How to Avoid Realtor Fees When Selling Your House in Arizona

How to Sell Your Arizona House Without Paying Realtor Fees

Real estate commissions in Arizona typically run 5-6% of the sale price. On a $400,000 home, that's $20,000-$24,000. Here's how to keep that money.

Understanding Realtor Commissions

Traditional commission structure:

Listing agent: 2.5-3%

Buyer's agent: 2.5-3%

Total: 5-6%

You pay both even though you only hired the listing agent.

Option 1: For Sale By Owner (FSBO)

Sell your home yourself without any agents.

Pros:

No listing agent commission

Full control over the process

Can still offer buyer agent commission

Cons:

Requires significant time

Must learn pricing, contracts, negotiations

Limited marketing reach

May still pay buyer's agent (2.5-3%)

Buyers may lowball FSBO homes

Realistic Savings: 2.5-3% (you'll likely still pay buyer's agent)

Option 2: Flat-Fee MLS Listing

Pay a flat fee ($300-$500) to get on the MLS, then handle everything yourself.

Pros:

MLS exposure

Pay only flat fee to list

Control showings and negotiations

Cons:

Still responsible for all work

May pay buyer's agent

Less support than full-service

Realistic Savings: 2.5-3%

Option 3: Discount Brokers

Agents who charge 1-2% instead of 3%.

Pros:

Professional representation

Lower listing side commission

MLS and marketing

Cons:

May get less attention

Still pay buyer's agent

Quality varies widely

Realistic Savings: 1-2%

Option 4: Sell to a Cash Buyer

Sell directly to a company like ours.

Pros:

Zero commission

Zero closing cost responsibility

Fast closing

No repairs or prep

Certainty

Cons:

Offer below full retail value

Realistic Savings: Full 5-6% commission

Commission Math Example

$400,000 Home with Realtor:

Sale price: $400,000

Commission (6%): -$24,000

Closing costs (3%): -$12,000

Repairs: -$8,000

Net: $356,000

$400,000 Home FSBO (with buyer's agent):

Sale price: $385,000 (FSBO discount)

Buyer agent (3%): -$11,550

Closing costs: -$11,550

Repairs: -$8,000

Net: $353,900

Cash Buyer (85% offer):

Offer: $340,000

Commission: $0

Closing costs: $0

Repairs: $0

Net: $340,000

The Real Cost of DIY

Before going FSBO, consider:

Your time (100+ hours typically)

Legal risks

Pricing mistakes

Negotiation inexperience

Deal falling through

Best of Both Worlds

With a cash buyer, you pay no commission AND:

No time spent on marketing

No weekend open houses

No negotiations

No inspection surprises

Guaranteed closing

Get your free cash offer and see what you'll net - commission free.