What are the pros and cons of selling privately?
Thinking about selling privately in Georgetown, ON? Read this blunt breakdown first — it will save you money, time, and headaches.
Why this matters to Georgetown home sellers
Selling privately (For Sale By Owner / FSBO) sounds simple: skip the commission, keep more cash at closing. That promise is real. But the details matter. Georgetown is a commuter-friendly, family-focused market inside Halton Hills. Buyers here hunt for good schools, quick GO/travel links, and well-maintained family homes. That makes the stakes higher. The wrong private sale can cost you more than the commission you tried to save.
This post gives you the pros, the cons, the exact steps that work in Georgetown, and what to watch for in Ontario legal and market rules. Read it. Then decide.
Quick overview: The real trade-off
Pros of selling privately:
- Keep more of the sale price — no full agent commission to pay (common commissions in Ontario range, but savings often fall between 3%–6%).
- Full control over marketing, showings, and negotiation.
- Flexibility with timing and terms.
- Privacy — fewer open houses and less public listing exposure.
Cons of selling privately:
- Less exposure unless you pay for MLS or heavy marketing.
- Lower sale price risk from poor pricing or limited buyer pool.
- More time and stress — you handle showings, questions, and offers.
- Legal and paperwork risk — missteps in Ontario disclosure, agreements, or conditions can cost you.
How these pros and cons play out in Georgetown, ON
- Market exposure matters more here
Georgetown buyers include commuters to Toronto and local families. Many buyers start on MLS. If you go private and skip MLS, you risk missing buyer agents and their buyers. That can reduce offers and final sale price — the exact opposite of your goal.
- Buyer expectations are high
Homes in Georgetown that show well and are priced right sell fast. Buyers expect professional photos, accurate measurements, and clean disclosure. If you can deliver that, a private sale can work. If you can’t, you’ll leave money on the table.
- Timing is a factor
Spring and early summer are prime selling months. If you attempt a private sale outside peak times, you need better marketing to attract buyers. Private sellers often wait longer and accept lower offers to close faster.
- Local legal requirements in Ontario
Ontario requires clear disclosure and correct paperwork. You’ll need a proper Agreement of Purchase and Sale, full disclosure statements, and the right closing adjustments. A lawyer handles registration and title transfer. Skipping professional help here risks legal headaches after the sale.
The upside — when a private sale works in Georgetown
- You have time and skill to market the property: great photos, targeted social ads, local signage, and a flat-fee MLS option.
- Your home is unique and will attract direct buyers (e.g., rare lot, recent renovations, carriage house potential).
- You already have buyer leads or local connections.
- You are comfortable handling negotiation and legal steps with a lawyer.
If these apply, selling privately can net you more money. If not, expect friction.
The biggest cost sellers miss: value erosion
Cutting a 4% commission may save $20,000 on a $500,000 home. But poor exposure or weak negotiation can reduce your sale price more than that. The goal is to net the most after costs — not just avoid a commission.
Case example (simple math):
- Typical agent sale: List 99%, pay 5% commission → net = 94% of list price.
- Poor private sale: Sell for 95% of list, no commission → net = 95%.
- Bad private sale: Sell for 92% of list, no commission → net = 92%.
A private sale only wins if your sale price stays competitive. That’s the risk every Georgetown seller faces.
Practical checklist: How to sell privately in Georgetown the smart way
- Price like a pro
Use recent sold comps in Halton Hills and Georgetown neighborhoods. Price to attract attention, not to emotionally match your mortgage balance.
- Get a pre-listing inspection
A short, paid inspection exposes issues before buyers do. It builds buyer trust and reduces post-sale hurdles.
- Invest in professional photos and floor plans
Georgetown buyers expect quality images and floor plans. Low-cost photography reduces buyer traffic and offers.
- Use a flat-fee MLS or limited-service brokerage
You can list on MLS for a flat fee or limited service. That keeps major exposure and still reduces your cost. Make sure the MLS entry includes a competitive buyer-agent commission; agents won’t show homes with zero commission.
- Hire a real estate lawyer early
Don’t wait until you have an offer. A lawyer will prepare documents, explain PST/HST rules (most resale homes are exempt), and guide closing adjustments.
- Offer an appropriate buyer-agent commission
Even selling privately, offering a reasonable buyer-agent commission (often 1%–2.5%) increases agent interest and showings. It’s an investment in buyer coverage.
- Screen buyers and verify financing
Ask for pre-approval letters. Hold viewings by appointment. You control the showings, but you must protect yourself.
- Prepare a clear Agreement of Purchase and Sale
Use a lawyer or a licensed real estate professional to prepare the contract. Conditional offers, deposits, and timelines must be correct.
- Budget for marketing costs and time
Plan for signage, online ads, printing, staging, and your time for showings. Those costs add up and reduce the straightforward commission savings.
Legal and paperwork specifics for Ontario sellers
- Agreement of Purchase and Sale: Use the Ontario standard or have a lawyer draft one.
- Property disclosure: Be transparent to avoid future litigation. Disclose material facts and previous defects.
- Title and closing: A real estate lawyer handles the closing, title search, and funds transfer.
- HST: Most resale homes are HST-exempt. New builds may have HST implications. Check with a lawyer.
- Condos: Provide status certificates. Private sellers must ensure buyers see these in time.
A single mistake in these steps can delay closing or trigger legal claims. That’s why most sellers at least consult a lawyer.
Negotiation tips that win in Georgetown
- Lead with full disclosure — it reduces bargaining power against you.
- Hold a firm but reasonable timeline. Local buyers often move quickly.
- Consider multiple offers: set an offer deadline if you expect interest.
- Use deposits to test seriousness. Non-refundable clauses must follow Ontario rules.
- Don’t negotiate price alone. Offer flexible closing, repairs credit, or included appliances to close gaps.
Alternatives to selling 100% privately
- Flat-fee MLS: Pay one fee to get on MLS. Offer a buyer-agent commission to attract agents.
- Limited-service agents: Pay for specific services like contract prep and negotiating help.
- Hybrid brokerage: You keep control but pay a reduced commission for targeted services.
These options give exposure and support while cutting costs.
Bottom line for Georgetown sellers
Selling privately can work in Georgetown if you prepare, invest in marketing, and protect the legal side. The big trap is thinking commission is the only cost. Time, exposure, negotiation skill, and legal safety matter more.
If you want maximum net proceeds and minimum stress, use a hybrid plan: flat-fee MLS plus a lawyer, or limited-service brokerage for key steps. That captures exposure without the full commission.
How Tony Sousa helps Georgetown sellers
I help Georgetown homeowners get more cash without unnecessary risk. I’ll show you where a private sale makes sense and where it doesn’t. If you want to explore a hybrid path — flat-fee MLS, staging, negotiation coaching, and legal support — contact me.
Tony Sousa — Local Realtor, Georgetown Specialist
Email: tony@sousasells.ca
Phone: 416-477-2620
Website: https://www.sousasells.ca
FAQ — Private selling in Georgetown (short, clear answers)
Q: Can I sell privately in Georgetown without an agent?
A: Yes. You can sell directly, but you must handle marketing, showings, and legal paperwork. Consider flat-fee MLS to reach more buyers.
Q: Will I really save money selling privately?
A: Possibly. You save commission fees, but you risk a lower sale price or extra costs for marketing, legal work, and time. Net savings depend on execution.
Q: Do I still need a lawyer?
A: Yes. Ontario transactions require proper documentation and title transfer. A lawyer reduces legal risk.
Q: How do I set the right price?
A: Use recent sold comps in Georgetown and nearby Halton Hills neighborhoods. Consider a local appraisal or consult a realtor for a market evaluation.
Q: Do I have to pay a buyer agent commission?
A: No legal requirement, but offering a commission encourages buyer agents to show your home, increasing exposure and offers.
Q: What documents do buyers expect in Georgetown?
A: Agreement of Purchase and Sale, disclosures, pre-listing inspection (optional but useful), utility and property tax info, and for condos — a status certificate.
Q: How long does a private sale take?
A: It varies. If priced and marketed well, timeline equals agent-assisted sales. Without MLS, expect longer times and more negotiation.
Q: What common mistakes should I avoid?
A: Underpricing due to emotion, poor photos, skipping a lawyer, no buyer screening, and ignoring buyer-agent commissions.
If you want a quick no-nonsense review of your property and a clear plan — private sale, hybrid, or full-service — email me at tony@sousasells.ca or call 416-477-2620. I’ll give you a candid, numbers-first assessment with zero pressure.
