Selling Your House Without an Agent

Sellers who try to sell their homes without an agent are refered to as FSBO's (For Sale By Owner and pronounced as FISBO).  

There are companies who cater to assisting FSBO's to market their homes by providing lawn signs and websites to show their homes on the internet. 

Let's face it FSBO's sell their own home to increase their bottom line by cutting out the agency fees for selling.  But what is the advantage for the buyer?  Buyers know you are saving money and expect you to pass along the savings to them. So the reality is that you really are saving nothing! 

Unless your home is being seriously marketed on the internet, which means on Major Real Estate Sites,  you will not attract enough buyers to see your home.  Besides, buyers want to see homes at their time, not necessarily at times you will be home to show the property.  An agent can show your home even when you are at work or on vacation.

Selling real estate is a complex and highly specialized field. An agent will help steer you clear of the many pitfalls, and generally can save you time and money.  In the long run your agent will probably sell your home for a better price and therefore put more money in your pocket than selling on your own. Afterall, buyer's who contact FSBO sellers are looking for a deal too.  This means your price needs to reflect at minimum the savings you would have had to spend on commission to appeal to your target market.

In times past when driving a neighbourhood would create interest in FSBO homes, there was more interest from buyer's in unlisted homes.  But in todays high-tech market, buyer's are researching their purchases from their computers and not from their cars.  The reality is that most FSBO's give up after a few months and list with an agent.  Chances are your house could already have been sold if you had started with an agent.

Here are just a few of the advantages of working with an agent:

• Your agent knows real estate values in Mississauga, Oakville, Milton and Etobicoke neighbourhoods and will help set an agreeable and competitive price on your home.
• Your agent will establish a marketing strategy for your home ensuring that your property is exposed to scores of potential buyers.
• Your agent takes care of the many tasks involved in selling a house (everything from staging your home to putting up the for sale sign and taking care of paperwork). This saves you time and ensures that the transaction is simple and low-stress for you.
• Your agent is an expert in the home selling process and as such will advise you of your rights, options and obligations.
• Your agent is an experienced negotiator and will work to get you the best price possible.
• Your agent has access to all of the latest tools, technology and tricks of the trade.
• Your agent can recommend the best ways to improve your home's appeal both inside and out.

As a Royal LePage agent, I have the support of a national firm and a network of contacts and expertise. 

For a free no-obligation marketing consultation or to learn more about how my full service marketing plan will help you maximize your profits.