Can I List my Home for Sale on my Own?

Are you thinking of selling your home? Have you decided to sell it on your own without the use of a real estate agent? Selling your home on your own is certainly an option for you. Although we would be happy to sell your home for you, if you choose to do it on your own, here are a few things you may want to consider:

1. Do you know what the current value of your property is?

Do you have access to the selling prices of homes in your area that are of similar characteristics so that you can determine a realistic selling price? Having the right price is extremely important. If you list your property with a listing price that is too high, you will not attract any buyers. If your price is too low, you are selling yourself short and losing money in the process.

2. Advertising costs

Do you have a budget for advertising in the local papers, online, flyers, etc.? Advertising can be pricy, especially if you include lengthy descriptions and photos - both of which are necessary for someone to get a realistic idea of what you are selling.

3. Paper work

Are you familiar with the terms of a standard Agreement of Purchase and Sale? Do you know what conditions would be beneficial for you to include in your agreement? Do you know what conditions you should allow a buyer to insert into your agreement? A familiarization with the terminology used in the negotiation process is necessary to protect your interests.

4. Time

Do you have the time necessary to draft and implement your advertising initiatives? What about showings? Can you make yourself available for interested buyers to view your home at their convenience? Making sure that you are available at the potential buyers's convenience is something that may make or break your deal. If you are seen as unavailable, even though your reasons for not meeting the buyer are legitimate, your buyer may choose to look at another home, if they are especially anxious to find something.

5. Alternate Strategy

If you do not get an interested buyer in the time frame you had allowed yourself to sell your home, do you have a plan to alter your strategy? If you choose to lower your asking price, what new price should you choose? Instead of lowering your price, is there more advertising you can do?

6. Suitable for Viewing

Is your home ready to be shown to the public? Do you know what key items you can do now to ensure that your home shows in the best way possible to attract the highest bidder?

If you are not sure of some of these items, we would be pleased to discuss our Smart Seller Program with you. It is a stepped program that allows you to try selling your property on your own, but with the added benefit of having our Team of professionals there to support you if you need it. Call (613) 288-2455 today and ask about our Smart Seller Program!