Saving on commission by selling on your own is an appealing—and entirely legitimate—idea to consider. But the math is more subtle than a simple subtraction. Selling without a broker means taking charge of marketing, qualifying buyers, negotiating, completing forms, and managing legal risks. The real question is not how much you save on commission, but how much you risk leaving on the table—and how much time and stress you are willing to invest. The transaction is also governed by strict consumer protection rules.
What a broker does—and why it has value
A broker gives your property visibility you cannot achieve on your own: the Centris network and inter-agency collaboration put your home in front of far more qualified buyers. They filter out browsers from serious buyers, handle mandatory forms, negotiate on your behalf, and coordinate everything through to the notary. They also protect you legally, particularly regarding the legal warranty and the seller’s declaration—two areas where a mistake can come back to haunt you after the sale.
| Aspect | With a broker | On your own (FSBO) |
|---|---|---|
| Direct cost | Commission (4 to 6%) | Platform fees or none |
| Visibility | Centris network and inter-agency | Limited to your own channels |
| Buyer qualification | Handled for you | Your responsibility |
| Negotiation | Led by a professional | You, alone with the buyer |
| Forms and legal matters | Supervised | Your responsibility |
| Time to invest | Reduced | High |
The right choice depends on you
There is no single answer. An experienced seller, in a very active market, with a straightforward property and time on their hands, can succeed on their own. For most people, however, working with a broker pays off through a better sale price, fewer risks, and far less hassle. Before deciding, one thing is useful in both cases: knowing the true value of your home. Request a free, no-obligation evaluation, then decide with full information.
