Homes for Sale by Owner MN: How to Compare Property Specs for the Best Deal

Not long ago, selling a home almost always meant hiring a real estate agent. But today, homeowners in Minnesota can list their property as for sale by owner (FSBO) to avoid paying the typical 6% commission charged by listing brokers. Another option is using a flat-fee MLS service, which allows sellers to manage some parts of the process while leaving marketing and exposure to licensed agents.

 

Through the Broker Reciprocity system, homes listed as for sale by owner in MN appear across hundreds of public websites that display by-owner MLS listings, including major sites like Realtor.com. They also gain visibility on platforms such as MLS Online Minnesota, which helps sellers reach a wider pool of potential buyers.

 

For buyers, the MLS makes it easier to find homes for sale by owner in MN. The Multiple Listing Service remains one of the most effective tools for finding and selling homes, and it continues to simplify the search for both sellers and buyers. As licensed agents, we can access the latest MLS listings in Minnesota and guide you through the options.

 

Why buy an FSBO home?

 

We make it simple to explore homes for sale by owner in MN here at Real Estate Corners. On top of that, our home buyer service includes attractive rebates that make the process even more rewarding. Whether you’re purchasing a new property, selling your current one, or doing both, we can represent you as a buyer and help you save money along the way.

 

You’ve found your dream home.

If you’ve already located the property you want and choose us to represent you as the buyer, you’ll receive a cash rebate equal to 1% of the selling price, up to $4,000, once the closing is complete (with some restrictions).

 

You’re selling your home and want to buy another one

 

If you list your property with us and also use our services to purchase your next home, we’ll represent you as the buyer and provide a cash rebate of 0.5% of the selling price, up to $4,000, after closing (with some restrictions).

 

Quick look: What to check before buying an FSBO home in MN

 

Check	Why it matters
Seller situation	Motivated sellers may accept faster closings or lower offers.
Property access	Some FSBO homes aren’t on MLS — harder to find or tour.
Price comparison	Compare with recent sales to judge if it’s fairly priced.
Home inspection	Avoid hidden issues like wiring or structural damage.
Closing costs	Know all fees upfront to avoid surprises.
Agent commission	Ask if the seller will cover it — many still do.
CLUE report/disclosures	See past insurance claims and get a clearer property history.

 

 

 

 

 

How do you know that you’ve found the right FSBO home?

 

When browsing homes for sale by owner in MN, don’t rely only on what you see in the listing. The smartest way to find the best deal is to compare property specs and evaluate sellers. Here’s what to look for and compare when evaluating FSBO homes:

 

 

Compare sellers

 

When you buy an FSBO home, you have direct access to the seller. You can use this connection to guide your negotiations. For example, you may be able to secure a lower price by offering to close faster if the seller already purchased another property and needs a quick sale.

 

Assess the property’s condition and real value

 

Some FSBO homes are difficult to locate or view because they aren’t listed on the MLS. Working with an agent can help, since they may arrange showings through their contacts or by reaching out to the seller on your behalf.

 

Once you tour the property, ask questions about the home and the neighborhood. Also, compare it to similar recent sales in the area to see if the asking price is realistic.

 

Consider a home inspection

 

A home inspection isn’t required by law, but skipping it is risky — especially with homes for sale by owner in MN. Even well-intentioned sellers might not know about hidden issues like faulty wiring or foundation cracks. A licensed inspector will carefully examine the home’s major systems and give you a detailed report. If major issues come up, you’ll have the option to renegotiate or move on.

 

Know the closing costs

 

Before committing, ask about the closing costs tied to each FSBO property you’re considering. Knowing these expenses upfront helps you compare homes for sale by owner in MN more accurately and identify which option is truly the most affordable.

 

Will the seller take care of the buyer’s agent commission?

 

Find out early if the seller is willing to cover the buyer’s agent commission when looking at homes for sale by owner in MN. Many are willing to do this if it makes their properties more appealing, but some don’t want to.

 

Because of the 2024 NAR lawsuit settlement, buyers must now sign an agreement with their agent that clearly outlines the commission before services are provided. Many sellers may still cover this cost, but you can negotiate directly with your agent if they don’t. That way, you know their fee will be paid. You can also use this information when making an offer on the property.

 

Get a CLUE report or disclosures

 

Seller disclosures reveal known problems or defects in the home, making them important when buying an FSBO home. Many sellers are honest about issues in their home, but some may unintentionally leave out details or provide incomplete information without an agent’s guidance. Requesting a Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange (CLUE) report can give you extra assurance.

 

This report comes from an insurance database that records past claims filed on the property, giving you a clearer picture of its history. Keep in mind, only the current homeowner can request it.

 

Get experts on your side

 

Buying a home is one of the biggest financial commitments you’ll make, so having the right professionals on your team matters. Inspectors and attorneys, even loan officers, all have a role in protecting your interests when it comes to buying homes for sale by owner in MN.

 

And don’t overlook the value of flat-fee real estate agents like us. With our home buyer program, you can focus less on the stress of comparing homes for sale by owner in MN and more on finding the property that fits your needs — knowing you have support every step of the way.

 

 

We can help compare property specs

 

It’s easier to compare homes for sale by owner in MN when you have Real Estate Corners by your side. Our agents take the time to understand your needs and help you identify properties that truly fit your lifestyle and budget. Besides helping you find the right home, we’ll also advocate for you during negotiations and make sure that all the paperwork and disclosures are handled correctly.

 

Call us today at (612) 483-1230 and take the first step toward finding the best deal on your next home.