FSBO vs Realtor in Leesburg, Loudoun County – What’s Better for Sellers?
Thinking of selling your home in Leesburg, Loudoun County Virginia? You may have heard of FSBO (For Sale By Owner) and wondered: is it really better (or worse) than hiring a Realtor? The truth is — there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. But by the end of this post, you'll have a clearer sense of which path might make the most sense for your situation, and how our 1.5% full-service program offers a middle ground.
The Local Market Snapshot: Leesburg, Loudoun County, Virginia
- In June 2025, the median home price in Loudoun County reached about $810,000, up ~7.3% year-over-year. Dulles Area Association of REALTORS®
- In April 2025, there were 487 home sales in the county, up ~7.3% from the prior year, with much of the growth concentrated in Leesburg zip code 20175 (+45.7% sales). Dulles Area Association of REALTORS®
- The median list price in Loudoun in June 2025 was ~$824,999. Rocket Mortgage
- Homes sold in a competitive market, often at or above asking price. Realtor
In short: Leesburg, Loudoun County Virginia is a strong seller’s market in 2025. That gives sellers leverage, but also raises expectations around marketing, presentation, and pricing.
What Does FSBO Mean — and What You’d Be Doing Yourself
FSBO (For Sale By Owner) means you, the homeowner, handle nearly all aspects of the sale:
- ✓ Pricing strategy, staging, photography, marketing, MLS or alternative exposure, showings, negotiations, inspections, disclosures, and closing logistics
- ✓ Limited MLS exposure unless you pay for flat-fee services
- ✓ Risk of underpricing or overpricing due to limited data or emotional attachment
- ✓ Legal or financial exposure from mistakes in contracts, disclosures, or local compliance
In a market as active as Leesburg, Loudoun County Virginia, the quality of marketing and exposure can have a big impact on how fast and profitably your home sells.
What a Realtor (Full Service) Brings to the Table
Hiring a Realtor / listing agent typically provides:
- ✓ Expertise in local comps, pricing strategy, and positioning
- ✓ Strong marketing reach (MLS, professional photography, video, staging advice, open houses, digital ads)
- ✓ Buyer-agent relationships (agents bring clients)
- ✓ Handling negotiations, inspections, repairs, contract drafting, and closing coordination
- ✓ Risk mitigation with proper disclosures and guidance through contingencies
The Real Costs: Commissions & Fees in Virginia / Loudoun
Typical Realtor commissions in Virginia total around 5.19–5.69%, split between listing and buyer agents. For an $800,000 home in Leesburg:
- ✓ Total commission ~ $44,000
- ✓ Listing agent ~ $22,400 (2.8%)
- ✓ Buyer agent ~ $21,600 (2.7%)
- ✓ Other closing costs may add 1–3%
FSBO vs Realtor: Side-by-Side in Leesburg, Loudoun County
| Feature / Risk | FSBO | Traditional Realtor |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront control | You set everything | You influence, but agent advises |
| Exposure / marketing | Limited unless you pay extra | Broad MLS and agent network reach |
| Negotiation & legal risk | You take the risk | Agent handles most issues |
| Time commitment | High — you do everything | Moderate — you supervise & approve |
| Commission cost | Much lower (only what you pay buyer side, if anything) | ~5–6% total (negotiable) |
| Likelihood of lower net sales price | Higher (due to underexposure) | Lower (better positioning + agent networks) |
| Stress and logistics | High burden | Agent manages most of it |
Summary: What’s Better for Sellers in Leesburg, Loudoun County?
FSBO saves commission but puts heavy burden and risk on you. In a sophisticated market like Leesburg, lack of exposure or legal missteps can cost more than commission.
Traditional Realtors offer full-service coverage, wide exposure, and transaction safety — and for most sellers, working with a Realtor is the better and safer choice.
Our 1.5% full-service program provides a hybrid solution: professional support, marketing reach, and transaction oversight — but at a lower listing commission.
Given today’s pricing and buyer sophistication in Leesburg, Loudoun County Virginia, choosing a Realtor (traditional or 1.5% full-service) often provides the best combination of net proceeds, speed, and peace of mind.
Ready to Explore Selling Your Home in Leesburg?
We’d love to show you exactly how much you could save with our 1.5% full-service program, without sacrificing quality or exposure.
Call Today: (703) 375-9583
Learn More About 1.5% ListingsFAQs
1. Can I really charge only 1.5% and still get the same quality of service?
Yes — we deliver full service (MLS, marketing, negotiation, closing support) under a streamlined operational structure. The cost savings come from efficiency and focused processes, not cutting corners.
2. Does FSBO prevent me from getting a buyer agent to bring offers?
It can limit that unless you offer a competitive buyer’s agent commission or make agreements. Many buyer agents prefer working with listings on the MLS via agents — though you can list via a flat-fee MLS service to mitigate that.
3. Is the buyer’s agent commission still required if I use your 1.5% program?
The buyer’s agent commission is negotiated separately and must be disclosed. Our 1.5% is the listing side commission (what you pay your agent), not what you offer to buyer agents.
Disclosure & Disclaimer
"1.5% listing service" refers to the listing-side brokerage fee only; any seller-offered buyer-broker compensation (if any), brokerage/admin fees, and all third-party charges (title/lender/HOA/recording, inspections, warranties, etc.) are separate. Minimums and exclusions may apply; see the listing agreement and the Important Information & Disclosures.
Important Information & Disclosures
Last updated: October 8, 2025
Content on this page is provided for general educational purposes for homeowners in Leesburg, Loudoun County, Virginia and should not be relied upon as legal, tax, accounting, or financial advice. Consult your attorney, CPA, lender, and title company for advice specific to your situation.
Estimates Only: Cost figures reflect common scenarios as of August 2025 and may change without notice due to market conditions and third-party fees (title insurance, lender charges, HOA/condo, transfer/recording, inspections, warranties, etc.). No guarantee is made regarding your net proceeds or savings.
Brokerage Compensation & 1.5% Listing Service: Commissions are not set by law and are fully negotiable. The "1.5% listing service" refers solely to the listing-side brokerage fee. Any seller-offered buyer-broker compensation (if any), brokerage/admin fees, and all third-party charges are separate. Minimum fees and program exclusions may apply; full details are provided in the written listing agreement.
Accuracy & Corrections: Information is provided "as-is" and, while believed accurate, may contain errors or omissions. If you see an error, please contact us for prompt correction.
No Agency Created: Viewing this page, contacting us, or submitting a form does not create an agency relationship. Representation begins only upon mutual execution of a written agreement.
Fair Housing: We conduct business in accordance with the Fair Housing Act. Equal Housing Opportunity.
Advertising: Advertising is provided by Samson Properties, main office Chantilly, VA. Team: The Jamil Brothers Realty Group.
Not a Solicitation: Not intended to solicit homeowners currently under an exclusive representation agreement with another broker.
Where market statistics or MLS data are referenced, they are deemed reliable but not guaranteed; availability and terms are subject to change.
Recent Posts
Let's Connect
