Is FSBO Worth It in Asheville, NC? What to Know Before You Sell Without an Agent

Thinking about selling your home on your own, without a real estate agent? You’re not alone. It’s called “For Sale By Owner,” or FSBO, and on the surface, it can sound like a smart way to save money on commissions.

But here’s the thing: in most cases—especially in a market as unique as Asheville—it might end up costing you more than you save.

Let’s take a closer look at what the numbers say, what makes Asheville a little trickier for FSBO sellers, and how to make the best decision for your situation.

FSBO vs. Agent-Assisted Sales: What the Data Says

According to the 2024 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers by the National Association of REALTORS®, homes sold without an agent had a median sale price of $380,000.

Meanwhile, homes sold with an agent? They came in at a median of $435,000.

That’s a $55,000 difference.

Even after paying a commission, most sellers working with an agent still walk away with more money in their pocket. And here’s something else to consider: only 6% of all home sales in the U.S. were FSBO in 2024—the lowest it’s ever been. Most sellers are still choosing to work with professionals.

Asheville Isn’t Your Average Market

If you live in Asheville (or anywhere in Western North Carolina), you already know this market plays by its own rules. We’ve got everything from 100-year-old bungalows and mid-century ranches to mountain cabins and new green builds—all in the same zip code.

Here’s why that matters when selling FSBO:

Pricing is tricky: Without access to hyperlocal market data and real-time trends, it’s easy to overprice or underprice your home. Either mistake can cost you—either in a lower sale or months of sitting unsold.
(Freestone Properties explains more here).
Marketing is limited: If your home isn’t on the MLS, you’re missing out on exposure to thousands of buyers. Platforms like Zillow often bury FSBO listings, making it harder to get noticed.
(Read more about this on HomeLight).
The paperwork gets real: From disclosure forms to legal timelines and offer negotiations, the process can get overwhelming—fast. And if you miss a step? It could cost you.
(Here’s a legal breakdown from Lancaster Law).

When FSBO Might Make Sense

That said, there are a few situations where selling on your own might actually make sense:

You’re selling to a close friend or family member and already agreed on a price.
You’ve got solid experience with real estate transactions and feel confident handling every step yourself.
You have the time and energy to manage showings, marketing, pricing strategy, legal paperwork, negotiations, and closing timelines on your own.

If any of that sounds like you, FSBO might be worth exploring.

So… Should You Go FSBO?

It depends on your goals. If you’re trying to sell quickly, get the best price possible, or you’d just rather not take on a second job for the next 3 months (because let’s be real, that’s what FSBO is)—then partnering with an agent is likely the better choice.

A good real estate agent doesn’t just “list your house.” They help you:

Set a winning price based on real-time local data
Stage and market your home to attract more qualified buyers
Navigate offers, inspections, and negotiations
Avoid legal and financial landmines
Close the deal faster and with more peace of mind

👋 Let’s Talk About Your Options

If you’re considering selling your Asheville home and want honest advice—no pressure, just real talk—I’d love to help. Whether you’re leaning toward FSBO or already know you want full-service support, let’s connect and talk through what makes the most sense for your goals.

👉 Click here to schedule a free connection call and let’s make a plan that works for you.

P.S. Even if you're not quite ready to sell yet, grab my free 30-Minute Home Refresh Guide to get your space looking its best—whether you list it next month or next year.