7 Steps to Selling Your Home Privately—The Smart Way

Selling your home without an agent is easier than you might think—and with the right plan, it can be a rewarding and cost-saving experience. Follow these seven essential steps to take control of your sale, connect directly with buyers, and avoid paying thousands in commission.

Step 1: Understand the Market Before You List

What to Research:
✔️ Recent sales of similar homes in your area
✔️ Average days on market for comparable properties
✔️ Buyer demand and seasonal trends
✔️ Features that are most appealing to buyers (e.g. outdoor entertaining, renovated kitchens)
✔️ Whether private treaty or auction suits your property best

💡 Tip: A Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) can help you determine a fair and competitive price.

Step 2: Prepare Your Property to Impress

Quick Improvements to Consider:
✔️ Repaint walls in neutral tones
✔️ Declutter and deep clean all rooms
✔️ Refresh landscaping and tidy the front yard
✔️ Update fixtures in kitchens and bathrooms
✔️ Improve lighting to make spaces feel bright and open

🏡 First impressions count—make your entrance shine!

Step 3: Get Your Legal Documents in Order

Essential Documents:
✔️ Contract of Sale (prepared by a solicitor or conveyancer)
✔️ Vendor Statement (Section 32 in VIC)
✔️ Statement of Information (required in VIC for pricing transparency)

📢 In NSW and ACT, a Contract of Sale is required before listing your property. 💼 Need help? Legal professionals can prepare these documents to ensure compliance.

Step 4: Market Your Property Like a Pro

Marketing Must-Haves:
✔️ Professional photography that highlights your home’s best features
✔️ A compelling, benefit-driven property description
✔️ A For Sale signboard to attract local interest
✔️ Optional listing upgrades to boost visibility on major real estate websites

💡 Pro tip: Premium listings often receive more views and enquiries.

Step 5: Host Inspections and Engage Buyers

Inspection Tips:
✔️ Highlight recent upgrades and standout features
✔️ Emphasise lifestyle benefits and nearby amenities
✔️ Ask questions to gauge buyer interest
✔️ Collect contact details for follow-up

👥 Personal interaction builds trust and helps buyers envision themselves in the space.

Step 6: Negotiate Offers with Confidence

Negotiation Checklist:
✔️ Request all offers in writing
✔️ Confirm buyer finance pre-approval
✔️ Compare terms—not just price (e.g. settlement date, conditions)
✔️ Involve your conveyancer to review and finalise contracts
✔️ Stay professional and transparent throughout

🏡 Direct negotiation gives you more control and clarity.

Step 7: Finalise the Sale and Celebrate

🎉 Once contracts are signed and the deposit is paid, your conveyancer will guide you through settlement—congratulations, you’ve sold your home privately and saved thousands!

Final Thoughts

Selling privately doesn’t mean sacrificing professionalism or exposure. With the right preparation and support, you can: ✅ Avoid agent commissions
✅ Market your home effectively
✅ Negotiate directly with buyers
✅ Ensure legal compliance every step of the way

Ready to sell your home privately? Visit salebyhomeowner.com.au to access expert tools, trusted conveyancing partners, and everything you need for a successful FSBO sale—on your terms.