Simple Home Customer Playbooks
Selling your home without a traditional real estate agent doesn’t have to feel overwhelming.
Simple Home provides practical playbooks to help homeowners confidently navigate the most important stages of the selling process.
These guides are written in clear language and focus on the real situations FSBO sellers experience.
PLAYBOOK 1
Preparing Your Home for Visibility
Before launching your marketing campaign, it’s important to prepare your home so buyers see it at its best.
First impressions matter online and in person.
Focus on Three Things
1. Clean and Declutter
Buyers should be able to picture themselves living in the space.
• remove excess furniture
• clear countertops and surfaces
• organize closets and storage areas
A clean home photographs better and feels larger to buyers.
2. Fix Small Issues
Minor repairs can affect how buyers perceive the property.
Address simple items such as:
• dripping faucets
• loose door handles
• chipped paint
• burned-out light bulbs
These small details help create confidence in buyers.
3. Prepare for Photography
Your listing photos are often the first thing buyers see.
Before photography:
• open blinds and curtains
• turn on interior lights
• tidy outdoor spaces
• remove personal items
Bright, clean photos attract more online attention.
Why Preparation Matters
The goal is simple:
When buyers see your home online, they want to schedule a showing.
Preparation helps your property stand out and increases the impact of your marketing campaign.
PLAYBOOK 2
Handling Buyer Inquiries
Once your home becomes visible online, buyers may begin reaching out by phone, text, or email.
This is a normal and positive part of the process.
Stay Calm and Friendly
Buyers often begin with simple questions such as:
• Is the home still available?
• Can we schedule a showing?
• What is the price?
• Are you working with agents?
Responding promptly and politely helps keep buyers engaged.
Ask One Important Question
Before scheduling a showing, it’s reasonable to ask whether the buyer has been pre-approved or pre-qualified for financing.
Example response:
“Thanks for reaching out. Before scheduling showings we ask buyers to be pre-approved by a lender. Are you currently pre-approved?”
This helps ensure serious interest.
Keep Communication Simple
You don’t need to oversell your home.
Provide clear information and invite interested buyers to see the property.
Example:
“We’d be happy to schedule a showing. What day and time works best for you?”
The Goal
Your goal during buyer inquiries is simply to:
• answer questions
• schedule showings
• identify serious buyers
The showing is where buyers truly evaluate the home.
PLAYBOOK 3
Managing Showings
Showings allow buyers to experience the property in person.
Preparation and organization make the process smooth.
Scheduling Showings
When scheduling showings:
• choose times that work for you
• allow reasonable notice
• group showings when possible
Example:
“We’re scheduling showings Saturday afternoon. Would 2:00 PM work?”
Prepare the Home
Before a showing:
• open blinds and curtains
• turn on lights
• ensure the home is clean
• remove pets if possible
A welcoming environment helps buyers imagine living there.
Let Buyers Explore
Buyers typically want to walk through the home at their own pace.
You can briefly greet them, then allow them space to explore.
If they have questions, answer honestly.
After the Showing
Some buyers will share feedback or ask follow-up questions.
Others may need time to think.
Both responses are normal.
PLAYBOOK 4
Navigating Agent Conversations
When selling FSBO, you will likely hear from real estate agents.
Some agents may want to:
• show the property to a buyer
• ask about buyer agent commission
• suggest listing the home with them
These conversations are common.
Stay Polite and Professional
Even if you prefer to remain FSBO, respond respectfully.
Example:
“Thanks for reaching out. We’re currently selling the home ourselves but are happy to work with buyers who are represented.”
Commission Conversations
Agents may ask if you’re offering a buyer agent commission.
You can respond with something like:
“Commission can be discussed as part of an offer.”
This keeps the conversation open without committing to anything upfront.
Remember
You always control the decision.
You can choose whether to:
• work with a buyer agent
• negotiate commission
• accept or reject offers
PLAYBOOK 5
Understanding Offers
When buyers are serious, they will submit an offer.
Offers are typically written documents outlining the proposed terms of the purchase.
What an Offer Usually Includes
Most offers include:
• purchase price
• financing details
• inspection contingency
• closing timeline
• earnest money deposit
Take time to read the offer carefully.
You Have Options
When reviewing an offer, you can:
• accept the offer
• reject the offer
• make a counteroffer
Negotiation is a normal part of real estate transactions.
Consider Professional Review
Many FSBO sellers choose to have a real estate attorney or title company review contracts before signing.
This provides additional protection and peace of mind.
PLAYBOOK 6
Closing the Sale
Once an offer is accepted, the transaction moves toward closing.
This stage usually involves a title company or escrow company.
Typical Steps After Accepting an Offer
Buyer deposits earnest money
Inspections may occur
Financing is finalized
Title company prepares closing documents