Agent commissions often run 5 to 6 percent of the price. On a $200,000 house, that's $10,000 to $12,000. That's why a lot of Northwest Indiana owners ask whether they can sell on their own. You can. Here's how.
Option 1: For sale by owner (FSBO)
You price the house, market it, show it, and negotiate yourself.
- Price it right. Look up recent sales of similar homes nearby, or pay for an appraisal (often a few hundred dollars).
- Market it. Yard sign, online listing sites, Facebook Marketplace, and local groups.
- Show it. Expect to be home for showings and to field a lot of calls.
- Check the buyer. Ask for a mortgage pre-approval letter or proof of funds before you accept an offer.
- Plan for the buyer's agent. Many buyers have an agent who will ask you to pay their commission, often 2 to 3 percent. It's negotiable.
Option 2: Flat-fee MLS listing
For a flat fee, a brokerage puts your house on the MLS, so it shows up on Zillow, Realtor.com, and every agent's search. You still handle showings and negotiation. This gets the most buyers looking without paying a full listing commission.
Option 3: Sell to a cash buyer
A local cash buyer makes an offer on the house as-is. No listing, no showings, no repairs, and no buyer loan that can fall through. The price is usually lower than a fixed-up listing, but you skip the repairs, the months of waiting, and the commissions. It fits best when the house needs work, you're short on time, or you just don't want strangers walking through.
The paperwork you'll need in Indiana
- Seller's disclosure form. Indiana generally requires the Seller's Residential Real Estate Sales Disclosure for homes with 1 to 4 units. Some sales, such as certain estate sales, are exempt.
- Lead paint disclosure. Federal law requires it for homes built before 1978.
- A written purchase agreement. Use a real estate attorney or a standard Indiana form. Don't sell on a handshake.
- A title company. They search the title, pay off your mortgage, record the deed, and handle the money. Every legitimate sale, FSBO or cash, should close through one.
What you'll actually walk away with
Don't compare offers by price alone. Compare what lands in your bank account after repairs, commissions, closing costs, and the months of mortgage, taxes, insurance, and utilities while you wait. Our Sell vs. List comparison and how cash offers are calculated walk through those numbers.
Want a no-pressure number to compare?
If the house is in great shape and you have time, listing may get you more, and we'll tell you so. If it needs work or you need it done, call (219) 308-9106 or fill out the form, and we'll give you a written cash offer, usually within 24 hours. No fees, no commissions, and no obligation.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. A real estate attorney can review any contract before you sign.