Why Working With a Low Commission Agent Is Better Than Selling Privately
At first glance, selling your home without a real estate agent — often called For Sale by Owner (FSBO), or a Private Sale — might sound like a way to save money on commission. But in reality, it often costs you more in the long run. In Ottawa’s competitive housing market, going it alone can mean leaving tens of thousands of dollars on the table, not to mention the stress and liability that come with it. And we speak from experience.
From 2008 through 2015, Equity One offered a For Sale By Owner service, allowing home sellers to list their homes for sale on the Ottawa MLS® System, while maintaining control of the entire process. More often than not, home owners were not prepared to deal with the tasks associated with selling a home, or worse, woefully unprepared to negotiate with a REALTOR® representing a buyer.
If you decide you would like to try selling on your own, be aware of the following:
1. Understanding True FSBO (For Sale By Owner)
Many home sellers truly don’t understand ‘private selling’. Most assume that a private buyer will purchase a home directly from a private seller. In reality, this rarely ever happens. Because most buyers choose to work with a REALTOR®, most private sellers end up paying a commission to the buyer agent, anywhere from 2 - 2.5%.
2. Pricing Mistakes Can Cost You Big
Overpricing leads to a stale listing. Underpricing means you leave money on the table. Determining the right price isn’t as simple as checking what your neighbour sold for — it requires analyzing market data, comparable sales, and buyer demand.
💡 The Equity One advantage: We’ve handled nearly 1,000 transactions in Ottawa. Our pricing strategies are based on data, not guesswork.
3. Poor Marketing Hurts Your Sale
Most FSBO sellers rely on cell phone photos and free online ads. Buyers scroll past these in seconds. Today’s buyers expect professional photography, 3D tours, staging, and targeted digital marketing.
💡 The Equity One advantage: We invest in top-tier marketing — at no extra cost to you. Stunning visuals and wide exposure lead to faster sales and stronger offers.
4. Negotiation Is Not DIY-Friendly
Selling a home isn’t like haggling over a used car. You’ll be negotiating with experienced buyer agents who know the market inside out. Without a skilled negotiator on your side, you risk accepting unfavourable terms or a lower price.
💡 The Equity One advantage: We negotiate every day. From price to closing dates to conditions, we ensure you get the best possible deal.
5. Legal Risks Are High
Selling a home involves complex legal contracts, disclosure obligations, and deadlines. A single mistake — like missing a condition or mishandling a deposit — can lead to lawsuits or a failed sale.
💡 The Equity One advantage: We manage every detail, ensure contracts are compliant, and protect you from costly mistakes.
6. FSBO Buyers Expect a Discount
Here’s the reality: most buyers who look at FSBO homes expect to pay less because they assume the seller is saving commission. That means even if you skip an agent, you’re still giving away your savings in the sale price.
The Equity One advantage: We flip this script. With our lower commission model, you keep more of your equity — while still getting full-service representation.
Final Thoughts
Selling your home by owner may seem like a shortcut, but it often leads to longer selling times, lower offers, and higher risks. With Equity One Real Estate, you get:
Full MLS® and REALTOR.ca exposure
Professional marketing
Expert pricing and negotiation
Legal protection and stress-free management
Lower commissions than traditional brokerages
Thinking of selling your Ottawa home? Let’s talk — we’ll show you how we sell for more while charging less.