Insider FSBO Tips: 10 Hacks When Selling a Home By Owner

1. Hack your home’s scent with essential oils on the HVAC filter

You don’t need expensive candles or overpowering plug-ins to make your house smell amazing during a showing. A subtle trick used by some top real estate agents? Dab a few drops of essential oil — think lavender, lemon, or eucalyptus — directly onto your home’s air filter.

As the HVAC system runs, the scent circulates throughout the house, creating a clean, spa-like vibe that doesn’t feel artificial. It’s a low-effort way to make your home more inviting without drawing attention to the fact that you’re doing it.

Pro tip: Avoid anything too strong or polarizing (no patchouli or heavy florals), and make sure the filters are clean before applying oil. And don’t jump right to the “fresh cookies from the oven” trick. This might make some buyers think you are trying to hide an odor.

»Learn more: How to Get Dog Smell Out of House

2. Use a free Google Voice number just for your FSBO listing

Selling FSBO means your phone number is likely going on signs, online ads, and listing sites — and that opens the door to spam, robocalls, and unwanted messages. To protect your privacy and stay organized, set up a free Google Voice number dedicated solely to your home sale.

With Google Voice, you can:

• Screen calls before you answer
• Keep your personal number off the internet
• Get protection from spam calls and messages
• Set a custom voicemail just for buyer inquiries
• Forward texts and voicemails to your regular phone
• Read voice transcripts in your inbox and search them like emails

It’s a simple step that can make managing the process feel a lot more professional and a lot less chaotic.

»Learn more: How to Set up Google Voice

3. Create a free property website — and add a video walkthrough

FSBO listings often get one chance to impress — and a basic photo carousel on a generic listing page doesn’t always cut it. To go the extra mile, create a simple, standalone webpage just for your property.

Free tools like Google Sites, Canva, Carrd, or Wix make it easy to build a clean, mobile-friendly page with:

• A strong headline and intro
• A photo gallery
• Your listing description
• A contact form or Google Voice number
• A quick video walkthrough (even if it’s shot on your phone)

This gives your home its own spotlight and makes your marketing look more polished, which builds trust with buyers and helps you stand out from other FSBO sellers in your area.

»Learn more: PC Magazine’s List of the Best Free Website Builders

4. Place a QR code on signs and flyers that links to your listing

Many FSBO signs and flyers stop at a phone number. But if someone drives by your home or takes a flyer and wants to learn more right now, don’t make them type in a URL or call you immediately. Give them an easy next step with a QR code.

Use a free tool like QR Code Monkey or Canva’s QR code generator to create a code that links directly to your property’s website or online listing. Then print and attach it to your sign using weatherproof materials (like a laminated insert or sticker) and insert it on your flyers.

Why it works: QR codes turn casual curiosity into instant engagement. They also make you look organized and tech-savvy, which can increase buyer confidence.

»Learn more: 9 Creative Ways to Market a House for Sale

5. Borrow better furniture, or stage using Facebook Marketplace finds

Buyers aren’t just looking at your square footage; they’re trying to imagine living in your space. If your furniture is dated, bulky, or mismatched, it can quietly work against you.

Instead of springing for professional staging, consider borrowing furniture or decor from a stylish friend or family member for a few weeks (or just long enough to take your interior marketing photos). Another low-cost option is to source a few key items (like a clean-lined coffee table or neutral bedding) from Facebook Marketplace and then re-list them after the sale.

You don’t need to stage every room — even just refreshing the living room and primary bedroom can make a noticeable difference in how your home presents online and in person.

»Learn more: Staging a House on a Budget to Wow Buyers

6. Use FedEx or UPS stores to notarize documents

Without an agent, you’ll be responsible for managing contracts, disclosures, and paperwork. Depending on your buyer’s timeline, that might mean finding a notary or printer fast.

Instead of scrambling or trying to find an open bank or mobile notary, remember that many FedEx Office and UPS Store locations offer walk-in notary services. FedEx and Staples even offer an online notary service. These and other companies can also scan, print, or copy anything you need to finalize the deal.

Bonus tip: Keep a flash drive or folder with your home’s key documents (survey, past utility bills, remodel invoices, warranties) so you’re ready to respond quickly to buyer questions.

»Learn more: Some States Require a Real Estate Attorney at Closing

7. Install a smart lock or lockbox to simplify showings

Coordinating showings with buyer agents can be one of the biggest headaches of selling FSBO. Instead of constantly rearranging your schedule or rushing home to open the door, consider installing a temporary smart lock or a real estate-grade lockbox.

With a smart lock, you can assign temporary codes and track entry from your phone. A manual lockbox (like those used by listing agents) lets you provide access securely without being on-site. Just be sure to vet potential buyers and their agents before giving access — ask for ID and preapproval letters or proof of funds.

This FSBO tip can give you added flexibility and peace of mind, especially if you’re juggling work, kids, or an out-of-town move.

»Learn more: How Many Showings Does It Take to Sell a House

8. Offer a buyer perk that isn’t just a price cut

Discounting the price isn’t your only way to sweeten the deal. In fact, small incentives can make your home more appealing without shrinking your net proceeds. Some FSBO sellers offer to:

• Fund a temporary mortgage rate buydown for the buyer’s first few years.
• Pre-pay a year of the buyer’s homeowner’s insurance or HOA dues.
• Provide a moving expense credit or arrange and pay for a professional mover.
• Offer a credit or prepay the first few months of utility bills to ease the transition.
• Give a cash credit at closing for the buyer to use on renovations or upgrades.
• Extend a home warranty to give the buyer greater peace of mind.
• Offer an allowance for new appliances or furniture.
• Agree to leave behind desirable items like a pool table, spa,  or patio set.
• Provide a landscaping allowance or pay for professional landscaping services.
• Pre-pay a portion of the upcoming property taxes or offer a credit to offset them.
• Offer pre-paid home services like professional house cleaning or carpet cleaning.
• Arrange for the installation of a smart home or security system or subscription.

»Learn more: What Are Concessions in Real Estate?

9. Use AI tools to polish your listing description

Even if writing isn’t your thing, your listing copy doesn’t have to sound amateur. With free tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, or Canva’s Magic Write, you can generate a strong first draft of your home’s description; just feed in your property’s key features. Then, take a few minutes to add a human touch: tweak the tone, avoid ALL CAPS, and make sure the phrasing feels tailored to your home’s unique features.

Remember, good listing copy isn’t just about selling, it’s about setting expectations so your buyer inquiries are more serious and better qualified.

»Learn more: How to Write a Creative Real Estate Listing Description

10. Skip the open house and offer private tours only

Open houses might feel like a must, but for FSBO sellers, they can bring more stress than results. You’ll get a lot of lookie-loos, neighbors, and maybe even nosy agents, but not necessarily qualified buyers.

Instead, you might offer private, by-appointment tours. This creates a more personalized experience and allows you to vet interest in advance. You’ll have more control over who’s walking through your home, and you’ll reduce your risk of security issues.

»Learn more: Are Open Houses Really Worth It?

A final thought on our home-selling FSBO tips

Selling your home without an agent takes effort, but it doesn’t have to feel like guesswork. These FSBO tips can give you a leg up where it really matters: making your home more appealing, keeping things safe and professional, and streamlining the experience from start to finish.

If you decide you want backup, HomeLight’s free Agent Match platform can connect you with top-rated agents who know how to close deals fast and for more money. Whether you stick with FSBO or bring in reinforcements, we wish you the best in your home sale.

»Learn more: FSBO Statistics: Will You Save Money Selling By Owner?

More home-seller resources from HomeLight

• Home Value Estimator
• Best Time to Sell Calculator
• Agent Commissions Calculator
• Net Proceeds Calculator
• Recently sold homes map

Header Image Source: (Gautam Krishnan/ Unsplash)