What is the best way to sell your house privately?
Want to sell your house privately and keep the full sale price? Here’s the no-fluff plan that works.
Why sell privately (FSBO) right now
Selling your house privately (For Sale By Owner) saves commission and gives you control. But it’s not a DIY guessing game. You need a repeatable process: accurate pricing, professional marketing, airtight paperwork, and tough negotiation. Do those four things and you’ll beat most listings.
Step-by-step plan to sell your house privately
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Get a realistic market valuation. Use recent local comps, online tools, and a quick consult with a trusted local expert. Overpricing kills interest; underpricing leaves money on the table.
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Prepare the property. Small repairs, declutter, neutral paint and staged photos increase perceived value. Invest in two things: curb appeal and professional photography.
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Craft a sharp listing. Headline, 8–12 high-quality photos, a concise feature list, and clear price or price range. Use keywords: sell your house privately, FSBO, private home sale, avoid realtor commission.
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Market like a pro. Post on MLS (via flat-fee service), FSBO websites, social media, local classifieds, and targeted Facebook ads. Host a public open house and schedule private showings.
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Screen buyers and qualify financing. Ask for pre-approval letters. No pre-approval = wasted time.
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Negotiate with confidence. Know your bottom line. Counter in writing. Get earnest money and timelines nailed down.
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Close cleanly. Hire a lawyer or title company for contracts, disclosure forms, and closing. Don’t skip legal review — mistakes cost thousands.
Pricing strategy that wins
Price to compete, not to chase. Start slightly below comparable active listings to generate multiple showings. If you get multiple offers, your leverage grows. Use clear language: firm price, or price with room to negotiate.
Marketing that attracts buyers fast
Photos sell homes. Video tours and floor plans increase engagement. Use targeted ads with geofencing around competitive neighborhoods. Call out benefits: “No commission, flexible closing, well-maintained”. That converts.
Common objections and how to handle them
• Buyers ask why you’re selling privately — answer with honesty and confidence. Say you want to save on commission so you can price competitively.
• Agents calling — be polite; some will bring buyers. Consider a cooperating commission to broaden exposure.
When to bring in an expert
If you’re short on time, uncomfortable with contracts, or the market is complex, get local help. A single consult with an experienced realtor or lawyer avoids costly errors and speeds closing.
For expert local guidance and a quick valuation, contact Tony Sousa — a trusted local realtor who helps FSBO sellers get the best net proceeds while avoiding common pitfalls.
Tony Sousa | tony@sousasells.ca | 416-477-2620 | https://www.sousasells.ca
