Thinking About Selling Your Home FSBO?

Here’s What You Should Know 

If you’re a homeowner getting ready to sell, you might be tempted to try the FSBO route… 
“For Sale By Owner.” After all, why not skip the REALTOR® commission 
and keep more money in your pocket, right?

Before you put up that yard sign, here are a few things to consider:

Getting the Price Right

Pricing is everything. If you price too high, your home can sit on the market and grow stale. Too low, and you’re leaving money on the table. REALTORS® rely on fresh market data and comparable sales to set the right list price. Without that insider knowledge, it’s easy to miss the mark.

Marketing Isn’t Just a Sign on the Lawn

Today’s buyers are scrolling through MLS®, real estate websites, and social media. Professional photos, detailed descriptions, and wide exposure are what get eyes on your property. Without that reach, your home may not show up where the most motivated buyers are looking.

Reaching the Buyer Pool

Most Calgary buyers are already working with agents. If your home isn’t on MLS®, those buyers may never even know it’s for sale. That’s a big chunk of your potential audience gone.

Paperwork and Negotiations

This is the part many FSBO sellers underestimate. Offers, counteroffers, conditions, inspections, legal forms—it’s a lot to juggle. Alberta contracts are legally binding, and one small error could cause big problems down the road.

Safety and Convenience

When you sell privately, you’re the one handling all the showings and letting strangers into your home. That takes time, effort, and a little extra caution.

What About the “Savings”?

Yes, avoiding commission is the main reason people go FSBO. But here’s the catch: homes listed with a professional often sell for more, and usually faster, than FSBO listings. The end result? You may not save as much as you think—and in some cases, you can net less.

Bottom Line

Selling your home FSBO is possible, but it’s not for everyone. If you’re comfortable handling pricing, marketing, negotiations, legal paperwork, and showings on your own, it may work for you. But for most sellers, working with a REALTOR® brings peace of mind, more exposure, and often a stronger financial outcome in the end.