One small problem with going private on your sale rather than using an agent is some folk won't even look at a property that's not listed with a reputable agent.  Going private is only an advantage to yourself re saving costs. 

Many buyers like the security of knowing the listed property for sale is with a well known real-estate agency...

So by going private you could be cutting your buyer market significantly. 

(I speak from NZ experience - I don't know the Aussie market.)

Jaqs wrote on Oct 24^th, 2013 at 2:29pm:

Yea I would agree with that. I don't think I would buy or even look at a property privately advertised. My first reaction would be there was something  wrong with the property.

Real Estate Institute in your state sets the fee for members, as well usually, the State Board who control and license the Agents to run an office and the sales reps license too to sell under that office's  RE Agent's License. He/She takes the can if it goes wrong.

A good appraisal should include at least 6 current properties for sale in your area that compare as well as 6 sold with details of starting price and sold prices. And of course the person doing the appraisal should measure the area of the home and age of items like Solar HWS tank for depreciation. States like NSW mostly auctions which cost more - WA and SA private treaty sales. Far better for both imo. Only time an auction is required is if the property has an unquantifiable item like stunning views like no other or a Mansion in reality not McMansion etc.

should also offer advice to get a better price with areas needing updating or repair and how to present the home for viewing.

Today with unemployment far to often those looking for work end up selling and are simply order takers not sales material and then you have the lazy ones who don't do the required product knowledge with is walking through and appraising every new listing on the market in the area you service putting your own price on it and keeping up with it til sold for appraisals.

Outcome over the years of far too high prices placed on homes that disappoint the vendor. But often too he/she will visit homes in their area and make incorrect comparison.Your own is always going to be worth more to your eyes.

How do I know? Retired Licensed Agent.

It does pay to get at least 2 written appraisals as long as presented as above in other words not just an off the cuff walk through price - that's a cowboy quote. Will waste your time and continually ask for price reductions. Unless you know the Agent or his/he representative personally having bought or sold with them  prior or been recommended by close person you trust.
Even then they should be able to quote your area and you will likely know the home as doing your own research - pays to do so. Just take off the blinkers - you are selling after all! 

I still go through homes open for viewing although on the web these days - to see how the selling person acts. If they tell you the people are needing a quick sale etc or why even they are selling - too much info not doing the job employed to do which is to get fair market value for the property as the vendor pays the bill. Not the buyer. This I loath to hear but all too often do.
Means they put in lower offers- same as should when you ask what will they take? Quote back the asking price on the listing but then say why what will you offer then if interested - and then why. That also qualifies the selling agency and selling rep - do I want this person to sell mine.

Unless the buyer employs the Agent to act in buying a property then reversed by you pay the fee!

bogarde73 wrote on Dec 27^th, 2013 at 9:56am:


Also very true, few people have the aptitude to craft a deal together, hence agents fill a valid role.

Frances wrote on Feb 3^rd, 2014 at 8:04pm:


Good point.