Tired of watching your home equity vanish in agent commissions? You’re not alone.
In 2025, many homeowners are waking up to a hard truth: selling a home the traditional way is expensive, really expensive. Between agent commissions, closing costs, and hidden fees, the average seller loses over $31,000 just to hand over the keys. That’s a down payment on your next place or a major boost to your retirement fund. So why are so many people still paying premium prices to sell?
Here’s the good news: you don’t have to.
We’ve rounded up 8 of the cheapest and smartest ways to sell your home in 2025 without draining your savings. Whether you’re a DIY type, in a hurry to sell, or just trying to keep more of your profits, there’s a low-cost selling option for you.
1. Sell Your Home For Sale By Owner (FSBO)
Want to cut out the middleman completely? Selling For Sale By Owner (FSBO) lets you keep the 5-6% commission most agents charge. While it does require more effort, the payoff can be huge.
You’ll need to handle pricing, marketing, staging, and negotiations yourself. Start by researching recently sold homes in your area to price competitively. Then, stage your home for photos and tours where buyers should feel like they can imagine living there. To increase visibility, consider using a flat-fee MLS listing (more on that below). FSBO is perfect if you’re organized, confident, and ready to take control of the sale.
2. Use A Discount Real Estate Broker
Discount brokers are gaining popularity in 2025 and for good reason. Instead of charging the standard 6%, many offer their services for just 1-2% commission.
You still get professional help, including listings on major real estate platforms, high-quality photos, and marketing. However, since they operate mostly online, they cut overhead and pass the savings to you. If you’re comfortable handling part of the process yourself, a discount broker could save you tens of thousands.
3. Sell To A Cash Buyer
Need to sell fast without the hassle of repairs, open houses, or appraisals? Cash buyers often real estate investors can close deals in as little as 7-14 days, no financing required.
They typically purchase homes as-is and don’t charge realtor fees. The trade-off? You may sell for slightly below market value. But if speed and simplicity matter more than squeezing every dollar from your sale, this is a low-stress option worth exploring.
4. List Through A Flat-Fee MLS Service
Most buyers start their home search on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). A flat-fee MLS listing service lets you access this exposure without hiring a full-service agent.
For a one-time fee of $200-$500, your property gets listed on MLS and syndicated to sites like Zillow and Realtor.com. You’ll handle showings, negotiations, and paperwork yourself. If you’re confident managing the details, this method provides big savings with broad reach.
5. Use Online Home Selling Platforms
Platforms like Zillow, Redfin, and OpenDoor have revolutionized real estate. These tech-powered services let homeowners list and sell homes with reduced or no commissions.
Many platforms offer virtual tours, professional photography, and buyer leads. You’ll save thousands while showcasing your property to a huge online audience. Plus, with 3D walkthroughs, serious buyers can explore your home before ever stepping inside.
6. Negotiate A Lower Commission With Your Agent
Don’t assume commission fees are set in stone. In reality, everything’s negotiable.
Agents commonly charge 5-6%, but many are open to adjusting their rates especially if your home is in a hot market or you’re willing to do some legwork (like staging or hosting showings). Ask multiple agents for quotes, compare offerings, check blogging for realtors’ sites to find agents and don’t be afraid to propose a tiered commission structure based on the sale price.
7. Sell At An Auction
Auctions can be a great way to sell quickly and avoid drawn-out negotiations. While you’ll pay fees to the auction company, these are often lower than traditional agent commissions.
The entire process from listing to closing usually takes 30 to 45 days, and you can set a reserve price to ensure your home doesn’t sell below a certain amount. Online auctions have become especially popular, with lower overhead and commission fees. Just keep in mind: once it sells, it’s final.
8. Try A Lease-To-Own Agreement
If you’re not in a rush to cash out, a lease-to-own (or rent-to-own) deal can offer long-term value. You lease the home to a tenant with the option to buy after a set period. A portion of each monthly payment is applied toward the eventual purchase price.
It’s a win-win: the tenant builds equity while improving their credit, and you enjoy steady rental income while potentially saving on marketing, repairs, and agent fees. It also gives you flexibility with pricing, especially in uncertain markets.
What To Consider Before Choosing A Selling Strategy
Before jumping in, think carefully about your timeline, market, and property condition:
- How quickly do you need to sell? Fast sales often require more convenience-based (and slightly lower-paying) options like cash buyers or auctions.
- Is your home in great shape? Move-in-ready homes tend to do better on FSBO and MLS platforms. Fixer-uppers? Consider cash buyers or investors.
- What’s the local market like? A seller’s market gives you leverage and flexibility. In a cooler market, you may need professional support to compete.
Final Thoughts
Selling your home doesn’t have to cost a fortune. In 2025, homeowners have more options than ever to cut costs and keep more profits without sacrificing results. Whether you go it alone, team up with a discount broker, or explore creative methods like auctions or lease-to-own deals, the key is knowing your goals and matching them to the right strategy.
Ready to ditch the 6% and take control of your sale? The tools are here and you just need to use them.