Frequently Asked Questions

Are you Realtors?
No, we are not realtors. ForSaleDirect.ca is an advertising and marketing company focusing on the private home market. We do not receive any monies on the private sale of your home. Homeowners pay ZERO commissions. We think there are better things to do with one’s hard earned money.

How long have you been in business?
We are a newer company. However, our founders are former Real Estate Agents with over 30+ years in the industry.

How do you make money?
Homeowners who wish to advertise their property on ForSaleDirect.ca will purchase any of our 3 different packages starting at $295.00.

Can I advertise my home with you and be listed with an agent?
No. ForSaleDirect.ca focuses solely on the private home market. You may however, cancel your agreement with your realtor if you are both in agreement, or you may list with us once your listing has expired.

Is my property shown by you?
No. You show your own property. After all, who knows your home better than you?

Is listing my home on your site easy?
It is VERY easy. Simply select one of 3 packages (Self-Direct / Go-Direct / Pro-Direct) and get started. Our system is designed to be simple and user friendly.

Can I list more than 1 home?
Yes, however, you MUST purchase an additional package. We allow 1 listing per package only.

Can I make changes to my listing?
Absolutely! Anytime! You can update, add, delete information as you see fit. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Do I receive any signage with my listing?
Our Bullseye will mark the spot!
GO-Direct users receive 1 pro “For Sale” lawn sign, 1 “Open House” sign along with 2 directional Open House signs.
PRO-Direct users receive 1 pro “For Sale” lawn sign, 1 “Open House” sign along with 3 directional Open House signs.

How long will my property remain listed for?
Depending on the package selected, your property will be listed anywhere from 6 months until SOLD. Take a look at our package comparison page for more information.

How many photos am I allowed to post with my listing?
ForSaleDirect.ca believes that photos are a crucial in the private selling of any home. All our packages allow for a maximum of 15 photos PLUS 5 Area Amenitites photos (i.e. nearby park, golf course, shopping mall, walking trail, etc.) Just be sure to put titles on all your photos.

How long will it take to sell my home?
We will never treat our extremely valued customers/homeowners foolishly. Therefore, ForSaleDirect.ca will never comment or commit to an approximate or exact length of time that a home will be sold in. Doing so would be dishonest and without integrity. We believe with the right exposure, coupled with multiple open houses, and more importantly, the right price, your home WILL sell!

I’ve had many open houses and not many good offers, why do you suppose this is?
The first thing we suggest is that you look at is how much are you asking for? Have you priced your home based on true market value or have emotions governed your pricing strategy? The second thing you may need to look at is condition. Is the condition of your home good (remove all emotions and view the home through a buyer’s eyes)? You may need to rethink a few things.

I’ve received a fantastic offer that I want to accept, what should I do?
That is great news! First and foremost, you need to obtain legal representation. The buyer should have a separate lawyer of his own. If you do not have a lawyer, simply visit our “Find a Pro” section. All our professionals have been selected for their reputation, their quality of service, and their overall value. Once you have a lawyer, submit the offer to them for review. They will instruct you from there.

I sold my home in less time than the listing length allowed. Can I get a part of my money back?
No refunds are permitted. Once a package has been purchased and a listing has been created, services are deemed rendered in full. All sales are final.

I’ve heard horror stories of properties remaining on other sites well after they are sold in an attempt to have the sites appear full of properties. Does ForSaleDirect.ca take this approach?
We do keep all properties on our site. HOWEVER, the status of any property is controlled by the seller. If your property has sold, simply edit your listing to reflect the success of your sale. If you need to temporarily or permanently take your home off the market, edit your listing and select “Off the Market” as your status. Our system was designed to put homeowners in the driver’s seat. Listings may be edited and/or modified anytime, anywhere.

Why should I buy privately?
ForSaleDirect.ca gives buyers access to privately owned homes that are for sale where you can negotiate directly with the seller. Both buyer and seller can benefit from direct negotiations as expensive real estate commissions are avoided. The seller has a bit more wiggle room when it comes to the final selling price.

I’m looking to buy. Do I need to pay to register?
You most definitely DO NOT need to pay to register with ForSaleDirect.ca. As a buyer, you are allowed to register for free. Of course, you must adhere to our terms and conditions as outlined on our site.

How do I find the right home for me?
First and foremost, we highly recommend you pre-qualify for a mortgage. Every buyer needs to know how much they can afford to buy. Be sure to ask how much your monthly payments will be. You need to be comfortable paying that amount. If you are not already pre-qualified, visit our “Find a Pro” section. One of our mortgage brokers will be happy to assist you.
Secondly, we recommend you visit as many homes as you can. The more homes you see, the more likely you’ll find the home that’s right for you. Plus, after visiting many homes, you’ll get a good sense of the market and more importantly, which homes are good in value and which are not. You will then be able to act quickly if a good deal comes your way.

Should I use a Mortgage Broker?
Normally, a mortgage broker is able to do the search and leg work for you. They will find you the best lending institution that works best with your needs. Visit our Buyer’s section and click on the “Mortgage Centre” to find out more information about obtaining financing for your dream home.

How do I schedule an appointment in order to see one of the properties listed on your website?
Once registered, the seller’s contact information may be available for viewing. If their number is available, you have the option of picking up the phone and ask the seller your questions. If their contact information is NOT visible, this quite simply means that they would rather not be contacted by phone as they are being cautious with their personal information. Remember, ALL vendors may be contacted by using ForSaleDirect.ca Message Centre. By clicking on “Email the Vendor”, you will automatically be rerouted to the “My Account” area where you can communicate your question(s).

Can I use a real estate agent when I buy through ForSaleDirect.ca?
You may use an agent. However, the seller must be in agreement to allow your agent to contact them. Any homeowner/seller’s listing will have prominently displayed either “No Real Estate Agents Please” or “Realtors Welcomed”. We kindly ask that you and your agent respect the seller’s wishes and not contact those that do not want to deal with realtors.

How much should I offer for a house I really like?
This is a tricky question. One the one hand, trying to lowball with an offer much less than you are willing to pay usually ends up backfiring and will most likely end up costing you more in the final negotiation stage. It may also insult or upset the seller and they will decline your offer with no counter offer which means you will you need to keep looking. On the other hand, there is no shame in making a low offer that is honestly they only amount you are willing to pay, or could realistically afford. Our suggestion is to offer the most the house is really worth to you. The seller will either accept, counter, or decline accordingly.

What should I look for when inspecting the house and should I arrange to have a professional home inspection done?
Ironically, the answer lies in your second question. If you felt the need to ask the first question, then you absolutely need to arrange for a professional home inspection. The main purpose to have a professional home inspection done is because it becomes extremely difficult to get the seller to pay for any repairs that were needed prior to closing. Keep in mind that this will be an expense you need to pay for yourself. This should also be one of the conditions you put on your offer.
Not sure where to start? Just click on ForSaleDirect.ca “Find a Pro” section and one of our preferred Home Inspectors will be able to answer your questions and be of assistance. Just keep in mind that this will be an expense you will need to out of pocket yourself.

This will be my first offer I present to a homeowner. What should I do?
Firstly, Congratulations! You found a home you like and that is fantastic. Secondly, every offer should have conditions. Conditions are (simply put) ways for buyers to cancel out of the agreement. There are 3 popular conditions:

1. Conditional upon Financing: This allows you the time you require to arrange financing in order to purchase the home. The standard amount of time for this condition is 5 banking days. Should you obtain financing in the allotted time period, your lawyer must waive the condition/clause in writing and provide it to the seller’s lawyer. This means that the contract is still valid. If you are unable to obtain financing, the agreement is void and the home is put back on the private market for sale.
2. Conditional upon Home Inspection: It goes without saying that every seller believes their home is flawless (or close to). This condition allows a home inspection to be done by a professional. The home inspector will advise you what they think of the home and what they see as potential problems. At this point, you may decide to waive the condition and continue with the purchase of your home (a waiver will need to be drawn up by your lawyer and provided to the seller’s lawyer accordingly), or you may decide that you did not like what the home inspector had to say and you may opt of the agreement.
3. Conditional upon Sale of Purchaser’s home: This condition is not as popular as the other two, but still ranks up there. Basically, this condition means that you too have your house on the market for sale. You are in the process of receiving offers and are waiting for conditions to be met by your buyer. As mentioned earlier, this condition will need to be waived in writing by your lawyer to the seller’s lawyer once complete. Be aware that this condition usually has an “escape clause”. This generally means that the seller is able to continue to show the property. Should the seller obtain another offer from another buyer, the seller must communicate this to their lawyer (whom will advise your lawyer). 48 hours notice is usually provided to you for you to decide whether to waive this condition or not. If you waive this condition, the other offer from the other buyer is declined. If you do not waive this condition after receiving the notice, your agreement is null and void and the seller is free to sale the home to the other buyer.

Do I need a lawyer?
You most certainly will need legal representation. Normally, the buyer’s lawyer draws up the legally binding Agreement of Purchase and Sale. They help and ensure that you are legally advised of your rights and obligations with the final purchase of the home. Don’t have a lawyer? Click “Find a Pro” and select one of our preferred members. All our professionals have been pre-selected for their value, reputation, and overall quality.

Should I schedule a final walk through prior to closing?
We recommend you do. A walk through ensures your home is ready for move in conditions. Also, if any adjustments need to be made prior to closing, arrangements can be made.

Does the contact name on the listing have to be the name of the homeowner?
The name of the contact person will be the person that the buyers will be in communication with. Ideally, the homeowner should be the contact. However, some homeowners may choose to select another contact person (i.e. adult child, sibling, lawyer, etc.) due to various reasons (i.e. language barrier, out of town, etc.).

I’m not sure whether I should display my contact information on my listing. What do you recommend?
This is completely up to you. Displaying your personal information (specifically your phone number) allows potential buyers to call you regarding appointments, questions, and/or offers without having to send you messages and wait for your response. On the other hand, it may open the door to solicitation from untruthful users (i.e. realtors). Ultimately, the choice is yours. Just remember, you are in control. You can display or UNdisplay your personal information at any time.

What do you mean by Listing Headline?
Listing Headline is the title of your property. It’s usually something brief and catchy (i.e. Beautiful 4 bedroom home OR Spectacular ravine lot with a great view). Your listing headline must not exceed more than 40 characters in length (including spacing).

I would like to change my address information but I don’t have access to it. What do I do?
For security purposes, access to your address under Listing Caption / Status area is not available after the initial set up of your listing. Any corrections you would like to make (i.e. spelling) must be done by ForSaleDirect.ca. Please contact our office directly.