How complicated is it to sell my house without a real estate agent in WV?

Question

I am considering selling my house without the help of a real estate agent to avoid paying their fees, but I understand there might be costs associated with using a real estate attorney. I have not yet consulted one. I have no previous experience in selling property and am unfamiliar with the legalities and processes involved in this type of sale. How complicated is it to sell my own house using just a real estate attorney, and what should I be aware of?

James L. Arrasmith · Answer

Selling your home without a real estate agent in West Virginia is entirely possible, but it does come with extra responsibility on your part. You’ll need to handle pricing, marketing, showings, and negotiation on your own. This can be a bit overwhelming if it’s your first time, but many sellers choose this route to avoid agent commissions and still complete the process successfully with the right support. 
 
A real estate attorney becomes especially helpful in guiding you through the legal side—drafting the purchase agreement, reviewing the title, managing disclosures, and handling the closing paperwork. Their fees are usually a flat rate or hourly, and while you will pay something out-of-pocket, it’s typically much less than what a real estate agent would earn in commission. You’ll also want to make sure you’re compliant with any local requirements for property disclosures, deeds, and inspections. 
 
The biggest challenges come from pricing your home correctly and navigating buyer negotiations without guidance. Be prepared to do some research, and don’t hesitate to lean on professionals for the legal parts. You can absolutely do this—it just takes planning, organization, and the right kind of help at the right moments.

Q: How complicated is it to sell my house without a real estate agent in WV?