The Complete Checklist for Selling Your Home For Sale By Owner (FSBO)

Selling your home without an agent can save you tens of thousands of dollars in commissions. However, it requires organization, preparation, and a clear understanding of the steps involved. This checklist guides you from day one to the final signing.

Phase 1: Preparation & Staging

First impressions are vital. Before taking any photos or showing your home, prepare it for buyers:

• Declutter & Depersonalize: Remove family photos, personal items, and excess furniture to make spaces look larger and help buyers project themselves into the home.
• Deep Clean: Clean every corner, including windows, carpets, and appliances. A clean home signals a well-maintained property.
• Minor Repairs: Fix leaky faucets, squeaky doors, chipped paint, and burnt-out lightbulbs.
• Professional Photography: Invest in high-quality photos. Listings with bright, clear, and professional-looking images receive significantly more inquiries.

Phase 2: Listing & Marketing

Once the property is ready, it's time to build your online presence:

• Write a Compelling Description: Highlight key selling points such as school zones, proximity to transit, recent upgrades, and heating/cooling systems.
• Publish on OwnrDirect: Create your dedicated property page, upload your photos, and organize key information.
• Share Socially: Post your listing link on your personal social channels and local community groups.

Phase 3: Managing Visits Safely

When hosting showings, keep safety and professionalism in mind:

• Pre-Screen Inquiries: Ask buyers if they are pre-approved for a mortgage before booking a showing. This filters out curious browsers.
• Prepare a Handout: Print a brief summary sheet containing key property data, room measurements, and utility costs.
• Safety First: Always let someone know when you are hosting a visit, or have a friend or partner join you.

Phase 4: Structuring Intentions & Closing

Once an interested buyer is ready, use the following steps to structure the process safely:

• Receive a Purchase Project: Request that the buyer submits their proposal as a non-binding 'Résumé d'Intention' or 'Purchase Project' using the platform.
• Review the Terms: Examine details like proposed price, possession date, and conditions (financing, inspection).
• Send to Your Lawyer: Do not sign any final contract without legal review. Your real estate lawyer will convert the intention summary into a formal Purchase and Sale Agreement.