The Cliff Stevenson Group

A significant amount of attention has been given to the For Sale By Owner network of companies over the last month or so. Here in Calgary Alberta, we have several companies that will provide materials and some service to those who want to sell their property by themselves....Welist.com, Property Guys, ComFree....there are many smaller players in the FSBO market as well. All of these companies will provide you with contracts, signage, and information on how to sell your home. Recently, one of these FSBO companies  in Alberta joined a group of others in forming the largest For Sale By Owner company in Canada.

Now, you might be thinking that I’m going to dismiss these companies, and talk about the virtues of working with a REALTOR®. After all, this is my blog, I’m a REALTOR®, and For Sale By Owner properties are not paying listing commissions. The same commissions that put food on my table.

You would be wrong.

I think the existence of these companies is fantastic. There are few things that I like about these companies and how they do business.

1. The consumer has choice. Much of what I personally do today is done after seeking information on the internet. With the wealth of information out there, there are things I find I can do myself with some research. For many people, this is the same for real estate.
2. They are not a threat to my business. These companies exist for people who want to control and manage everything required in the home selling process, and they offer some basic materials and send you on your way. My business offers services and experience that these networks don’t come close to providing.
3. They provide contrast. The existence of this business model actually helps businesses like mine stand out. You can compare what you are going to have to endure, and what the process is like selling your home by yourself, with the services that I am going to offer.
4. The exposure is increasing. While most of these companies are not able to provide access to the MLS for exposure, some of these FSBO sites are attracting some decent traffic and becoming more popular.

Can you sell your home by yourself? Absolutely. Can you save some money by not paying all the commissions that a REALTOR® like me is going to charge? Possibly. With these companies, and companies like them, you are enabled and empowered to attempt to save money and manage the process on your own. I think it’s great, and I don’t feel threatened at all.

So try it. You’ve heard success stories from those that have sold their homes on their own. Maybe it will work for you.

......but if you have any difficulty with the sales process on your own, I would be happy to talk to you and explain how I might be able to help.