Elaine B.

Just wondered if anyone had tried this. We are going to be moving back to the UK after 8 years here either this year or next (we only bought the house a year and a half ago) so we need every last penny to pay for the move. We would love to avoid paying real estate commission but I just don't know if it's worth the hassle. I reckon moving back is going to be stressful enough. Your thoughts would be appreciated.

Novocastrian

I did it once with no hassle. But I was lucky with the timing, it was just as a speculation binge was taking off. I got the place valued by a couple of realtors (this was all in pre-mls pre-interwebby days), then advertized a For Sale by Owner Open House in the Star. It sold in one day for 5% over the asking price, I actually could have got more but I felt guilty playing off one bidder against the other.

I doubt it's often that easy though.

Beebop

try

http://www.welist.com/

At the end of the day, all you have to do is get people to view and get a good solicitor to convey the titles......that's the technical bit which def does need a professional. Showing a house, so long as you prepare it properly and think about how you show, it's fine.

You can always list with a realtor after a bit if you need to.

Edna Bucket

Have you considered these people? http://www.propertyguys.com/
They seem to have a lot of 'for sale' boards about.

Elaine B.

Luckily I work for a real estate lawyer so that side of things should be okay. It does complicate things a little mind you as I don't want to mention to my boss just yet that I'm going to be moving back to the UK.

Elaine B.

Thanks for the links I'll check those out

cov-canuck

A lot of houses in our area are sold by the owners - but that's because the area is so popular that there's pretty much a waiting list of people wanting houses there. You stick a "for sale by the owner" board outside and suddenly have a bidding war on your hands.

Elaine B.

I don't think that would be the case here in East York unfortunately. I'm just looking around the place and seeing all the things I better get sorted out before we put up any for sale sign, especially the front garden right now we have no "curb appeal".