How to Sell a House on Facebook Marketplace

✏️ Editor’s Note: Realtor Associations, agents, and MLS’ have started implementing changes related to the NAR’s $418 million settlement. While home-sellers will likely save thousands in commission, compliance and litigation risks have significantly increased for sellers throughout the nation. Learn how NAR’s settlement affects home sellers.

With over 100 million active listings, Facebook Marketplace offers a platform for attracting potential buyers. By selling on Facebook you can skip agent commission and save thousands of dollars.

But despite its large user base, the number of homes actually sold through the platform remains relatively low. Additionally, these listings have a lifespan of 30 days before they disappear from view. This limits their exposure to potential buyers.

Facebook, though convenient, isn’t a reliable choice for selling your home. Choosing Flat Fee MLS listing services like Houzeo is smart for a smoother and more secure sale. These services offer professional listing management and greater security.

9 Steps to List Your Home on Facebook

Follow these easy steps to sell a house on Facebook Marketplace for free.

1. Log in to your Facebook account.
2. Go to “Marketplace”.
3. Click on “Create New Listing”.
4. Choose the appropriate option from “Homes For Sale or Rent”.
5. Upload professional photographs.
6. Complete the listing process by providing both basic and advanced details of the property.
7. Preview the listing and click “Next” once done.
8. Join groups that allow you to market your property in the required location.
9. Click “Publish” and you’re ready to sell your house on the Facebook Marketplace.

Feel free to check out the Facebook Marketplace help section if you have any questions or concerns.

Boosting a Listing vs. Running an Ad: What’s Better?

In order to reach the right audience quickly you can either boost your listing or run an ad on Facebook Marketplace.

When you boost a listing it’s visibility increases among your followers and their network. Similarly, when you run an ad, it creates an advertisement for target users based on their preferences. Especially targeting those actively browsing for homes on the marketplace.

To boost a post is always better than to run a Facebook ad because of the housing discrimination laws. The law restricts targeting specific buyers which makes these ads less effective. Boosting a post can build trust through social proof, making it a more effective strategy for selling a home.

10 Easy Steps to Sell a House on Facebook Marketplace

Here are the steps you can follow to boost your listing on Facebook Marketplace:

1. Visit the Facebook Marketplace selling page.
2. Select “Boost Listing.”
3. Click on “I accept” to confirm your acceptance of Facebook’s non-discrimination policy.
4. Facebook will propose various campaigns with budgets ranging from $2 to $10. Click on “Select custom budget and duration” to customize your plan.
5. Adjust the daily spending amount using the slider.
6. Specify the days you want your ad to run by adding or subtracting days.
7. If desired, set an end date using the calendar option.
8. Select “Add payment method” and enter your payment details.
9. Click on “Next” to proceed.
10. Click on “Promote now” to boost your listing.

Is It Safe to Sell Your House on Facebook Marketplace?

No! Facebook is not a safe place to sell your house as every 1 in 6 people are falling victim to scams on the Marketplace.

However, if you still want to list your home on Facebook, follow these precautions:

1. Update Your Privacy Settings

When you list your home to sell on Facebook Marketplace, it’s automatically set to public which allows more people to see it. However, you can change the privacy settings anytime. Only your friends can then view the listing, which will ultimately reduce its reach.

2. Protect Your Contact Information

Home listing on Facebook involves sharing personal information with the public. Make sure you don’t share any information that could put your financial security at risk. Also, set up a separate email address for buyers to contact you directly, to avoid any fraud or discrepancies.

4. Shortlist Potential Buyers

There’s a high chance that you will receive offers from buyers who aren’t serious or qualified to purchase a home. Here are a few steps you can follow to filter them out:

• Make sure to ask the buyers for a mortgage pre-approval letter.
• Interview the buyers to get to know them before moving ahead with the sale.
• Consider the buyer’s timeline.
• Request a bank letter from cash home buyers to confirm the availability of funds.

3. Do Not Open False Links

Avoid opening any unfamiliar links in response to your listing, as they could lead to phishing scams. These scammers may use your account to send spam.

4. Other Precautions

You need to look for various other precautions while you sell a house on Facebook Marketplace including:

• Ignore vague or misspelled messages.
• Never transfer money to anyone or accept money orders from unknown accounts.
• Avoid meeting buyers during nighttime and have someone along with you while showing the property.

Facebook Marketplace: Prepare for Spammers and Scammers

Stay alert for scammers when selling a house on Facebook Marketplace. They often pose as landlords, tricking buyers and renters into sending money before disappearing. Protect yourself by adjusting your privacy settings to limit your reach to friends.

Spamming on Facebook Marketplace can hinder your house-selling efforts drastically. Excessive spam could lead potential buyers to distrust all listings, including yours. You can report the spam to the group admin who will then take appropriate action.

Stay alert, adjust privacy settings, and actively combat spam to enhance the integrity of your house listing on Facebook Marketplace. These measures protect against fraud and contribute to a trustworthy marketplace for all users.

Pros and Cons of Using Facebook to Sell Your House

Selling on Facebook saves Realtor commissions, but you must weigh the pros and cons.

✅ Pros of Listing on Facebook Marketplace

• You save on the listing agent’s commission.
• It is easy and free to list on Facebook.
• You can update or remove your listing anytime.
• It is possible to upload up to 50 professional photos.
• You can negotiate with the buyers directly via Messenger.

❌ Cons of Listing on Facebook Marketplace

• You may have to pay the buyer agent’s commission.
• You’ll be spammed with unnecessary calls, messages, and emails.
• You may have to spend some money on boosting your listing.
• There are a lot of privacy concerns.
• You may attract buyers who aren’t serious or qualified.

Alternatives to Selling a House on Facebook

If you think selling your house yourself is too complicated for you, here are some other options you can consider:

• Flat Fee MLS Listing Services: With a Flat Fee MLS service, you can get up to 100% of the fair market value on the open market.
• Discount Broker or Low Commission Agent: Low commission agents offer the same services as traditional Realtors at a lower commission rate. Similarly, a flat rate or discount real estate broker provides all the services at a discounted rate.
• Cash Home Buyer: House-buying companies or “Companies That Buy Houses for Cash” make all-cash offers, usually within 24 to 48 hours. 
• iBuyer: iBuyers or Instant Buyers are real estate investors who use algorithms to determine property prices. Cash buyers make all-cash offers within 24–48 hours.

Bottom Line

A house listed on Facebook Marketplace has the potential to reach a wide audience. However, it also brings along with it some privacy issues and potential scams. This is mostly due to the risks involved, such as exposing personal information and attracting unqualified buyers.

You can go for alternative options such as real estate websites, or seek assistance from a professional realtor. These options can help you navigate the selling process more efficiently.

Eager to Know How Houzeo Works?

Houzeo is the #1 For Sale By Owner website in the U.S. Check out the following video to understand how Houzeo would help you crack the deal faster in 5 steps.

» Need More Clarity? Read these exclusive Houzeo reviews and learn why the platform is the best in America’s competitive housing market.

Frequently Asked Questions

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