Category Archives: For sale by owner tips

Selling your Minnesota home is already a difficult decision in itself, but it does not stop there. The next critical choice you may face is deciding how to list your property. After all, no matter how beautiful your home is, buyers won’t find it unless you’re on the right platforms. And in today’s real estate market, that means one thing: the Multiple Listing Service (MLS).

As a homeowner, you generally have two ways to access the MLS. One is through an MLS listing by owner, formally called For Sale By Owner or FSBO listing, which is done for you by a flat fee broker. The other is through a Realtor Full-Service MLS listing, which follows the traditional commission structure of paying a licensed realtor to list the property, negotiate offers, and manage the entire transaction, from staging advice to final paperwork.

You need to carefully consider the cost, control, and your comfort through the selling process when deciding which path is right for you.

What is an MLS listing by owner?

The MLS listing by owner service enables you to market your home independently as an FSBO while maintaining complete MLS market exposure. But since only licensed brokers can list directly on the MLS, you cannot do this by yourself — you need a flat fee broker to do this for you. The local MLS system will only accept seller data, photos, and showing instructions from your licensed flat-fee broker, who then becomes legally responsible for ensuring the listing meets MLS standards and complies with local real estate laws.

Your property receives identical substantial exposure through standard listing services after you complete the listing process. The property details will then become visible on thousands of agent websites and distributed to national portals, including Zillow, Realtor.com, and Trulia.

Flat fee service details

Flat fee MLS listing by owner services exist to help you take control of the process. It provides homeowners with direct MLS access without needing them to become fully represented or pay any percentage-based listing fees.

At Real Estate Corners, we offer a robust FSBO package. Our service starts at $399, which is a one-time fee to get the property listed. The fee covers the MLS listing service and distribution to major national real estate websites, as well as support from local brokers who understand the process.

Advantages of MLS listing by owner

The primary reason homeowners choose the FSBO flat fee route is cost savings. By eliminating the listing agent’s commission (which can be 2.5% to 3% of the sale price), you can save thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. What’s more:

• You retain complete control over the listing price, description, photos, showing schedule, and negotiation strategy.
• You speak directly with potential buyers (if they are unrepresented) or the buyer’s agent, streamlining communication.
• Your property still gets the essential exposure needed to sell, reaching the agent community that drives the majority of sales.

If you choose this option, then you must be organized, responsive, comfortable with negotiation, and knowledgeable about local and state real estate regulations.

What is a realtor’s full-service MLS listing?

A Realtor Full-Service MLS Listing is the traditional method of selling a home. You need to hire a licensed real estate agent who will serve as the listing agent through their brokerage. The agent handles every step of the home-selling procedure, which begins at the initial stage and continues until the final closing.

Services provided by realtors

A full-service realtor provides a complete range of professional services to their clients:

• Market analysis and determining the optimal listing price based on comparable sales.
• Professional marketing, including professional photography, drone footage, virtual tours, and staging recommendations, as well as marketing material production
• MLS and syndication for all online distribution activities
• Fielding inquiries and setting up showings, as well as leading open house events
• Representing you during all negotiations about price and contract terms
• Escrow management, disclosure fulfillment, inspection and repair handling, appraisal assessment, and legal closing compliance

Advantages of realtor listings

The cost of hiring a full-service realtor proves worthwhile for many sellers because of the value they receive.

• The entire process becomes the responsibility of realtors while you conserve your time and avoid the inevitable mistakes (and all the stress) of selling your home all on your own.
• Experienced agents who negotiate professionally also often achieve the highest sale price, leading to better terms that compensate for their commission fees.
• These real estate professionals have access to established vendor networks, which include attorneys, inspectors, handymen, and a list of potential buyers that FSBO sellers cannot access.
• What’s more, realtors handle all essential legal documentation and disclosure requirements to prevent any future legal disputes after the sale.

Which is right for you?

The choice between MLS Listing By Owner and Full-Service Realtor Listing depends on how much risk you are willing to take versus the potential benefits you expect.

Before listing, you should evaluate your budget, your personal comfort level with negotiation and paperwork, and the time you are willing to dedicate to the sale.

If you want to boost your earnings while independently managing your property sale in Minnesota, then you should reach out to reliable flat fee MLS providers. Call Real Estate Corners at (612) 483-1230 to get started.

The FSBO market in Minnesota is often full of great deals for home shoppers who want to look at houses for sale by owner during Thanksgiving, as well as for sellers who want to sell their homes before the end of the year. During this time, there are fewer distractions — there’s less competition on both sides and transactions often move so much faster.

Serious buyers don’t take the season off

People mistakenly believe that home purchases stop during the holiday season. The shopping crowd might find this statement to be true, but real home buyers continue their search for houses for sale by owner even during the Thanksgiving rush.

People who buy homes during late fall have genuine reasons to make quick decisions. They might be moving because they have secured a new job that will begin in January. Also, people choose to purchase homes before the year ends because they want to save on taxes and secure their financing. Some people also choose to move during the winter season because they need to establish their new home before the cold months begin.

Buyers in this group actively search through houses for sale by owner while scheduling property tours and submitting purchase proposals. The FSBO market becomes a hot spot for sellers who want to sell quickly because it attracts people who are already serious about buying right away.

Less inventory means more visibility for houses for sale by owner

It’s true that inventory levels experience a decline during the holiday season. Many homeowners decide to postpone their home sales until spring because they believe that the warmer months will bring the highest buyer interest. But this seasonal slowdown can actually create an opportunity, especially for houses for sale by owner.

That momentary housing shortage allows your FSBO listing to stand out because it faces no direct competition from multiple new listings. Your listing gains extra exposure because it appears to both buyers who search online and real estate agents who need home options for their clients.

In fact, houses for sale by owner listed around Thanksgiving often spend less time on the market than their spring or summer counterparts, not because demand is higher, but because competition is lower.

When you list with a flat fee MLS service like Real Estate Corners, your home appears alongside agent listings on all the major sites: Zillow, Realtor.com, Redfin, and shows up in search results just like any other property.

Sellers are often more open to negotiation before year-end

People who buy homes during Thanksgiving week will discover that sellers tend to be more open to negotiations because they want to finish their transactions before year-end.

Many FSBO sellers have actually already bought a new home to move into, and they want to avoid keeping two mortgages during the winter season. They’re eager to offload the property so as not to incur additional holding costs.

Selling your home during this time? Buyers who are motivated to purchase will probably agree to pay your listed price and complete the sale quickly if your home offers good value and presents well during the season. Many of these buyers want to lock in their mortgage rate before year-end changes, or are relocating for jobs and need to move in quickly.

Holiday schedules allow for flexible showings

Did you know that the Thanksgiving weekend is a surprisingly good opportunity for homebuyers to explore properties, which include houses for sale by owner? Serious buyers use their extra days off from work to look at homes instead of spending the long weekend solely on travel or shopping.

And for FSBO sellers, the holiday break gives them extra time to coordinate showings personally. They can handle last-minute appointments even when full-service agents take time off during holidays.

Real Estate Corners supports FSBO even during the holidays

Listing houses for sale by owner in November or December might sound daunting, but it can be surprisingly simple here at Real Estate Corners!

Our flat fee packages (starting at just $399) include everything you need to reach serious buyers, fast. This professional MLS listing service provides automatic distribution to major websites, including Zillow and Realtor.com. You get the freedom to manage your own showings, offers, and timeline on your terms, extending your listing duration if you need to.

Do you need additional marketing support, from physical materials like yard signs and color brochures, all the way to social media posts and email blasts to real estate agents in Minnesota? We can do those for you, too!

The service provides a free trial period with no additional fees to start using the platform. You can cancel your subscription at any time while maintaining full control over the cancellation process.

Real Estate Corners functions as a primary resource for buyers who want to find owner-listed properties that conventional real estate agents do not present in their listings.

Ready to explore FSBO listings this fall?

At Real Estate Corners, we make it easy for Minnesota homeowners to list smart, and for buyers to find quality houses for sale by owner without the noise. Our team provides complete support to buyers and sellers who want to confidently navigate the FSBO process before winter arrives.

Contact us today at (612) 483-1230 to help you get started, or explore our current listings to find your next home, before the year wraps up!

Not long ago, selling a home almost always meant hiring a real estate agent. But today, homeowners in Minnesota can list their property as for sale by owner (FSBO) to avoid paying the typical 6% commission charged by listing brokers. Another option is using a flat-fee MLS service, which allows sellers to manage some parts of the process while leaving marketing and exposure to licensed agents.

Through the Broker Reciprocity system, homes listed as for sale by owner in MN appear across hundreds of public websites that display by-owner MLS listings, including major sites like Realtor.com. They also gain visibility on platforms such as MLS Online Minnesota, which helps sellers reach a wider pool of potential buyers.

For buyers, the MLS makes it easier to find homes for sale by owner in MN. The Multiple Listing Service remains one of the most effective tools for finding and selling homes, and it continues to simplify the search for both sellers and buyers. As licensed agents, we can access the latest MLS listings in Minnesota and guide you through the options.

Why buy an FSBO home?

We make it simple to explore homes for sale by owner in MN here at Real Estate Corners. On top of that, our home buyer service includes attractive rebates that make the process even more rewarding. Whether you’re purchasing a new property, selling your current one, or doing both, we can represent you as a buyer and help you save money along the way.

You’ve found your dream home

If you’ve already located the property you want and choose us to represent you as the buyer, you’ll receive a cash rebate equal to 1% of the selling price, up to $4,000, once the closing is complete (with some restrictions).

You’re selling your home and want to buy another one

If you list your property with us and also use our services to purchase your next home, we’ll represent you as the buyer and provide a cash rebate of 0.5% of the selling price, up to $4,000, after closing (with some restrictions).

Quick look: What to check before buying an FSBO home in MN

How do you know that you’ve found the right FSBO home?

When browsing homes for sale by owner in MN, don’t rely only on what you see in the listing. The smartest way to find the best deal is to compare property specs and evaluate sellers. Here’s what to look for and compare when evaluating FSBO homes:

Compare sellers

When you buy an FSBO home, you have direct access to the seller. You can use this connection to guide your negotiations. For example, you may be able to secure a lower price by offering to close faster if the seller already purchased another property and needs a quick sale.

Assess the property’s condition and real value

Some FSBO homes are difficult to locate or view because they aren’t listed on the MLS. Working with an agent can help, since they may arrange showings through their contacts or by reaching out to the seller on your behalf.

Once you tour the property, ask questions about the home and the neighborhood. Also, compare it to similar recent sales in the area to see if the asking price is realistic.

Consider a home inspection

A home inspection isn’t required by law, but skipping it is risky — especially with homes for sale by owner in MN. Even well-intentioned sellers might not know about hidden issues like faulty wiring or foundation cracks. A licensed inspector will carefully examine the home’s major systems and give you a detailed report. If major issues come up, you’ll have the option to renegotiate or move on.

Know the closing costs

Before committing, ask about the closing costs tied to each FSBO property you’re considering. Knowing these expenses upfront helps you compare homes for sale by owner in MN more accurately and identify which option is truly the most affordable.

Will the seller take care of the buyer’s agent commission?

Find out early if the seller is willing to cover the buyer’s agent commission when looking at homes for sale by owner in MN. Many are willing to do this if it makes their properties more appealing, but some don’t want to.

Because of the 2024 NAR lawsuit settlement, buyers must now sign an agreement with their agent that clearly outlines the commission before services are provided. Many sellers may still cover this cost, but you can negotiate directly with your agent if they don’t. That way, you know their fee will be paid. You can also use this information when making an offer on the property.

Get a CLUE report or disclosures

Seller disclosures reveal known problems or defects in the home, making them important when buying an FSBO home. Many sellers are honest about issues in their home, but some may unintentionally leave out details or provide incomplete information without an agent’s guidance. Requesting a Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange (CLUE) report can give you extra assurance.

This report comes from an insurance database that records past claims filed on the property, giving you a clearer picture of its history. Keep in mind, only the current homeowner can request it.

Get experts on your side

Buying a home is one of the biggest financial commitments you’ll make, so having the right professionals on your team matters. Inspectors and attorneys, even loan officers, all have a role in protecting your interests when it comes to buying homes for sale by owner in MN.

And don’t overlook the value of flat-fee real estate agents like us. With our home buyer program, you can focus less on the stress of comparing homes for sale by owner in MN and more on finding the property that fits your needs — knowing you have support every step of the way.

We can help compare property specs

It’s easier to compare homes for sale by owner in MN when you have Real Estate Corners by your side. Our agents take the time to understand your needs and help you identify properties that truly fit your lifestyle and budget. Besides helping you find the right home, we’ll also advocate for you during negotiations and make sure that all the paperwork and disclosures are handled correctly.

Call us today at (612) 483-1230 and take the first step toward finding the best deal on your next home.

Did you know that since 1999, the National Association of Realtors has tracked seasonal trends in housing to see how market activity rises and falls with the seasons? These insights can give both buyers and sellers a clearer idea of how timing can affect MLS listings in Minnesota.

Why seasons matter in real estate

Seasonality is one of the most consistent patterns in real estate. The number of sales and the direction of prices, change throughout the year, often influenced by the weather and holidays, even school schedules and uncontrollable forces in the market. Understanding these seasonal cycles helps buyers avoid overpaying and allows sellers to list when demand is highest. If you’re working with MLS listings in Minnesota, timing your move around peak months can raise your chances of a faster sale or a better deal.

Quick look: How seasons affect MLS listings in Minnesota

Peak season starts in the spring

From March through May, the housing market in Minnesota gains momentum. Longer days and warmer weather make home tours more convenient, drawing more buyers into the market. Families often aim to buy during this period so they can plan their move during the summer break. As a result, MLS listings in Minnesota increase, leading to more competition between buyers. Home prices typically go up, too.

The busiest season

The pace of activity often carries into summer, with many sales closing between June and August. Demand remains strong, keeping prices elevated. By late summer, however, activity starts to ease as buyers settle into their new homes before the school year begins.

NAR data shows this cycle repeats year after year — MLS listings in Minnesota and prices peak in July, along with sales, and hit their lowest point in January. Since the housing recovery after the 2008 downturn, prices have generally trended upward, but the seasonal highs and lows remain consistent.

In the Midwest, summer is the most active time for buyers because moving in winter is far less appealing. On average, winter sales reach only about 60% of the volume seen during peak months. The school calendar also plays a big role — families prefer to wait until summer to avoid disrupting the school year. According to MovingLabour, July 31 is the single busiest moving day of the year, with most moves happening between May and September.

After the summer rush

As the busy season winds down, fall brings a noticeable shift to the housing market. MLS listings in Minnesota drop, but there are still serious home buyers at this point. In this case, sellers who list in the fall may need to adjust pricing or offer incentives as cooler weather and the holiday season make house hunting less of a priority for many families.

Market activity slows further as temperatures fall. From December through February, daily sales average just 11,380 — over 5,000 fewer than in the peak months. This seasonal dip also affects pricing. Homes sold in June are typically about 16% more expensive than those sold in the winter. On top of that, median days on market stretch from 31 days in June to 49 days in winter, giving buyers more breathing room to weigh their options.

Fall can be an especially favorable time to buy a home from MLS listings in Minnesota. Homes sold during these months tend to be around 5% less expensive than summer listings, without the deeper slowdown that winter brings. With fewer families willing to move mid-school year and the holidays diverting attention, motivated buyers often find better deals.

External factors like interest rates and overall economic conditions can magnify or soften these trends, but on average, home values swing by as much as 10% throughout the year. Timing, therefore, becomes an important part of a buyer’s or seller’s strategy.

The slowest season

Winter is typically the quietest stretch of the year for real estate in Minnesota. Harsh weather and shorter daylight hours, as well as holiday obligations, mean fewer buyers and sellers are active. That said, there are still highly motivated individuals who create unique opportunities during this season. For buyers, this might mean negotiating a lower price or having more choice without competing offers. Sellers just have to work with committed buyers who are very eager to close.

Seasonality and home sales in Minnesota

The timing of MLS listings in Minnesota can have a major effect on how quickly homes sell and at what price. Listing during peak months may bring more buyers and higher offers, while listing in slower months could mean your home stays on the market longer. Recognizing these patterns gives both buyers and sellers a clearer path to achieving their goals in Minnesota’s ever-changing real estate landscape.

FOMO may push more buyers to buy ASAP

Spring and summer bring more MLS listings in Minnesota, and these seasons also motivate buyers to buy as soon as possible. In addition to the competitive market, longer days and lax family schedules often spark bidding wars, driving prices higher. Homes sold in May, for example, average a 13.1% premium above market value. Much of this activity is fueled by the psychological pull of Fear of Missing Out (FOMO). In fact, surveys show that as many as 70% of buyers admit their final decision is influenced by emotions rather than purely logic.

Better negotiation in winter

Come winter, the market slows down with fewer buyers looking into MLS listings in Minnesota. As such, sellers are more open to negotiation. When absorption rates fall below 15%, price reductions and flexible terms become more common. The slower pace means fewer bidding wars, giving buyers a chance to carefully evaluate homes and negotiate for repairs, even request concessions. Compared to the premiums of spring and summer, winter can be a window of opportunity for buyers to secure better deals.

Navigate seasonal shifts with confidence

Whether you’re buying or selling, timing plays a critical role in Minnesota’s housing market. At Real Estate Corners, we make it easier to move forward no matter the season. For FSBO sellers, our flat-fee MLS listing service starts at just $399. Buyers can take advantage of our home buying service and earn up to $4,000 in rebates.

Ready to get started? Call us today at (612) 483-1230 to explore MLS listings in Minnesota and make your next move with confidence.

Buying or selling a home can feel overwhelming especially when you’re trying to not overspend on agent commissions. We understand, and like you, we believe that professional help shouldn’t come at a premium. That’s why here at Real Estate Corners, we have a low-cost real estate agent who takes the pressure off your shoulders without taking a big cut from your budget.

Why consider a low-cost real estate agent?

Some sellers and buyers hesitate to hire an agent, thinking the cost will outweigh the benefits. But going it alone can actually be much more expensive. It’s more prudent to hire a low-cost real estate agent to get the support you need at a fraction of the price.

Unlike traditional agents who charge full commission, a low-cost agent works on a reduced fee, either through a flat rate or a lower percentage. You still get essential services like buyer or seller representation and marketing, but you avoid the high commissions.

Real Estate Corners makes it affordable to sell a home

Our team at Real Estate Corners is proud to offer low-cost real estate services throughout Minnesota. Whether you want help listing your home on the MLS or need support buying a property, we’ll guide you through the process with professional insight and a focus on value.

We don’t charge standard commission rates. Instead, we offer flexible pricing options tailored to your goals. Want to sell your home with a flat fee listing? Interested in keeping full control with an FSBO approach but still want expert backup? Our low-cost real estate agent has you covered. 

Flat-fee services for FSBO sellers

If you’re selling your home as a for-sale-by-owner (FSBO), we offer an MLS listing package starting at $399. This includes:

• A 6-month listing on the MLS
• Up to 24 photos
• Online forms and e-signatures for a smooth setup
• Exposure on major real estate sites like Realtor.com and Trulia

You keep full control of the sale, but still benefit from our licensed guidance and support.

Need more hands-on help? Our optional facilitation service is available for just 0.5% of the sale price (capped at $2,000). This service ensures your transaction stays on track, with a licensed low-cost real estate agent handling negotiations and making sure that the deal makes it to closing.

And since everything is done online, we’re able to help clients well beyond the Twin Cities metro area.

What’s in our FSBO package?

Our low-cost real estate agent takes the hassle out of listing your property. With our flat-fee FSBO package, your home is featured on the MLS for 6 months, along with up to 24 high-quality photos. We streamline the process using online data forms and e-signatures!

• No hidden fees
• Ongoing broker support throughout your sale
• Free unlimited edits and updates to your MLS listing
• Exposure on Realtor.com, Zillow, Trulia, and hundreds of top national real estate sites
• Buyer phone and email inquiries are forwarded directly to you
• Online scheduling and feedback for home showings
• Required Minnesota state disclosures included
• A complete listing with full details here on RealEstateCorners.com
• Cancel anytime without extra fees

Why we use the MLS to sell homes

The Multiple Listing Service (MLS) remains one of the most effective tools for selling homes across the country, so it’s no surprise that even a low-cost real estate agent uses it. It’s where nearly every Realtor looks when helping buyers search for homes in your area — and if your property isn’t listed there, most buyers won’t even know it’s available.

At Real Estate Corners, we’re licensed real estate brokers who understand how to get your FSBO listing onto the local MLS and in front of serious buyers. If your property isn’t part of the MLS, you’re missing a critical opportunity to attract attention and generate offers.

Listing your home on the MLS is the fastest and most reliable way to sell your property as a for-sale-by-owner. You get the same professional listing exposure as sellers who pay a 6% commission, but with the added benefit of significant savings through our flat-fee structure.

Reach more buyers with MLS property syndication

Thanks to MLS property syndication supported by MLS Online Minnesota, your listing spreads to hundreds of popular real estate websites, including Realtor.com and Redfin.com.

This level of visibility is far more powerful than simply posting on a single platform like Craigslist or Zillow. With a professional MLS listing, your property gains far more traction and credibility with buyers.

Prefer full-service? We’ve got that too

If you’d rather leave everything to a licensed professional, we offer a full-service package at a flat rate that can help you save thousands compared to traditional agent commissions.

Our full-service listing includes everything a traditional Realtor would do — from pricing and marketing to showings and closing coordination — all for just $4,600. You only pay our low-cost real estate $600 up front, and the remaining $4,000 comes from your proceeds at closing.

You don’t need to juggle the details. Let our low-cost real estate agent handle the process while you stay focused on your next move. We’ll keep you informed every step of the way and ensure your transaction moves forward smoothly.

Buying a new home? Let us help

If you’re planning to sell your current home and buy another in Minnesota, working with our low-cost real estate agent can help you save even more. We offer rebate incentives to put cash back in your pocket after closing.

• Found your new home on your own? We’ll represent you and provide a 1% rebate of the sale price (up to $4,000) when you close — some conditions apply.
• Selling and buying with us? You’ll get a 5% rebate on your purchase (up to $4,000) when we represent you for both transactions.

Let’s sell your home!

Whether you choose our FSBO listing package or go with full-service support, you’ll get the exposure, guidance, and tools needed to sell your home successfully — without paying excessive commission fees.

Call us at (612) 483-1230 today so our low-cost real estate agent can help you right away.