For Sale by Owner vs Realtor

Posted on May 13, 2025




In a hot real estate market, it can feel like homes are selling themselves. You might be thinking, “Do I really need a Realtor? Can’t I just stick a sign on the lawn and call it a day?” If you've considered selling your home without a Realtor—also known as FSBO (For Sale By Owner)—you’re not alone.But before you take the plunge, it’s crucial to understand what goes into a real estate transaction here in British Columbia. Because while skipping the commission might seem like a smart financial move, it could end up costing you far more—whether in time, legal risk, or lost profits.Let’s break it down together.

The Legal Stuff: What’s Required in BC?

Whether you use a Realtor or go FSBO, all home sales in BC must comply with provincial laws, including the Real Estate Services Act, Land Title Act, and Real Estate Development Marketing Act (if applicable). All contracts must be legally binding and accurately represent the transaction.A few must-haves include:
  • A Contract of Purchase and Sale that outlines subjects, conditions, and closing terms
  • A licensed lawyer or notary public to handle conveyancing (title transfer and disbursements)
  • Disclosure of Material Latent Defects, which is a legal requirement, not just a courtesy
If you aren’t well-versed in contract law or familiar with the required documentation, missing a key clause or misrepresenting information can lead to serious legal and financial consequences—even lawsuits.

Marketing: It’s More Than an MLS® Listing

Realtors in BC have access to the MLS® (Multiple Listing Service®)—a system exclusive to licensed professionals. It feeds directly to Realtor.ca and is the most powerful tool for getting exposure to buyers and buyer’s agents.If you go the FSBO route, you can pay a flat-fee brokerage (some as low as $1,000) to get on the MLS®, but it’s important to know that’s just the tip of the marketing iceberg.Here's what professional marketing often includes:

  • Professional photography ($150–$250)
  • Staging ($3,000+)
  • Virtual tours ($100–$200)
  • Print & digital marketing ($720–$1,500+)
  • Floorplans ($150–$400)
  • Social media campaigns, paid ads, feature sheets, open house signage, and more
Without the visibility and reach a Realtor brings, your listing may go stale. And in real estate, stale = lower offers.

Your Time = Real Money

Realtors do far more than stick a sign in the yard. In fact, most of our work happens before your listing even goes live:
  • Pricing analysis using sold comparables not visible on public sites
  • Prepping your home for market (cleaning, repairs, staging)
  • Coordinating vendors, showings, and open houses
  • Generating interest through our networks, databases, and neighbourhood outreach
  • Negotiating offers, navigating counteroffers, and writing bulletproof contracts
And when things don’t go smoothly (which is more common than most people think), we’re problem-solvers. We step in when financing falls through, inspections reveal surprises, or closing timelines clash. Time is money—and when you sell privately, you need to be ready to become your own full-time project manager.

Are You Really Saving on Commission?

The most common motivation behind FSBO is saving money. But let’s run the numbers.
  • In most cases, you’ll still have to pay the buyer’s agent commission (often 3.255% on the first $100K + 1.1625% on the balance, as per BC norm).
  • Unrepresented buyers will often ask for a discount, knowing you’re not paying commission.
  • Negotiation skills matter. A good Realtor can usually negotiate a higher sale price than the average homeowner—often covering or exceeding their commission through added value alone.
In fact, studies and industry data consistently show that FSBO homes sell for less than Realtor-listed homes, even after factoring in commission savings.

Are You Equipped to Handle This?

You’ll need more than a "For Sale" sign and optimism. Here's what else you’ll be taking on:

Contract Knowledge

Knowing which clauses to include (and when to remove subjects) is critical. One mistake could lead to a collapsed deal—or worse, legal action.

Objectivity in Pricing

It’s hard to be impartial about your own home. Most sellers overprice, and overpriced homes sit. Without proper market knowledge or access to key data, you’re flying blind.

Emotional Detachment

Negotiating with a buyer who lowballs your cherished home can feel like a personal insult. An experienced Realtor acts as your buffer—protecting your emotions, your time, and your wallet.

Exposure to Risk

From liability over undisclosed defects to improper deposit handling, FSBO sellers face more legal exposure than those who use a licensed Realtor governed by BCFSA (BC Financial Services Authority) and their strict professional conduct standards.


Final Thoughts: Realtor or FSBO?

The choice is always yours. But if you want to maximize profit, minimize stress, and ensure that your transaction is legally sound and professionally managed, working with a licensed Realtor is almost always the better bet.If you're thinking of selling—whether soon or down the road—let’s chat. Even if you don’t hire me, I’ll happily give you an honest evaluation of what your home is worth and what options might make the most sense for your situation.Because selling your home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make—and you deserve to do it with confidence.

Thinking about selling? I offer complimentary consultations to help you understand your options—no pressure, just clarity. Reach out anytime.Trevor Inglis, Licensed REALTOR® in BC
📍 Serving The North Shore & Greater Vancouver area  Contact: 604 617 1212tinglis@trevoringlis.com 

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