Occasionally, one can see "For Sale By Owner" signs, and some owners think that selling their own home will not only save them money, but believe they have an advantage over the sellers that have their home listed by a reputable Real Estate sales professional. Before you decide to take on this very important and legally complicated process…remember not even most Real Estate Lawyer's recommend selling your own home yourself in today's market. Here are a few of the reasons why:

1. You are limiting your exposure to potential buyers (less than 10% of what a good real estate broker will generate) which theoretically means your home will take ten to fifteen times longer to sell on the market.

2. The longer a home is on the market the lower the selling price is. Why? Because most buyers think that if the home has not sold after this long... there must be something wrong with the home.

3. The selling/buying process begins AFTER the buyer leaves your home. Most sellers think that all it takes is for someone to see their home, fall in love with the great decor... and the offer automatically will follow. Remember that the buying process begins after they leave your home. If a real estate sales representative does not represent the buyer, and they are looking on their own…they usually leave the home and start to talk themselves out of the buying process. Real estate professionals are trained on how to overcome buyers remorse--a very common occurrence.

4. Because of the limited exposure you will very likely end up with a lower selling price. Remember, in order to generate the highest price possible for your home… selling means exposure. You need the maximum exposure possible, to generate the highest price possible.

5. Most buyers find it extremely awkward to negotiate or even to talk directly with sellers and therefore avoid FSBO properties.

6. Lack of negotiating experience and lack of pertinent information often will result in a lower selling price, or worse yet, a bungled contract and possible lawsuits.

7. The majority of qualified buyers are working with experienced real estate professionals.

8. Many serious buyers will pass by a FSBO home merely because they recognize that it is not in the real estate mainstream, this can some times make them wary.

9. As most local buyers now retain an experienced real estate sales person to represent them as their buyer-agency, you will probably be negotiating against an experienced professional.

10. Expected savings in broker's fees will also be greatly reduced if you offer a selling commission to entice real estate sales representatives to bring potential buyers.

11. If you are planning to use a Lawyer to help you negotiate the offer, then your lawyer's fees will be considerably higher.

12. Only real estate sales representatives have access to the up-to-date market information. News reports cannot approach the timeliness or specificity available to real estate sales people. Further, real estate sales representatives are involved in home sales much more frequently than the average homeowner is. This familiarity leads to a degree of expertise that provides an edge on negotiating and successful selling.

13. You only pay the commission to the real estate broker, if they successfully sell your home at the price you are happy with.

14. Accepting an offer is one thing, ensuring a safe and successful closing is quite another. Real estate transactions usually always have problems on closing. At times, expecting the Buyers and Sellers Lawyer's to fight it out or resolve the problems, can sometimes mean the deal is lost. This is the time that your experienced real estate professional, can be the most important. Your Real Estate professional can act as a great mediator. Lawyers MUST act only on their client's instructions and are not paid to negotiate.

Will your home appeal to the widest variety of buyers so you won’t miss out on any potential offers?

The condition of your home is one of its most important selling features…if you want  to get the most money for your home in the shortest possible time, you must do all that you can to increase your home’s appeal in the eyes of buyers.

“The way you live in your home and the way your sell your home are two different things.”  *

This is where Home Staging comes in.

If you haven’t heard of Home Staging, now is the time to find out about it. Staging is quickly becoming the standard to beat in the real estate industry.  It has inspired several new decorating shows (Designed To Sell, House Doctor). The idea is simple.  In order to sell your home you have to market it like you would any product.  It is no longer OK to put your house on the market in “as is” condition and expect to get top dollar for it.  Real estate agents are now highly recommending home owners have their properties professionally staged by a “Home Staging Professional”.  

Staging Professionals are the experts in what makes homes sell and what appeals to the potential buyers.  They can walk into your home and transform it into a “model suite”.  Typically, they re-arrange and edit what you already have and add designer type accessories to finish the look.  If your property is vacant they can provide everything needed to create a warm and inviting home, ready for that first offer!  That’s what people want.  They want to walk into the perfect home, clutter-free, clean and beautifully decorated.

Staging your home can ensure you make the best first impression.  


Why Should You Stage Your Home?

• Our experience shows that a Staged Home sells quicker and for more money than a home sold “as is”.  (On average a Staged Home sells in under 25 days, 98% of asking price.*)
• Staging your home will give your home the Model Suite look.
• Home Stagers will save you time and energy by doing the work for you.
• A Staged Home looks better in print advertisements and on the internet, thus resulting in more viewings and more offers.
• Homes prepared by Home Stagers are viewed by Home inspectors and appraisers as well cared for and generally receive positive evaluations which result in more offers.



Things you can do:

The 4 C’s of Staging are :  Clean, Clutter-free, Creativity and Color.

Clean, clean, clean.  From stovetops to bathtubs, everyone loves a clean house.  When selling make sure your house has been scrubbed from top to bottom.

Clutter-free: Pack up all your prized collections, family photos and trinkets.  Leaving only 1 or 2 decorative items on endtables and mantles makes a huge difference.  You don’t want buyers admiring your belongings, you want them looking at your house!

Creativity:  Look at each room through the eyes of the buyer.  Reposition your furniture (it doesn’t always have to be against a wall!).  Hang a piece of artwork in the hall.  Use your imagination and show your home at it’s best.

Color:  If your walls are too dark, lighten them up.  If your furniture is old and tired looking, add some colorful cushions or a throw.  Neutral colors always sell, but it helps to add a splash of color using accessories (floral arrangements, artwork etc.)

Staging your home before your property goes on the market  is a key ingredient in maximizing your sale price.

This article was written by Lucie Brand of DesignedtoSell.ca, Home Staging Specialists. 416-829-9298.

*Barb Schwarz. Founder of Stagedhomes.com
**Statistics shown are based on the number of days after the home was staged until the first offer is accepted by vendor. Stats from Designedtosell.ca