When the time comes to sell your home, you may be tempted to sell it yourself with the hope of saving the real estate commission. In most cases, however, selling your home without the services of a professional real estate practitioner will not save you money and could lead to unexpected problems.

An Ounce of Prevention - Worth a Pound of Cure

Before attempting to sell your home, ask yourself the following questions:

1. Before attempting to sell your own home, ask yourself the following questions:

   1. Do you have sufficient knowledge to determine the price range for your home? Are you aware of changing market conditions and of recent sales of similar homes in your area?
   2. Do you have the skills and resources to advertise and market your home effectively?
   3. Do you know what types of financing are available? Are you informed about various financing methods?
   4. Do you have a network of contacts to produce potential buyers and are you able to screen out unqualified prospects - people who are just curious? Are you comfortable inviting strangers into your home at 9 p.m. because they saw your sign?
   5. Are you available seven days a week to show your home? (Buyers will expect you to be available at their convenience, not yours.)
   6. Do you have good negotiating skills? Are you comfortable haggling face-to-face over the price?
   7. Will you be ready to reveal known defects of your home and are you familiar with your legal obligations in this regard?
   8. Can you write a legally binding contract? Do you have offer forms readily available? Do you have a lawyer to advise you on essential terms that must be in the contract?
   9. Can you close a sale? Are you familiar with the many steps required after an offer has been accepted?

After considering these points, most homeowners recognize that it just makes sense to work with a REALTOR who is trained to handle the complex details of a home sale.

This information is provided by the Victoria Real Estate Board for the information and benefit of consumers.