FSBO Without Chaos: How Sheri Sachs and The Home Selling Playbook Empower Sellers

 

Selling a home is one of the biggest financial moves most people ever make. For many homeowners, the idea of going For Sale By Owner (FSBO) feels intimidating, but in today’s market it’s becoming less of a choice and more of a necessity. Rising interest rates, slim equity positions, and higher costs of moving mean some sellers simply can’t afford to pay full commissions.

That’s where Sheri Sachs, Realtor, entrepreneur, and creator of The Home Selling Playbook, is stepping in with tools, strategies, and encouragement for homeowners ready to take control of their sale.

Watch the full conversation here: https://youtu.be/1TnGlBv4NXs

Listen to this and other episodes on your favorite podcast platform: https://www.betweentwodoors.com/episodes/

What FSBO Really Means Today

FSBO isn’t new. For decades, homeowners have sold their own homes to save on commission. But Sheri points out that many people misunderstand what FSBO is about.

  • Seller misconceptions: “It’s not free to sell—it will never be free—but it can cost less if you’re intentional.”

  • Buyer misconceptions: Some buyers think FSBO homes must be “cheap” or come with problems. That’s not true—the process can be just as professional when handled correctly.

  • Agent misconceptions: Realtors sometimes assume FSBO sellers are anti-agent, when in reality most are in a financial pinch and have to explore other options.

The Top Challenges FSBO Sellers Face

Sheri shared that many sellers underestimate three things when they go FSBO:

  1. Pricing: Too often, sellers “price their memories,” not the market. Numbers tell the real story.

  2. Negotiation: Going head-to-head with an investor or experienced agent can overwhelm a seller without a plan.

  3. Process management: From showings and inspections to appraisals and timelines, FSBO sellers need structure to avoid costly mistakes.

That’s why Sheri created The Home Selling Playbook. The six-part video course with downloadable checklists walks sellers through every step—from staging and photos to contract, closing, and even handing over the keys. Plus, her private Facebook group gives sellers a place to ask questions and get direct feedback.

The Buyer’s Side: Where Lenders Step In

FSBO sellers often assume they need a “cash buyer” to make things simple. But that’s where I come in as a lender. With the right preapproval process, financed buyers—whether VA, FHA, Conventional, or DSCR—can be just as strong as cash.

Here’s how I help stabilize FSBO deals:

  • Preapproval vs. prequal: I verify income and assets upfront, so sellers aren’t left guessing about a buyer’s ability to close.

  • Timeline coaching: Without an agent, FSBO sellers may not understand contract deadlines. I help keep everyone on track.

  • Smooth process: From inspections to appraisal to final disclosures, I coordinate with title and underwriting so the deal doesn’t fall apart.

As Sheri said, FSBO sellers need to present themselves with professionalism. That includes partnering with a lender who can make sure buyers show up ready to move forward.

Realtors and FSBO: Partnership, Not Competition

A surprising insight from Sheri: Realtors don’t have to see FSBO sellers as competition. Instead, they can:

  • Offer flat-fee MLS listings.

  • Provide CMAs to help sellers price correctly.

  • Position themselves as a resource if the seller decides they need representation later.

As Sheri put it, “Approach FSBO sellers with respect. What they’re doing is brave. Serve first, and you may win their business later.”

One Piece of Advice Before Going FSBO

Sheri’s number one tip for homeowners: “Do it better. Create perceived value.”

That means staging your home, taking professional photos, presenting the property like an agent would—only you’re the one leading the process. Sellers who take FSBO seriously stand the best chance of success.

Learn More and Take Action

Sheri’s program is available nationwide. If you’re considering FSBO, you can find all the details at thehomesellingplaybook.com.

And if you’re a homeowner ready to explore FSBO—or a buyer looking at an FSBO property—don’t go it alone on financing. Contact me for a 15-minute Preapproval Power Check. Together, we’ll make sure your transaction is not just possible, but smooth and stress-free.

Sheri Sachs Contact Info

About Between Two Doors

Between Two Doors is a podcast where I talk with Realtors about their journey, aiming to connect home buyers and sellers with agents on a more personal level. I ask "right brain" questions that go beyond transactions, focusing on the experiences, values, and passions that make these professionals great at what they do.

Listen to more episodes: https://www.betweentwodoors.com

Sponsored by:
Premier Lending, Inc. – https://www.natecarver.com

NMLS Numbers:
NMLS: 2004738
Licensed by the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI). Equal Housing Opportunity.
https://www.nmlsconsumeraccess.com

Contact: 972-832-5761

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Location: Anna, TX 75409, USA

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