling FSBO

• Time commitment – You’ll be managing showings, calls, and negotiations yourself.
• Marketing limitations – Realtors have access to the MLS and a buyer network you may lack.
• Legal complexity – FSBO sellers must handle disclosure laws, contracts, and tax documents correctly.

For Rochester homeowners juggling jobs, families, or out-of-town moves, these hurdles can make FSBO stressful.

Step-by-Step: Selling Without a Realtor in Rochester NY

1. Research your home’s value – Compare recent Monroe County sales, not just Zillow estimates.
2. Prepare the property – Minor repairs, fresh paint, or staging can help FSBO sellers compete.
3. Market smartly – Use Zillow, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and local FSBO sites.
4. Handle paperwork correctly – NY requires a Transfer Tax Return and Property Condition Disclosure.
5. Hire an attorney – Strongly recommended in New York to protect your sale.

Real Story: Rochester FSBO Turned Cash Sale

One homeowner in Brighton tried FSBO for months, but after lowball offers and no-shows at open houses, they reached out to us. We purchased the home as-is, without repairs or realtor fees, and closed in under three weeks. This shows how FSBO can be a starting point — but a direct cash sale is often the quicker solution.

Alternatives to FSBO: Why Local Cash Buyers Are Different

Instead of paying 6% to a realtor or spending months marketing FSBO, some Rochester homeowners choose a simpler path: selling directly to Brett Buys Roc Houses LLC. We offer:

• Fast, cash purchases in any condition
• No commissions or hidden fees
• A+ BBB rating and 90+ Google reviews
• Local expertise you can trust

FAQs

Do I need a lawyer to sell my house FSBO in Rochester NY?
While not legally required, it’s highly recommended to ensure contracts and disclosures are handled correctly.

How much can I save by selling without a realtor?
On a $200,000 house, skipping a 6% commission saves you about $12,000 — but only if you handle everything else correctly.

Can I sell my house as-is in Rochester?
Yes — and many homeowners choose this route. Cash buyers like Brett Buys Roc Houses LLC purchase homes in any condition.

Call to Action

Thinking of selling your Rochester NY house without a realtor? Before you spend months navigating FSBO on your own, see what a fast cash sale looks like. Call (585) 299-9709 or visit www.brettbuysrochouses.com today. We buy homes directly from Rochester homeowners — no commissions, no repairs, just fast and fair solutions.