Selling a home is a big deal, and like most homeowners, I wanted to walk away with as much cash as possible. The problem? Realtor commissions, closing costs, and hidden fees can eat up tens of thousands of dollars—money that should stay in your pocket.
That’s why I chose to sell my home privately, and let me tell you—it was the best decision I could have made. Here’s exactly how I did it and how you can do the same.
The Shocking Cost of Selling Through a Realtor
Most sellers don’t realize how much they’re handing over to real estate agents. In Ontario, realtor commissions average 4-6% of the sale price. That means:
- On a $700,000 home, you could lose $28,000–$42,000 in commissions alone.
- Then add closing costs, land transfer tax, and legal fees—it adds up fast.
By selling my home privately, I avoided paying thousands in unnecessary fees and put that money where it belonged—in my pocket.
How I Sold My Home Privately (Without the Headaches)
A lot of people think selling privately is complicated, but the truth is, it’s easier than you think—especially if you work with cash buyers who can close fast with no fees.
1. I Skipped the MLS and Went Straight to Cash Buyers
Traditional listings mean open houses, staging, endless showings, and waiting for offers. I didn’t want the hassle, so I went straight to cash buyers who could make an offer in 24-48 hours.
This meant:
- No commissions or realtor fees.
- No waiting months for the right buyer.
- No expensive repairs—they bought my home as-is.
2. I Avoided Costly Repairs and Sold As-Is
Many homeowners waste money on renovations before selling, but I knew cash buyers would purchase my home in any condition.
Instead of sinking money into repairs, I:
- Decluttered and cleaned (simple but effective).
- Highlighted my home’s best features rather than focusing on flaws.
- Let buyers handle renovations themselves, saving me thousands.
3. I Didn’t Pay Closing Costs
With a traditional sale, sellers often cover closing costs, which can include:
- Legal fees ($1,500-$3,000)
- Land transfer tax
- Home inspection fees (if requested by buyers)
By selling to a cash home buyer, I avoided most of these expenses because they covered the closing costs as part of the deal.
The End Result? Thousands Saved & a Fast, Stress-Free Sale
Selling privately wasn’t just about saving money—it was about convenience. I didn’t have to:
- Wait for mortgage approvals and deal with financing fall-throughs.
- Pay tens of thousands in agent commissions.
- Spend money on repairs, staging, and open houses.
Instead, I sold my home quickly, with zero hidden fees, and walked away with more cash in my pocket.
If you’re thinking, “I need to sell my house fast” or want to skip realtor commissions, selling privately could be the smartest move you make.