Getting an offer is the exciting part — but closing is where a sale actually gets finalized. Selling FSBO doesn’t mean you’re on your own for this step. Here’s what the process generally looks like.

1. Reviewing and Negotiating the Offer

Once a buyer submits an offer, you’ll review price, contingencies (financing, inspection, appraisal), closing date, and any items included in the sale. It’s normal to go back and forth with a counteroffer before both sides sign.

2. Required Disclosures

Every state requires sellers to disclose known material defects about the property — things like roof issues, past water damage, or foundation problems. We provide the state-required disclosure forms as part of your listing so you’re covered here.

3. Inspection and Appraisal

Most buyers will schedule a home inspection, and if they’re financing the purchase, their lender will require an appraisal. It’s common for an inspection to turn up minor issues — expect some negotiation over repairs or a price credit rather than a full renegotiation.

4. Title Company or Closing Attorney

A title company (or, in some states, a real estate attorney) handles the closing itself: verifying clear title, preparing closing documents, and holding funds in escrow until everything is signed. You can typically choose your own title company — it doesn’t have to be one the buyer suggests.

5. Final Walkthrough and Signing

Shortly before closing, the buyer usually does a final walkthrough to confirm the home’s condition matches what was agreed. Then both parties sign closing documents — sometimes together, sometimes separately — and the title company disburses funds once everything is recorded.

6. Getting Paid

Your net proceeds (sale price minus any payoff on your existing mortgage, prorated taxes, and closing costs) are wired or delivered by check shortly after closing, typically the same day or within a day or two.

Selling FSBO means you’re handling marketing and negotiation yourself — not that you’re handling the legal and financial mechanics of closing alone. Title companies and closing attorneys do that work for FSBO sellers every day.