I hate having to pay 6% to real estate agents and on top of that the additional fees. So if I've found a buyer, what are the steps needed to sell a home in California without going through any real estate agent?
If you have found a buyer and are happy with the agreement and understand what you are agreeing to then find an escrow or title company and get them to draw up the agreement for you. A great agent can help you negotiate some of those fees but if you are happy then you don't need that help.
You'll need an attorney. You can do it without one, but you are opening yourself to a world of hurt if you screw one tiny little thing up. You also may be short-changing yourself on how much your house is worth. What additional fees other than the commission are you referring to? You will still have all those fees, but you will be handling all those tasks yourself. By the way, I've done FSBOs and I've sold with agents. Hands-down I won't do it on my own ever again. You'd be amazed at how professional preparation, staging and marketing will increase the likelihood of your house selling for more than it would if you do it yourself. Yep, it cost me 25k to sell the last house I sold, but it was listed for more than I thought it should be, the realtor staged it (at his expense) and it sold on the very first day for full price. Realtor handled everything after the deal was signed - and yes, the buyer was a pain in the ***. My realtor actually pitched in $2000 cash toward a plumbing fix the buyer was demanding in order to make the deal go through. Worth every penny. I know for a fact I ended up with more money using a realtor than if I hadn't. Then again, it all depends on the realtor. You have to have someone good.
Call the Bar Association in your city for a referral to a reputable Real Estate Attorney.
Things are complicated, really too much for most individuals, part of that average 6% goes to the buyers agent, one compromise is to use a broker charging closer to 3% or a flat fee, but not offering the premium advertising/showing assistance an agent provides.
