Should you sell your Chicago condo yourself on Zillow, or is it better to hire a real estate professional to handle the sale? This is a common question for homeowners in the city, especially in neighborhoods like River North, Streeterville, the South Loop, and the Gold Coast where condos are the dominant housing type.
Let’s walk through the pros and cons of each approach and help you decide what’s best for your goals, timeline, and bottom line.
What Selling on Zillow FSBO (For Sale By Owner) Looks Like
Zillow offers an option for homeowners to list their property “For Sale By Owner,” bypassing a listing agent. Here’s what that entails:
Pros of Selling on Zillow FSBO:
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No Listing Commission: You avoid paying the standard 5–6% in real estate agent fees (though buyers often come with agents anyway).
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Full Control: You set the price, manage showings, and handle negotiations.
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Quick Setup: Zillow’s FSBO tool lets you list your condo in minutes with photos and a description.
Cons of Selling on Zillow FSBO:
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Limited Visibility: Your listing doesn’t appear on the MLS, which feeds thousands of real estate sites including Redfin, Realtor.com, and agents’ platforms.
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Lack of Pricing Expertise: Zillow’s Zestimate may be inaccurate, especially in Chicago condo buildings with complex amenities and assessment structures.
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You’re On Your Own: Showings, legal compliance, buyer screening, negotiating — it’s all on you.
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Lower Sale Price Risk: According to the National Association of Realtors, FSBO homes sell for a median of 13% less than agent-listed homes.
What You Get When You Hire a Realtor in Chicago
Hiring a local real estate professional — especially one experienced in condo sales — offers more than just MLS access.
Pros of Hiring a Realtor:
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Accurate Pricing Strategy: Realtors know how to price your unit based on comps within your specific building, floor height, view, and amenities.
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Maximum Exposure: Your listing appears on the MLS, social media, Google, YouTube, and global real estate platforms.
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Negotiation Expertise: Your agent advocates for your interests in offers, contingencies, and closing terms.
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Staging and Marketing: A top agent brings in professional photographers, videographers, and staging consultants.
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Compliance and Contract Handling: Your Realtor ensures all legal documents are completed correctly, reducing liability and delays.
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Higher Net Proceeds: Despite commission, most sellers net more money due to strategic pricing, better marketing, and fewer buyer concessions.
How This Plays Out in Downtown Chicago
Let’s say you own a two-bedroom condo in Streeterville. It has lake views, valet parking, and a $1,000/month assessment that covers heat, A/C, water, internet, and doorman service.
If you list it FSBO:
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You may struggle to communicate the value of assessments to out-of-town buyers.
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You could underestimate its market value or overprice it, resulting in no offers and a stale listing.
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You’ll need to arrange and attend all showings, often to unqualified or unrepresented buyers.
If you list with a professional:
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Your agent will market the assessment as a benefit (predictable costs, all-in utilities).
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You’ll get qualified buyers and pre-screened appointments.
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You’ll be able to lean on a data-driven strategy based on recent sold listings in your exact building and tier.
Bottom Line: DIY Might Cost You More
While listing on Zillow FSBO might sound appealing to save money, most Chicago condo sellers — especially in high-rise or amenity-rich buildings — find that hiring a Realtor:
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Saves time,
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Minimizes stress,
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And often results in a higher sale price, even after commission.
Unless you have strong real estate experience and time to manage a full-scale marketing and sales campaign, working with a local expert will likely be your smartest move.
Ready to Talk Strategy?
Thinking of selling your downtown condo in the Loop, South Loop, Gold Coast, or River North? I offer:
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A custom pricing analysis based on your building and unit,
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A strategic marketing plan tailored to your condo’s unique features,
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And a seamless listing-to-closing experience that prioritizes your goals.
Let’s talk about what’s right for your situation — no pressure, just expert guidance.
