Real Estate News

Digital Listings Empower For-Sale-By-Owner Sellers

Digital listings revolutionize for-sale-by-owner sales by providing powerful marketing tools, wider buyer reach, and professional presentation options. FSBO sellers gain control while maximizing visibility

flareAI Services

29 Nov 2025 — 6 min read

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In a quiet Holland, Michigan, neighborhood, a homeowner lists their property online, bypassing the traditional real estate agent. Armed with a digital platform, they navigate pricing, paperwork, and marketing with confidence, saving thousands in commissions. This is the promise of for-sale-by-owner (FSBO) sales in 2025, a niche that's evolving despite its challenges. NAR's 2024 Profile reveals FSBO transactions dropped to a historic low of 6% from July 2023 to June 2024, down from 21% in 1985. Yet, platforms like Side Door are reshaping this landscape, offering tools that empower sellers to take control, cut costs, and navigate the complexities of today's market, especially in the wake of the NAR settlement's new commission rules.

Home buying or selling shouldn't mean paying for services you don't use or need. Now, with new rules, you can choose exactly what you pay for. Side Door's smart match engine connects you with vetted agents offering flexible service levels, so you pay only for what you use. Keep the guidance, skip the extras, and save thousands and still get the keys in hand. Join Side Door for FREE today!

The FSBO Market: Opportunities Amid Decline

The FSBO market, though shrinking, remains a significant force. Approximately 420,000 FSBO transactions occur annually, contributing $84 billion in sales value. These are homes sold directly by owners, often without a listing agent, though a buyer's agent may be involved. Historically, FSBO sales accounted for 21% of the market in 1985, but by 2024, their share fell to 7%, the lowest on record, as 90% of sellers relied on agents. The decline stems from the complexities of modern real estate legal documents, market analysis, and exposure demand expertise many homeowners lack.

Despite this, FSBO appeals to cost-conscious sellers. Traditional agent commissions, typically 5-6% of a home's sale price, can erode profits. For a $400,000 home, that's $20,000 or more. FSBO sellers face hurdles, though: pricing accurately, marketing effectively, and navigating contracts. Platforms like Side Door address these challenges, offering a lifeline to those in Michigan and Florida who want control without chaos.

Side Door: Redefining FSBO with Technology

Side Door, a U.S.-based real estate tech platform, empowers independent buyers and sellers in regions like Michigan, West Michigan, Holland, and Florida. Its transparent pricing, step-by-step workflows, and access to vetted professionals lenders, title companies, inspectors simplify the process. Unlike traditional agencies, Side Door offers à la carte services, letting users choose only what they need. Need help with disclosures but not showings? Side Door delivers. This flexibility, backed by an experienced real estate practitioner, blends industry insight with digital efficiency.

The platform's collaborative approach sets it apart. Agents gain access to deals they might otherwise miss, while professionals showcase their expertise directly to clients. For example, a Holland homeowner can connect with a local title company like Chicago Title Michigan through Side Door, ensuring seamless closings. By focusing on high-demand markets like West Michigan and Florida, Side Door tailors its tools to regional needs, making FSBO less daunting and more achievable.

The NAR Settlement: A New Era for Commissions

The 2024 NAR settlement has reshaped real estate commissions, introducing flexibility but not always lower costs. New commission rules allow greater negotiation, moving away from the standard 5-6% split between buyer's and seller's agents. Sellers are no longer required to offer a buyer's agent commission, though many still do to attract showings. According to Yahoo Finance, these changes haven't significantly reduced costs for buyers or sellers, as market dynamics vary by region. In competitive markets like Florida, offering a buyer's agent commission remains common to ensure visibility.

For FSBO sellers, this shift amplifies Side Door's value. By bypassing traditional commissions, sellers can save thousands while using Side Door's tools to negotiate terms or handle paperwork. Negotiation strategies, like offering a competitive buyer's agent fee, can draw more interest without full-service costs. However, misconceptions persist some believe agents now work for free, which isn't true. Side Door clarifies these complexities, guiding users through the new rules with transparency.

Overcoming Barriers in a Competitive Market

As a startup, Side Door faces scrutiny. Prospects often cite its less polished website compared to established competitors like Real Estate One or West Edge Realty, which boast robust marketing and sleek interfaces. Others note competitor's dominance in full-service agent access, with hefty advertising budgets that dwarf Side Door's. Yet, Side Door counters with a user-centric model, prioritizing affordability and control. Its social media presence on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok engages users with practical tips think a TikTok video on pricing a Michigan home or an Instagram story featuring a Florida seller's success.

By focusing on digital efficiency and expert guidance, Side Door levels the playing field. Its platform empowers homeowners to market their properties effectively, using tools like virtual tours and online listings, without the overhead of traditional agencies. This resonates in markets like West Michigan, where cost-conscious sellers seek alternatives to high commissions.

Real Estate Trends: A Growing Market

The global residential real estate market is booming, valued at $11.67 trillion in 2025 and projected to reach $25.82 trillion by 2034, growing at a 9.23% CAGR, per Precedence Research. Urban growth, a strong preference for homeownership, and demand for smart home technologies drive this expansion. Single-family homes, the backbone of FSBO sales, led the market in 2024. North America, including vibrant markets like Michigan and Florida, dominated, while Asia Pacific is set for rapid growth. Side Door aligns with these trends, offering digital solutions that cater to tech-savvy sellers seeking modern, integrated tools.

The FSBO decline from 21% in 1985 to 6-7% in 2024 reflects a need for better resources, not waning interest. Technology, from e-signatures to virtual staging, is making FSBO more accessible. Side Door bridges the gap, combining DIY ambition with professional support, particularly in high-growth regions like Holland and Florida's coastal markets.

Redefining Home Sales: The Future of FSBO

For homeowners in West Michigan or retirees in Florida, Side Door isn't just a platform it's a game-changer. By demystifying FSBO and leveraging the post-NAR settlement landscape, it empowers sellers to save on commissions while maintaining control. The numbers are compelling: 420,000 FSBO transactions generate $84 billion annually, and with tools like Side Door, this market could grow as more embrace digital solutions. Homeowners considering a sale should explore platforms that prioritize their needs over outdated models. The future of real estate belongs to those who, armed with the right technology, take charge of their transactions and redefine what it means to sell a home.

Frequently Asked Questions

What percentage of home sales are for-sale-by-owner (FSBO) in 2024?

FSBO transactions dropped to a historic low of 6-7% of all home sales from July 2023 to June 2024, down from 21% in 1985. Despite this decline, approximately 420,000 FSBO transactions still occur annually, contributing $84 billion in sales value. The decrease reflects the growing complexity of modern real estate transactions, though digital platforms are making FSBO more accessible.

How did the NAR settlement change real estate commissions for home sellers?

The 2024 NAR settlement introduced greater flexibility in commission negotiations, moving away from the standard 5-6% split between buyer's and seller's agents. Sellers are no longer required to offer a buyer's agent commission, though many still do to attract showings. However, these changes haven't significantly reduced overall costs for buyers or sellers, as market dynamics vary by region and competitive markets still often require offering competitive commissions.

How much can I save by selling my home FSBO instead of using a traditional agent?

Traditional real estate agent commissions typically cost 5-6% of a home's sale price, which means you could pay $20,000 or more on a $400,000 home. By selling FSBO with a digital platform like Side Door, you can save thousands in commissions while still accessing essential services à la carte such as legal document preparation, pricing guidance, and connections to vetted professionals like lenders and title companies giving you control over which services you need and pay for.

Disclaimer: The above helpful resources content contains personal opinions and experiences. The information provided is for general knowledge and does not constitute professional advice.

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