Real estate training is free. Online educators like Udemy.com make learning sales and marketing tactics to sell your own home easy. Courses are taught by industry experts and non-educators alike. You just register for the classes you want. No obligations, unless you want to pay for additional features like a certificate of completion or chats. And you can study at your own pace.

For Sale by Owner has its own web page that will show you how to sell your own home. Their top tip: “Make sure the house and yard are clean.” Social media makes selling even easier. You know somebody who knows somebody who knows somebody else. You know how it goes. Have a lawyer review offers to purchase.

Think of the money you’ll save.

Ontario realtors don’t have set commissions, but most charge home sellers between five and seven per cent of the sale price. The fee is shared between the buyer’s and seller’s real estate agents. Little known fact: you can negotiate the fee. Just ask.

Flat fee commissions can save you money if you opt to sell your own home, but typically only include listing your home on the MLS (multiple listing service) and Realtor.ca website. You may have to stage your own home, take photos, give showings, and do all the negotiations yourself.

Those discount brokerages? The 1% fee is to list your home. You may still owe the buyer’s agent their usual 2.5% commission. Let’s face it, the commission on a $450,000 condo can be a mind-blowing $31,500. You won’t pay any commission if you sell your own home. Three ways to pay real estate agents.

Realtor steering you away from 1% commissions? Here’s why.

Price it the way you want.

Selling your own home lets you pick the price you want. Naturally, getting a real estate appraiser to figure out the approximate value of your home helps. Your home would have to be pretty spectacular to command more than other “comps” (comparable properties) in your neighbourhood or market.

Be honest with yourself and prospective buyers about any shortcomings — you could be held liable if you withhold information on defects like a leaky roof or asbestos floor tiles. What’s your home worth?

Real estate agents may low ball your home to sell it. Inventory that sits on the market too long can be harder to sell. You may wind up reducing the price just to satisfy your realtor’s yearning to keep their product moving.

Be wary of buyers who assume you can drop the price because you’re saving big on the commission. Certainly, a competent real estate agent could get you a quicker sale or better price in a down market. But if you have all the time in the world, why not try selling yourself? You can always hire an agent if it doesn’t work out. Help buyers calculate mortgage payments.

You control the appointments.

You get to set your own schedule. No more pesky phone calls or texts at inconvenient times. Be realistic about how much time it will take and if you are comfortable opening the door to absolute strangers. Can you drop everything to be there when buyers are ready?

On the cons side, you and only you will be negotiating with buyers or their real estate agents. You’ll have to stay organized and be prepared to ask for help when you need it. For sale by owner, you.

Not Ready Yet? Try a Direct Buyer

Not quite ready to go it alone? An iBuyer can help. Direct buyers like Properly make you a backup offer if your home doesn’t sell in 90 days. Properly’s Ottawa and Toronto offices estimate your home’s value based on what houses like yours are selling for in your market. Taking their offer to a bank gets you a preapproved mortgage. Then Properly connects you to local realtors to find a new home and pays your old mortgage while they prep and list your home. Does it work? We’ll leave the reference checks up to you.

Mortgage calculators for any situation.

Listing Exclusively to Save Money

Exclusive listing agreements can work if you lack the confidence to sell yourself but want to reduce your commission fees. Your home will be kept off the MLS and only shown to purchasers through your own realtor. Sales take a bit longer, so be prepared.

What a real estate lawyer does for you.

Why You Need a Real Estate Lawyer

However you sell your home, you’ll need an Ontario real estate lawyer or notary public to finalize the transaction. Legal advisors review the agreement of purchase and sale and complete the paperwork with your mortgage lender. They search the property title and ensure all the deadlines are met. They can also review offers and prepare counter offers. Search title to your home for liens.

Affordable Real Estate Lawyers, Anywhere You Are

Access lawyers for less in Greater Toronto Area, Ottawa, or by remote video conference. Our flat fee rates are affordable, and all inclusive (excluding taxes, disbursements, and third-party charges). Your final invoice includes no surprises, or hidden charges. Your itemized statement of adjustments is explained when we deliver it, and we answer any questions you have about it. You can get independent legal advice, or add a family member to a property for a modest title transfer lawyer fee. Axess Law offers you only the legal services you absolutely need.

Find virtual real estate lawyers near you.

Book Appointments Online or By Phone

Axess Law Ontario real estate lawyers advise you on the agreement of purchase and sale and close your home sale. You can video conference online 7 days a week, day or evening, from anywhere in Ontario. Make a virtual appointment by dialing toll-free to 1-877-552-9377 or 647-479-0118 in Toronto, or use our online booking form. Licensed real estate lawyers are available to meet day or evening at any of our conveniently located Greater Toronto Area or Ottawa law offices.

Click here to learn more about Axess Law’s real estate law services.