Should I Hire a Real Estate Agent or Sell My Home Privately?

In today’s digital-first property market, many homeowners are rethinking the need for traditional real estate agents. With platforms like realestate.com.au and domain.com.au driving the majority of buyer enquiries, sellers now have the tools to manage their own sale—without paying tens of thousands in commission.

Here’s a breakdown of what agents actually do, how much they charge, and whether selling privately might be the smarter choice.

 

What Do Real Estate Agents Actually Do?

While agents are often seen as essential to the selling process, their role is typically limited to:

• Listing your property on major real estate websites

• Coordinating inspections—though buyers often attend regardless of agent involvement

• Relaying offers and negotiating terms (which sellers can manage directly)

💡 If buyers are already finding your home online, why pay a commission for tasks you can handle yourself?

 

How Much Do Real Estate Agents Charge?

• Commission fees typically range from 2% to 3% of the final sale price

• On a $1 million home, that’s $20,000–$30,000 in commission alone

• Marketing fees can add another $2,000–$6,000 on top

💡 Selling privately allows you to keep 100% of your sale price—without sacrificing exposure.

 

Should You Hire an Agent or Sell Privately?

✅ When Hiring an Agent Might Make Sense

• You want someone to manage negotiations from start to finish

• You prefer to pay for convenience rather than handle the sale yourself

• Your property is highly unique or requires niche marketing expertise

 

✅ Why More Sellers Are Choosing to Sell Privately

• You can be seen on realestate.com.au and domain.com.au through private sale agents like salebyhomeowner.com.au

• You maintain full control over pricing, inspections, and negotiations

• You avoid commission fees and keep every dollar of your sale proceeds

💡 Private selling gives you the same exposure—without the agent markup.

 

Final Thoughts

Before hiring an agent, ask yourself: is the service worth $20,000–$30,000 or more?

• Most buyers find homes online—not through agent outreach

• Private sellers can access the same platforms and tools agents use

• Selling privately puts you in control and saves you thousands

💡 With expert support from salebyhomeowner.com.au you can sell confidently, reach a national audience, and keep more of your profit.

 

Discover More Expert Insights on Private Property Sales and Rentals
Whether you're selling your home without an agent, managing a private rental, or looking to boost your property's value, our expert resources are here to help. Explore Australia’s leading FSBO guides, landlord checklists, and legal tools—everything you need to navigate your property journey with confidence and clarity.

 

🏠 Selling a Property Privately