The FSBO Reality: Are You Selling for the Best Price or Just Selling?

Choosing to sell your home on your own (FSBO) is often a decision based on saving money, recovering from a past negative agent experience, or the belief that the process is straightforward and easy. However, in today’s complex West Michigan market, "going it alone" often means leaving significant money on the table.

The "Commission Savings" Myth

Many homeowners go FSBO to avoid the 5–6% commission, but they overlook the bottom line. Recent national data shows that agent-assisted sales achieve a median price roughly 18% to 30% higher than FSBO sales. When you do the math, trying to save a 6% commission can actually cost you up to 24% of your home’s potential equity. I don’t just save you the headache; I net you more money.

A Different Kind of Agent

If you’ve had a bad experience with an agent in the past, you aren't alone—I became an agent when I saw how difficult it was to find truly elite representation as an investor and "house flipper". My approach is built on 30 years in the trenches in hundreds of real estate transactions- as a buyer and seller. So I know, better than anyone in West Michigan, what it’s like to work with most real estate agents. I don’t just list homes; I engineer successful exits using a high-ROI investor mindset that most agents simply don’t possess.

Why Professional Representation is Essential in 2026

  • The 2026 Appraisal Shift: New 2026 appraisal standards (UAD 3.6) require a level of data-driven detail that most sellers aren't equipped to handle. I specialize in knowing what to give appraisers so they can make the proper adjustments necessary to achieve our high selling price and I’m very experienced with the appraisal rebuttal process— successfully persuading appraisers to adjust values when they come in low—a skill most real estate agents have no experience with, yet is critical when your most valuable asset is on the line.

  • Buyer Access & Safety: Most buyers work with agents, and most agents are hesitant to show FSBO properties due to the legal complexities and negotiation hurdles involved. I ensure your home is marketed where 93%+ of buyers actually look, while implementing strict safety protocols to vet everyone who enters your home.

  • Complex Paperwork & Vetting: From mandatory disclosures to vetting a buyer’s mortgage reliability, the legal risks of FSBO have never been higher. I handle the "behind-the-scenes" obstacles—title issues, inspections, and financing snags—often before you even know they exist.

Don't Leave Your Equity to Chance

Selling your home is a major financial transaction, not a DIY project. You deserve a professional who brings the marketing savvy, construction IQ, and aggressive negotiation skills required to win.

Ready to see the real data on what your home can command with professional representation? [Click here for an instant, no-obligation online valuation]


I enlisted Darrell's help in selling my home on the recommendation of friends who spoke very highly about his abilities as a Realtor and I am happy I did. Aside from being a friendly and personable man, he was an extremely competent Realtor who looked out for my best interests.  He answered all of my questions.  He advised me of what should be done to the house to make it sell well and what could be left alone. He recommended what I thought was a high selling price and the house sold for much more than I expected. It also sold in less than a month. He was on my side for the entire transaction. He handled and negotiated any situation that came up to my benefit and satisfaction. All of my calls to him or his staff (also pleasant and competent) were answered or returned promptly. I have no regrets about choosing him and would do it again. I very highly recommend Darrell whether selling or buying. He works only for you. -Kathy C.

Darrell and his team were a pleasure to work with. His well-executed plan for selling our property went smoothly from start to finish, and we were able to sell the property for more than I had hoped. I would highly recommend Darrell to anyone looking to sell a property. -Greg H.

Take the next step.

There’s no obligation.  We can talk on the phone, through video chat, grab coffee, or meet at your house.  There’s no risk- and a lot to gain.  Let’s see what we can do together.