With more information available online than ever before, some homeowners in Sarnia-Lambton wonder: Can I really save money by selling my home without a Realtor®? The idea of avoiding commission fees is tempting, but in 2025, it’s important to understand the full picture before making that decision.

At Blue Coast Realty, we’ve worked with countless sellers who considered going the “For Sale By Owner” route, also known as FSBO, before realizing the benefits of professional representation. Let’s explore what selling without a Realtor® actually looks like—and whether it truly saves you money.

1. The Appeal of Going FSBO

The biggest reason sellers consider FSBO is to save on commission. In theory, skipping Realtor® fees could mean keeping more of the final sale price. In practice, though, it’s not that simple.

Local Insight: In Sarnia, the average home price in 2025 is around $480,000. A seller might think avoiding commission will save them tens of thousands—but that depends on what happens during the sale process.

2. Challenges of Selling Without a Realtor®

• Pricing Accurately: Setting the right list price is critical. Overpricing leads to a stale listing, while underpricing leaves money on the table. Realtors® use Comparative Market Analyses and local expertise to get it right.
• Marketing Reach: Realtors® provide professional photos, staging advice, and exposure on MLS®, Realtor.ca, and social media. FSBO homes often miss out on this visibility.
• Negotiations: Handling offers, counteroffers, and conditions requires experience. Without it, sellers risk accepting poor terms or missing red flags.
• Legal Requirements: Paperwork in Ontario real estate is complex, from disclosure forms to contracts. Mistakes can lead to delays or even lawsuits.

Local Insight: A FSBO home in Corunna sat on the market for three months without offers. When the seller listed with an agent, the property sold within two weeks and at a higher price.

3. Do FSBO Sellers Actually Save Money?

Studies show FSBO homes often sell for less than Realtor®-listed homes. Even after factoring in commission, most sellers end up netting more with professional representation. In Sarnia, staged and professionally marketed homes consistently achieve stronger offers.

4. Peace of Mind and Time Savings

Selling a home takes time, effort, and expertise. From fielding calls to coordinating showings and managing negotiations, FSBO sellers often underestimate the workload. Hiring a Realtor® frees you from that stress while maximizing results.

Is FSBO Worth It in Sarnia?

While it may seem like a way to save money, selling your home without a Realtor® in Sarnia often leads to more headaches and less profit. Professional representation not only protects your interests but also positions your home to sell faster and for more.

At Blue Coast Realty, we combine local expertise, proven marketing strategies, and skilled negotiations to ensure you walk away with the strongest result. If you’re thinking about selling in 2025, let’s talk about how we can help you net more while avoiding the pitfalls of FSBO