Why More Sellers Are Considering FSBO (and Why They Should Think Twice)
These days, it seems like everything can be DIY—and selling your home might feel like the next logical step. With online platforms and listing sites just a few clicks away, more Brantford homeowners are wondering: “Why not skip the agent and sell it myself?”
It’s a fair question—especially when commission savings sound so tempting.
But the reality? Going FSBO often costs more than it saves.
From mispricing and poor marketing to legal risks and missed buyers, there’s a long list of things sellers wish they’d known before going it alone.
The Promise: Save on Commission
It’s the biggest draw to FSBO—saving that 4–5% in commission fees. Who wouldn’t want to keep more money in their pocket?
But here’s where things get tricky:
- FSBO homes almost always sell for less than those listed with an agent.
- Most FSBO sellers still end up offering commission to buyer agents just to get traffic.
- Without proper strategy, these listings sit longer, which leads to price reductions and missed momentum.
So yes—you might save a bit on fees. But chances are, you’ll lose more in the final sale price.
The Reality: What You’re Not Being Told
Here’s what doesn’t show up on the FSBO landing pages and YouTube tutorials:
You Could Be Undervaluing Your Home
Pricing a home isn’t just about what you think it’s worth. It takes local data, comparable sales, current demand, and buyer psychology. Most FSBO homes are mispriced—too low, too high, or not compelling enough to create urgency.
You’ll Struggle to Get Eyes on It
FSBO listings don’t get access to MLS, Realtor.ca, or agent networks. Instead, they live on Facebook Marketplace or a small FSBO site. The result? Limited traffic, fewer showings, and fewer qualified offers.
Your Photos and Descriptions Might Hurt More Than Help
Buyers today are visual. They scroll fast and judge listings in seconds. Grainy phone photos, dim lighting, and vague copy make a home feel less valuable. And no virtual tours or staging? That can kill interest before the first showing.
Negotiating Alone Is a High-Stakes Gamble
The buyers you’ll deal with usually have professional agents in their corner—who do this every day. FSBO sellers? They’re often outmatched, and that leads to costly mistakes or stressful concessions.
There’s No Margin for Error With Paperwork
Legal forms. Disclosure documents. Conditional clauses. It’s not just paperwork—it’s protection. Miss one piece, and you could be opening yourself up to serious legal issues after the sale.
The Time Drain: FSBO Is a Full-Time Job
Selling a home sounds simple… until you’re doing it all.
- Answering calls and texts at all hours
- Vetting and coordinating showings with strangers
- Following up with inquiries, offers, and negotiations
- Chasing down documents and timelines
The emotional load alone—especially if you’re still living in the home—can be exhausting. Many sellers come to us saying, “I didn’t expect it to take over my life.”
What Makes Brolly Group Real Estate Different?
We get that no one wants to waste money—or be pressured into a decision. That’s not how we work.
When you list with us, here’s what you’re actually getting:
- A pricing strategy that helps you get top dollar—not just a ballpark guess
- Professional marketing that stops the scroll and gets buyers through the door
- Exposure on MLS, Realtor.ca, and our agent and buyer networks
- Skilled negotiation that protects your equity and gets the best terms
- Step-by-step guidance through everything—so nothing gets missed
And here’s the part FSBO sellers often don’t expect: Even after commission, many of our clients walk away with more.
A Real Story: From FSBO to Fast Sale
One homeowner in Brantford gave FSBO a shot—listing their place on social media and a FSBO site for almost two months. The results? A few unqualified buyers, zero serious offers, and a ton of stress.
After meeting with us, we refined the price, brought in a photographer, and launched a professional campaign.
Six days later: multiple offers. It sold above asking.
It’s not a one-off. It’s what happens when you market and negotiate with purpose.
Still Thinking About Selling on Your Own?
That’s okay—we’re not here to pressure you. But we are here to make sure you’ve got all the info before making that decision.
Let’s talk. We’ll give you honest advice, a local market evaluation, and a breakdown of what working with us really looks like. No push. No commitment. Just clarity.
Book a free consultation or call Brolly Group Real Estate at (519) 755-1180.
