Real Estate Services

FSBO Document Preparation: Skip the Realtor, Not the Paperwork

October 27, 2025
5 min read

Selling your home For Sale By Owner (FSBO) can save you thousands in realtor commissions. But don't let the paperwork overwhelm you. Our professional document preparation services help you navigate all the legal requirements without the hefty price tag.

Left Facing For Sale Real Estate Sign Isolated on a White Background.

The FSBO Advantage: Keep More of Your Home's Value

When you sell your home For Sale By Owner, you can save 5-6% of your home's sale price by avoiding realtor commissions. On a $500,000 home, that's $25,000-$30,000 staying in your pocket. But many homeowners hesitate because they're worried about the complex paperwork involved in a real estate transaction.

That's where we come in. At By The People, we specialize in preparing all the legal documents you need to successfully complete your FSBO sale—without the high cost of hiring a full-service realtor or real estate attorney.

Did You Know?

The average realtor commission in California is 5-6% of the sale price. On a median-priced home, that's approximately $35,000. With professional document preparation, you can handle the paperwork for a fraction of that cost.

What Documents Do You Need for an FSBO Sale?

Selling a home involves numerous legal documents that must be properly prepared and filed. Here are the essential documents we help FSBO sellers prepare:

1

Purchase Agreement

The legally binding contract between you and the buyer outlining the terms of the sale, price, contingencies, and closing date.

2

Seller's Property Disclosure

Required by California law, this document discloses known defects, problems, or issues with the property. Proper disclosure protects you from future liability.

3

Grant Deed

The document that officially transfers ownership of the property from you to the buyer. This must be properly prepared and recorded with the county.

4

Preliminary Change of Ownership Report (PCOR)

Required by California counties to determine if property taxes need reassessment. Must be filed with the county assessor.

5

Escrow Instructions

Documents that guide the escrow company in handling funds, documents, and the closing process.

6

Additional Disclosures & Forms

Depending on your property, you may need Natural Hazard Disclosures, Lead-Based Paint Disclosures (for homes built before 1978), Homeowners Association documents, and more.

How We Help FSBO Sellers Succeed

Our Legal Document Assistants are certified and experienced in real estate document preparation. Here's how we support your FSBO sale from start to finish:

Document Preparation

We prepare all required documents accurately and in compliance with California real estate law. No guesswork, no mistakes.

Compliance Review

We ensure all disclosures meet legal requirements and help you avoid costly mistakes that could derail your sale.

Guidance & Support

We explain each document, answer your questions, and guide you through the paperwork process step by step.

Affordable Pricing

Our flat-rate pricing is a fraction of realtor commissions, helping you maximize your profit from the sale.

Calculate Your Savings

On a $600,000 home sale, skipping the realtor saves you approximately $30,000-$36,000 in commissions. Our document preparation services cost a small fraction of that amount.

$30K+
Typical Savings

Why Choose Professional Document Preparation?

You might be tempted to use generic online templates or try to handle the paperwork yourself. Here's why working with a certified Legal Document Assistant is the smarter choice:

California-Specific Documents

Real estate laws vary by state. Our documents are specifically tailored to California requirements and regulations, ensuring compliance with state and local laws.

Expert Guidance

Generic templates don't answer your questions. We provide personalized assistance to ensure you understand every document you're signing.

Avoid Costly Mistakes

Errors in real estate documents can delay your sale, create legal liability, or even void your transaction. We get it right the first time.

Save Time & Stress

Focus on marketing your home and negotiating with buyers while we handle the complex paperwork. We streamline the process so you can close faster.

Important Note

As Legal Document Assistants, we are authorized by California law to prepare legal documents at your direction. We cannot provide legal advice, represent you in court, or act as your agent in negotiations. For legal advice, consult with an attorney.

The FSBO Process: Step by Step

Here's what you can expect when you sell your home FSBO with our document preparation support:

1

Prepare Your Home

Get your home ready for showings. Take quality photos, determine your asking price, and market your property online (Zillow, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, etc.).

2

Find a Buyer

Show your home to interested buyers, answer questions, and negotiate the sale price and terms directly with the buyer.

3

Contact By The People

Once you have a willing buyer, schedule a consultation with us. We'll review your situation and prepare all necessary documents.

4

Open Escrow

Work with an escrow company to hold funds and documents. We'll prepare the escrow instructions and coordinate with the escrow officer.

5

Complete Inspections & Contingencies

The buyer will typically conduct home inspections and finalize their financing. We'll help you handle any required addendums or amendments.

6

Close the Sale

Sign final documents, the buyer's funds are released to you, and the deed is recorded with the county. Congratulations—you've successfully sold your home FSBO!

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to Sell Your Home FSBO?

Don't let paperwork stand between you and thousands in savings. Let our experienced Legal Document Assistants handle the documents while you focus on selling your home.

20+
Years Experience
1000+
Documents Prepared
100%
Satisfaction Focus