So you want to go FSBO? (or For Sale by Owner 101)

We could do this in chronological order, but there is one thing you must do and it is the most important so I am putting it first. SAFETY FIRST!

Safety first - You'd never let a stranger into your house if you were alone and you wouldn't put a sign on your lawn with your home number so don’t start now! Have a friend come over for showings and use your cellular number for a contact line. There.

Advertising – Some of your options include Craigslist, the newspapers, the local paper and you CAN have it listed it on MLS. At this time only real estate agents can provide this service and it's something that I can do for one low price. Less than 3% of all homes are found in print ads; the balance (97%) are located on the Internet.

Pricing – Research, research, research. Many realtors will come and do a free evaluation and pricing outline for you. It's yours to keep! So, go ahead and do your own research, but don't be afraid to reach out. I will always provide you a no charge evaluation to ensure you price your property in the most competitive way, and any realtor you ask should too.

Staging – Clean, de-clutter and then clean some more. While you may not want to disturb your life until you move, the house is a stage. Set the stage so that people can envision themselves living in "their" house... not living in "your" house. Your pictures and collections could be packed away or you could have that early garage sale. You're moving anyway, right?

Showings – Put away your valuables. Better yet, put them in a safety deposit box. Small figurines, cheque books and ID are easy to have disappear. So, protect your things. Do know that some "potential buyers" maybe casing your home so don't tell them where you work, when you go to work, etc. You know... be careful.

Buyers – Pre-qualify your buyers before you show them your home. Ask if they are pre-qualified financially. Be wary of opportunists looking for a steal of a deal. Insider tip? Watch the buyer for some telltale signs of interest. The easiest way to tell if a buyer loves your home is one who HATES everything you've done and nitpicks all of the decorating. They usually want to set the stage for you to reduce your price.

The Deal – So, you have an offer! GREAT! Don't sign anything without having it reviewed by your Real Estate Attorney. It is imperative that those terms are crystal clear and exactly what you want. The law does not protect you from a bad deal.

Agents – They are going to call. Some will have buyers and some will say that they have buyers. If they ask if you are co-operating, they are asking if you will pay them a commission if they bring a buyer. It's a good idea to decide on a commission rate in advance. As well, they will try to get you to list their home with them. ey, agents have to eat too! Know that all agents set their own commissions and provide a variety of services. You can pick the services that you want or pay for a full service agent. Either way, if you decide to go with an agent at some point, get them to list their services in writing on the contract.

FSBO is hard work and it's not for everybody. The cost benefit between using an agent (full service right down to flat fee) and doing it all yourself is yours to decide. Real Estate agents are trained professionals of high integrity who bring a unique blend of skills to pricing, marketing and selling properties. Interview an agent or two, get the free advice and make an informed decision.