Mike & Bernadine Nielsen

Mike: 604-315-3151 |

Bernadine: 604-619-2063 |

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5 Unusual (but effective) Home Staging Ideas
"Staging" your home is all about making the space in your home as
appealing as possible to buyers. You may already know the basics, such as
eliminating clutter. Here are some other tips that are less well known yet
very effective:
• Chandeliers. Surprisingly, these are one of the simplest ways to
make a foyer, dining room or living room dramatically more eyecatching.
You can buy a good-looking chandelier for a few hundred
dollars.
• New linen. This is something many home sellers don't consider, but
should. Replace any worn linen – sheets, coverings, towels, and
even oven mitts with new ones. Believe it or not, new linen makes a
big impression on buyers.
• Pedestal sinks. It may not be practical for you to replace a bathroom
sink. However, if you are doing a renovation, keep in mind that
pedestal sinks – especially in small washrooms – are a big hit with
buyers.
• New appliances. A brand new fridge, stove and dishwasher are
motivating selling features to buyers. That's because new appliances
make the whole kitchen look brand new.
• Avoid multi-use rooms. Have a spare bedroom that doubles as a
home office? That's a turnoff to buyers. Whenever possible, stage
each room so that it has a singular purpose. A guest bedroom, for
example, should be only that.
Want more tips on how to stage your home so that it attracts buyers? Call
today.
5 Unusual (but effective) Home Staging Ideas"Staging" your home is all about making the space in your home as appealing as possible to buyers. You may already know the basics, such as eliminating clutter. Here are some other tips that are less well known yet very effective:• Chandeliers. Surprisingly, these are one of the simplest ways to make a foyer, dining room or living room dramatically more eye catching.You can buy a good-looking chandelier for a few hundred dollars.• New linen. This is something many home sellers don't consider, but should. Replace any worn linen – sheets, coverings, towels, and even oven mitts with new ones. Believe it or not, new linen makes a big impression on buyers.• Pedestal sinks. It may not be practical for you to replace a bathroom sink. However, if you are doing a renovation, keep in mind that pedestal sinks – especially in small washrooms – are a big hit with buyers.• New appliances. A brand new fridge, stove and dishwasher are motivating selling features to buyers. That's because new appliances make the whole kitchen look brand new.• Avoid multi-use rooms. Have a spare bedroom that doubles as a home office? That's a turnoff to buyers. Whenever possible, stage each room so that it has a singular purpose. A guest bedroom, for example, should be only that.Want more tips on how to stage your home so that it attracts buyers? Call Today
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According to fire officials,
December is the peak month for a
certain type of fire in the home.
If you think the risk involves
candles, think again. Although
candle safety is extremely
important at any time of the year,
electrical fires are the type that
peak during this month.
Why? At this time of year, people
tend to haul out old electronic
appliances, lighting and electrical
cords, as well as other items
— such as electric toys and
decorations. Some of these may
be several years old and have
frayed wiring and other damage
that could cause a fire.
Before using such items, be sure
to check them thoroughly. Look
carefully for tears, frays and other
signs of damage to the cords. If
there is any damage, replace the
item, rather than attempting to
repair it.
Pay particular attention to
portable heaters, which can easily
ignite paper and other flammable
materials that come in contact
with the unit.
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Reduce the Risk of
Indoor Air Pollution
The more time we spend indoors, the more
mindful we should be about the quality of
the air in the enclosed environments we
share. Controlling and improving indoor air
quality can be a major factor in reducing
the risk of exposure to airborne pollutants
such as allergens and other causes of
respiratory illness. Here are four effective
steps you can take:
• Remove damp carpeting, toxic solvents,
paints, oily rags and cleaning products
that may accumulate in the house. Seal up
exposed insulation and clean up mould.
• Ensure your home is well ventilated by
using proper exhaust fans when cooking,
bathing, showering, or operating any fuelburning
unit. (Note that some furnaces
have built-in venting.)
• Regularly dust hard surfaces, vacuum
upholstery and beat/shake out rugs
and drapery.
• Take steps to clean your air through
portable units and/or whole-home
HEPA filtration/circulation, and be sure
to change/clean them according to the
manufacturer’s instructions.
Reduce the Risk ofIndoor Air Pollution: The more time we spend indoors, the more mindful we should be about the quality of the air in the enclosed environments we share. Controlling and improving indoor air quality can be a major factor in reducing the risk of exposure to airborne pollutants such as allergens and other causes of respiratory illness. Here are four effective steps you can take:•Remove damp carpeting, toxic solvents,paints, oily rags and cleaning products that may accumulate in the house. Seal up exposed insulation and clean up mould.•Ensure your home is well ventilated by using proper exhaust fans when cooking,bathing, showering, or operating any fuel burning unit. (Note that some furnaces have built-in venting.)•Regularly dust hard surfaces, vacuum upholstery and beat/shake out rugs and drapery.•Take steps to clean your air through portable units and/or whole-home HEPA filtration/circulation, and be sure to change/clean them according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
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Imagine you're viewing a potential new home. You walk in the front door
and are instantly impressed. You explore the property room by room and
like what you see.
Then there's something you notice that's not quite right. An odour. You
realize that it's likely cat dander and, now that you've identified it, you smell
it everywhere. Suddenly the home doesn't seem as attractive as it did just
moments earlier.
The owner of the property is probably so used to the smell that he doesn't
even notice it. Neither does anyone else in the household.
So, when marketing your home for sale, be scent sensitive. Think about the
odours that you may have become used to but others are likely to notice.
Even odours you think are pleasant, like the strong scent given off by some
house plants, may not be pleasing to everyone.
An odour can easily distract a buyer from appreciating the good qualities of
your property. Pay particular attention to garbage bins (which can smell
even when empty), pets, kitty litter (even when fresh and unused), the
kitchen (especially after cooking), perfumes, and closets.
The smell of cigarette smoke is particularly unpleasant to many people. Its
odour can linger even on an outside deck or patio.
Bottom line? Don't assume buyers won't notice certain smells. They will.
Looking for 
Imagine you're viewing a potential new home. You walk in the front door and are instantly impressed. You explore the property room by room andlike what you see.Then there's something you notice that's not quite right. An odour. You realize that it's likely cat dander and, now that you've identified it, you smellit everywhere. Suddenly the home doesn't seem as attractive as it did justmoments earlier.The owner of the property is probably so used to the smell that he doesn'teven notice it. Neither does anyone else in the household.So, when marketing your home for sale, be scent sensitive. Think about the odours that you may have become used to but others are likely to notice.Even odours you think are pleasant, like the strong scent given off by somehouse plants, may not be pleasing to everyone.An odour can easily distract a buyer from appreciating the good qualities of your property. Pay particular attention to garbage bins (which can smelleven when empty), pets, kitty litter (even when fresh and unused), the kitchen (especially after cooking), perfumes, and closets.The smell of cigarette smoke is particularly unpleasant to many people. Its odour can linger even on an outside deck or patio.Bottom line? Don't assume buyers won't notice certain smells. They will.Looking for more advice on selling your home quickly and for the best price?
Call today.
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Sometimes, when you learn about 
an innovative product that seems 
simple and practical, you wonder, 
“Why didn’t I think of that?” Here 
are some ideas that could have 
you thinking that way:
• Traditional pop-up toaster, but
with a glass side, so you can see 
exactly how much it’s toasting
• Toolbox designed to do double 
duty as a table or a bench
• Bathtub sitting bench made of 
smooth, sturdy planks
• Smartphone app that can map 
and print a floor plan for 
any room
• Digital measuring cups and 
bowls that tell you the volume 
and weight of its contents
Sometimes, when you learn about 
an innovative product that seems 
simple and practical, you wonder, 
“Why didn’t I think of that?” Here 
are some ideas that could have 
you thinking that way: 
• Traditional pop-up toaster, but
with a glass side, so you can see 
exactly how much it’s toasting
• Toolbox designed to do double 
duty as a table or a bench
• Bathtub sitting bench made of 
smooth, sturdy planks
• Smartphone app that can map 
and print a floor plan for 
any room
• Digital measuring cups and 
bowls that tell you the volume 
and weight of its contents
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Now is a good time to make a visual check of all your 
utilities, fixtures and appliances to make sure they are not 
using expensive energy and resources inefficiently. Ensure 
that faucets don’t drip when closed. If they do, replace 
the washers (or valve cartridges, in the case of washerless 
units). Next, check that your toilets don’t leak. To check for 
leaks, pour coloured liquid bowl cleaner into the tank, then 
wait several hours to see if it appears in the bowl without 
flushing. If you discover a leak, you may need to replace the 
stopper in the bottom of the tank. Also, make sure your hot 
water tank/and or pipes are not sweating. While you’re at it, 
consider turning down the tank thermostat by a couple of 
degrees – chances are you won’t notice a difference, except 
maybe on your energy bill. Finally, check that windows 
and other exposed surfaces are not drafty. If so, consider 
caulking, repairing or replacing them.
Now is a good time to make a visual check of all your utilities, fixtures and appliances to make sure they are not using expensive energy and resources inefficiently. Ensure that faucets don’t drip when closed. If they do, replace the washers (or valve cartridges, in the case of washerless units). Next, check that your toilets don’t leak. To check for leaks, pour coloured liquid bowl cleaner into the tank, then wait several hours to see if it appears in the bowl without flushing. If you discover a leak, you may need to replace the stopper in the bottom of the tank. Also, make sure your hot water tank/and or pipes are not sweating. While you’re at it, consider turning down the tank thermostat by a couple of degrees – chances are you won’t notice a difference, except maybe on your energy bill. Finally, check that windows and other exposed surfaces are not drafty. If so, consider caulking, repairing or replacing them.
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Don't take stair safety for granted
The first known use of stairs was in ancient Egypt during the building of the 
pyramids. Chances are, some workers back then tripped and fell on them. 
Some 3,000 years later, injuries on stairs are still a big problem.
According to the Centre for Occupational Health & Safety, the insurance 
cost of injuries from falls on stairs is second only to automobile accidents! 
Clearly, it's a bigger problem than most people imagine.
So how do you prevent trips, falls and other mishaps on stairs?
The most common way is to use handrails. In fact, most trips and falls occur 
when people aren't able to regain their balance because they are not 
holding a handrail.
Another source of accidents are items, such as toys, left on stairs. Some 
people have the bad habit of using stairs as a temporary shelf for books, 
magazines, mail and other items. That’s not a good idea!
Always be careful when carrying heavy items on stairs. Even an overloaded 
laundry basket can be a hazard. If it's too heavy or you can’t see over the 
top, it’s too full. 
A lot of this is common sense. However, because injuries on stairs are so 
prevalent, we need to use our common sense more often. 
Don't take stair safety for granted:
The first known use of stairs was in ancient Egypt during the building of the pyramids. Chances are, some workers back then tripped and fell on them. Some 3,000 years later, injuries on stairs are still a big problem. According to the Centre for Occupational Health & Safety, the insurance cost of injuries from falls on stairs is second only to automobile accidents! Clearly, it's a bigger problem than most people imagine.So how do you prevent trips, falls and other mishaps on stairs?The most common way is to use handrails. In fact, most trips and falls occur when people aren't able to regain their balance because they are not holding a handrail.Another source of accidents are items, such as toys, left on stairs. Some people have the bad habit of using stairs as a temporary shelf for books, magazines, mail and other items. That’s not a good idea!Always be careful when carrying heavy items on stairs. Even an overloaded laundry basket can be a hazard. If it's too heavy or you can’t see over the top, it’s too full. A lot of this is common sense. However, because injuries on stairs are so prevalent, we need to use our common sense more often. 
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You don't notice it – but most buyers will.
Imagine you're viewing a potential new home. You walk in the front door 
and are instantly impressed. You explore the property room by room and 
like what you see. 
Then there's something you notice that's not quite right. An odour. You 
realize that it's likely cat dander and, now that you've identified it, you smell 
it everywhere. Suddenly the home doesn't seem as attractive as it did just 
moments earlier.
The owner of the property is probably so used to the smell that he doesn't 
even notice it. Neither does anyone else in the household.
So, when marketing your home for sale, be scent sensitive. Think about the 
odours that you may have become used to but others are likely to notice. 
Even odours you think are pleasant, like the strong scent given off by some 
house plants, may not be pleasing to everyone.
An odour can easily distract a buyer from appreciating the good qualities of 
your property. Pay particular attention to garbage bins (which can smell 
even when empty), pets, kitty litter (even when fresh and unused), the 
kitchen (especially after cooking), perfumes, and closets.
The smell of cigarette smoke is particularly unpleasant to many people. Its 
odour can linger even on an outside deck or patio.
Bottom line? Don't assume buyers won't notice certain smells. They will. 
Looking for more advice on selling your home quickly and for the best price? 
Call today.
You don't notice it – but most buyers will.  Imagine you're viewing a potential new home. You walk in the front door and are instantly impressed. You explore the property room by room and like what you see. Then there's something you notice that's not quite right. An odour. You realize that it's likely cat dander and, now that you've identified it, you smell it everywhere. Suddenly the home doesn't seem as attractive as it did just moments earlier.  The owner of the property is probably so used to the smell that he doesn't even notice it. Neither does anyone else in the household.So, when marketing your home for sale, be scent sensitive. Think about the odours that you may have become used to but others are likely to notice. Even odours you think are pleasant, like the strong scent given off by some house plants, may not be pleasing to everyone.An odour can easily distract a buyer from appreciating the good qualities of your property. Pay particular attention to garbage bins (which can smell even when empty), pets, kitty litter (even when fresh and unused), the kitchen (especially after cooking), perfumes, and closets.The smell of cigarette smoke is particularly unpleasant to many people. Its odour can linger even on an outside deck or patio.Bottom line? Don't assume buyers won't notice certain smells. They will. Looking for more advice on selling your home quickly and for the best price? Call today.
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You’ve spent a lot of time shopping for the perfect property. You made an offer, held your breath and – hurray! – you got the home! But now you’ve realized that you have to move in four weeks – and you’re far from prepared.

Don’t add stress to what was otherwise a smooth process. Make sure you have these things in place well in advance:

A good real estate lawyer. Selecting the right lawyer can take time, so you don’t want to leave this task to the last minute.

A reputable moving company. Start looking into moving firms right away to ensure you pick one that’s reputable, timely and will do a good job.

A contractor. Your new home may require some repairs and renovations that you want to get done right away.

Insurance. This is an easy detail to overlook. Don’t. Insurance costs can vary widely, and you want to make sure you take the time necessary, well in advance of your move, to select the right policy from the right company.

Getting these things in place in advance of your move will make the entire process go more smoothly. A good REALTOR® will help.

Call today.

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Using candles safely
Like most home products, candles are safe as long as you use them 
properly. The problem is thinking that as long as a candle doesn't fall over 
or come into contact with anything flammable, it is okay. 
However, according to the National Candle Association (candles.org) 
there's more you can do to ensure candle safety.
• Do not place candles where they can be knocked over by pets. (Cats 
can be particularly fascinated by the flickering light.)
• Trim the wick to 1/4 inch before burning. A long wick can cause the 
candle to drip.
• Don't burn a candle all the way down. At about two inches, put the 
candle out. •
• Despite what you see in movies, don’t try to bravely extinguish a 
candle with your fingers. 
• Avoid using a candle during a power outage. Use flashlights instead.
• Never use a candle as a night light next to your bed.
And, of course, never leave a candle burning unattended. If you need to 
leave the room, put the candle out. 
Using candles safely:  Like most home products, candles are safe as long as you use them properly. The problem is thinking that as long as a candle doesn't fall over or come into contact with anything flammable, it is okay. However, according to the National Candle Association (candles.org) there's more you can do to ensure candle safety.
• Do not place candles where they can be knocked over by pets. (Cats can be particularly fascinated by the flickering light.)
• Trim the wick to 1/4 inch before burning. A long wick can cause the candle to drip.
• Don't burn a candle all the way down. At about two inches, put the candle out.
• Despite what you see in movies, don’t try to bravely extinguish a candle with your fingers.
• Avoid using a candle during a power outage. Use flashlights instead.
• Never use a candle as a night light next to your bed.And, of course, never leave a candle burning unattended. If you need to leave the room, put the candle out. 
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Preparing for a power outage
Some people can live in their homes for years without ever experiencing a 
power outage. In fact, even in areas prone to serious storms or snowfalls, 
power loss doesn't happen that often. No wonder so many homeowners are 
caught unprepared when it does.
To make sure you're not caught unprepared, follow these tips:
• Replace batteries in unused flashlights every six months.
• Keep candles and matches in a handy place. Monitor them closely 
when lit and always blow them out before going to sleep.
• For computers and phones, consider purchasing a power backup. 
(Some models provide up to 8 hours of power for two or three 
devices.)
• Know the address of your local fire station and nearest community 
centre. These are the most common places to find help during a 
power outage.
When the power does go out, make sure the stove is turned off. You don't 
want an unattended burner or gas leak when the power finally comes back 
on. 
Preparing for a power outage:  Some people can live in their homes for years without ever experiencing a power outage. In fact, even in areas prone to serious storms or snowfalls, power loss doesn't happen that often. No wonder so many homeowners are caught unprepared when it does.  To make sure you're not caught unprepared, follow these tips:  • Replace batteries in unused flashlights every six months.  • Keep candles and matches in a handy place. Monitor them closely when lit and always blow them out before going to sleep.  • For computers and phones, consider purchasing a power backup. (Some models provide up to 8 hours of power for two or three devices.)  • Know the address of your local fire station and nearest community centre. These are the most common places to find help during a power outage.  When the power does go out, make sure the stove is turned off. You don't want an unattended burner or gas leak when the power finally comes back on. 
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What home buyers love to see
Buyers are more likely to make an offer on your home if they see a lot of 
things they love about it. So what do buyers love to see? 
One of the main things they like to see is a lot of space. Of course, you can't 
change the size of your rooms, but there is a lot you can do to make small 
spaces in your home seem more spacious. 
Buyers also love to see a clean and uncluttered home. Think of how inviting 
a hotel room looks at first glance, with everything neat and organized. Of 
course, your home isn't a hotel, but the more neat and attractive you can 
make each room, the better.
One thing buyers don't love to see is potential maintenance issues. So as 
much as possible, get things fixed or updated. 
In fact, the more "finished" and "move in ready" your home looks, the more 
likely a buyer is to make an offer. 
Don't forget the surrounding neighbourhood either. A buyer may not take 
the time to explore the area, so be sure to make a list of the most appealing 
features. You might want to take a picture of the brand new playground just 
down the street or print off a local map showing nearby shopping, theatre 
and other points of interest.
It's not about creating a false impression. Rather, it's about making your 
home look its best and drawing attention to its most enticing features.
Want more home selling tips? Call today.
What home buyers love to see:  Buyers are more likely to make an offer on your home if they see a lot of things they love about it. So what do buyers love to see? One of the main things they like to see is a lot of space. Of course, you can't change the size of your rooms, but there is a lot you can do to make small spaces in your home seem more spacious. Buyers also love to see a clean and uncluttered home. Think of how inviting a hotel room looks at first glance, with everything neat and organized. Of course, your home isn't a hotel, but the more neat and attractive you can make each room, the better.  One thing buyers don't love to see is potential maintenance issues. So as much as possible, get things fixed or updated. In fact, the more "finished" and "move in ready" your home looks, the more likely a buyer is to make an offer. Don't forget the surrounding neighbourhood either. A buyer may not take the time to explore the area, so be sure to make a list of the most appealing features. You might want to take a picture of the brand new playground just down the street or print off a local map showing nearby shopping, theatre and other points of interest.It's not about creating a false impression. Rather, it's about making your home look its best and drawing attention to its most enticing features.Want more home selling tips? Call today.
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Childproofing tips for your home
If you have young children, or expect a visit from friends or relatives with 
little ones in tow, it pays to ensure your home is free of hazards. The last 
thing you want is an injury that could have easily been prevented. 
Here are some basic childproofing tips. •
• Remove everything that is toxic, hot or sharp, from within reach of a 
child. (For example, the leaves of some types of house plants are 
toxic.)
• If possible, keep children out of the kitchen while cooking.
• Install plug-in covers in electrical outlets. (These are inexpensive and 
can be purchased at any hardware store.)
• Block or gate off areas where kids may fall.
• Remove "pulling down" hazards, such as a heavy plant that a child 
can pull off a table.
• Make sure there are screens on all open windows. •
Finally, watch your pets. Even the most gentle dog or cat can act 
unpredictably around children – especially if they're not used to them. 
Childproofing tips for your home

If you have young children, or expect a visit from friends or relatives with little ones in tow, it pays to ensure your home is free of hazards. The last thing you want is an injury that could have easily been prevented. Here are some basic childproofing tips. •• Remove everything that is toxic, hot or sharp, from within reach of a child. (For example, the leaves of some types of house plants are toxic.)• If possible, keep children out of the kitchen while cooking.• Install plug-in covers in electrical outlets. (These are inexpensive and can be purchased at any hardware store.)• Block or gate off areas where kids may fall.• Remove "pulling down" hazards, such as a heavy plant that a child can pull off a table.• Make sure there are screens on all open windows. •Finally, watch your pets. Even the most gentle dog or cat can act unpredictably around children – especially if they're not used to them. 
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When you make or receive an offer to buy a property, it's important that you 
read and understand every clause. It is especially important to understand 
any conditions or any changes that are made to the standard offer.
An offer may contain several types of conditions. The most common are 
"conditional upon arranging financing" and "conditional upon passing a 
professional home inspection." However, there may be other conditions as 
well.
You should be aware of – and fully understand – all of them.
In addition, the wording of an offer may change during the back and forth 
negotiations that often happen. Aside from changes to the price, other 
clauses may be added, removed or reworded as well. 
A good agent will always ask you to initial changes. This is done primarily to 
ensure you know and approve of what you're signing.
A recent newspaper article tells the story of a buyer-seller legal dispute that 
resulted in a six-figure judgement against the seller. This was due, in part, to 
a lack of understanding of one of the clauses in the agreement.
You don't want that to happen to you. Take the time to carefully review and 
understand an offer.
Want to make sure everything goes smoothly with your next move? Call 
today
When you make or receive an offer to buy a property, it's important that you read and understand every clause. It is especially important to understand any conditions or any changes that are made to the standard offer.An offer may contain several types of conditions. The most common are "conditional upon arranging financing" and "conditional upon passing a professional home inspection." However, there may be other conditions as well.You should be aware of – and fully understand – all of them.In addition, the wording of an offer may change during the back and forth negotiations that often happen. Aside from changes to the price, other clauses may be added, removed or reworded as well. A good agent will always ask you to initial changes. This is done primarily to ensure you know and approve of what you're signing.A recent newspaper article tells the story of a buyer-seller legal dispute that resulted in a six-figure judgement against the seller. This was due, in part, to a lack of understanding of one of the clauses in the agreement.You don't want that to happen to you. Take the time to carefully review and understand an offer.Want to make sure everything goes smoothly with your next move? Call today
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The internet can be a source of 
inspirational and unusual ways to use 
ordinary household items. Here are just a 
few examples:
1. Ketchup can be used to clean copper.
2. Lubricate a stuck zipper track by 
applying a drop of olive oil with a 
cosmetic swab-tip.
3. White vinegar will remove tea stains 
from a cup and coffee stains from your 
carafe, but be sure to rinse
them thoroughly.
4. Minor drain clogs can be cleared with 
half a cup of salt, followed by a quart of 
hot water.
5. If you break a drinking glass, a slice of 
white bread will pick up the tiniest shards 
from the floor.
6. Electrical tape can temporarily seal 
a leaking drain pipe. (Unlike water 
supply pipes, drains work by gravity, 
not pressure.) 
The internet can be a source of inspirational and unusual ways to use ordinary household items. Here are just a few examples:
1. Ketchup can be used to clean copper.
2. Lubricate a stuck zipper track by applying a drop of olive oil with a cosmetic swab-tip.
3. White vinegar will remove tea stains from a cup and coffee stains from your carafe, but be sure to rinsethem thoroughly.
4. Minor drain clogs can be cleared with half a cup of salt, followed by a quart of hot water.
5. If you break a drinking glass, a slice of white bread will pick up the tiniest shards from the floor.
6. Electrical tape can temporarily seal a leaking drain pipe. (Unlike water supply pipes, drains work by gravity, not pressure.) 
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9 things FSBO companies don’t want consumers to know

1. They charge upfront (in most cases thousands). Agents don’t.

When it comes down to it, listing with an agent shouldn’t cost you a cent. I know you probably read that a few times. Agents don’t charge upfront, we only charge when results are provided. This gives you an advantage in more than one way. On the other hand I have heard of individuals paying upwards of $2,000 upfront just for a sign and a spot on a website, only to end up having their house listed and sold by an agent.

2. They aren’t held to any code of ethics.

Real estate agents across Canada are held to a strict code of ethics by CREA. They take the liability if something goes wrong. They are also held to higher standards in advertising and they have duties to you as a client.

3. Just because you’re a real estate professional does not mean you’re rich or overpaid.

This has been the fuel for many slanderous ad campaigns released by popular for sale by owner websites over the years. The truth of the matter is, if it was that easy and they got paid a “small fortune” to sell a house, everyone would get into the business. Selling homes is hard work. Agents often find themselves working for free and hoping to receive a commission.

Consider this situation: A buyer has his agent show him 30 houses over the course a month. The agent spends hours of his time to assist the buyer. The buyer decides not to buy. The agent has worked for free and lost money on expenses. This is a common situation.

4. They can’t put your home on the MLS system.

This system was built by Realtors for Realtors. No one is allowed to list a property on it unless they have a license to trade in real estate. These websites will just refer you to an agent (how ironic), often one from the other side of the country, to put your home on the MLS and nothing else. In most cases the listing won’t even be on your local MLS board, making it sometimes hard to find.

5. They actually petition agents to sell their houses.

After years of bashing the profession, certain for sale by owner websites are now calling on agents to come to their rescue, so they can take credit for selling homes. Tell me another business model where you ask your competition to do the work for you. This is really an admission of one thing – serious buyers go to an agent. Why? Because it will cost you nothing to buy through an agent.

6. They don’t have a real estate license.

This is something a lot of people do not realize. These so called “private sale” websites are just that. They are not licensed to trade in real estate or to give you real estate advice. They can’t even advise you on how to price your property because doing this would fall under an agency relationship and would be considered trading in real estate. That requires a license. These parameters are set in place to protect you, the consumer.

7. You pay them so you can do all the work.

Since these companies are not licensed to trade in real estate they are not permitted to represent you in a real estate transaction. This means they can’t answer buyer inquiries for you, show your home, host open houses, handle paper work, mediate negotiations, advise you on market conditions…and the list goes on and on.

8. Privates sales carry a stigma and uncertainties that make buyers uncomfortable.

Ever gone to view a private sale as a buyer? Then you know it can be extremely uncomfortable and limiting to view someone’s house with them in it. It can be even more uncomfortable to negotiate with them. On top of all this, private sales beg the question, why didn’t they use an agent? Is there something wrong with the house? If they are trying to cut costs now, did they cut costs/corners with repairs?

9. Agents don’t hate for sale by owners.

These companies would have you believe that agents think FSBOs are ignorant. This isn’t the case. We get why you would want to go this route. It can be done, but just because you can do something doesn’t mean you should. Like many DIY projects you are putting yourself at risk. In this case you are taking a risk with the biggest investment of your life. It will not be an easy process.

In the end, in today’s buyers’ markets you need an agent who will work tirelessly for you to get your home noticed above the thousands of others on the market.  Just remember that limited service will always equal limited results and if it seems too good to be true, it is more times than not.

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