Selling a house or apartment without an estate agent: does it make sense?

1. What tasks are involved in selling a property?

A real estate sale comprises three phases – the planning phase, the valuation phase and the marketing phase. There is usually a lot of work to be done.

Important tasks include:

• Setting a price

• Preparing the property for sale

• Marketing the property

• Negotiating a price

• Preparing the necessary documents

• Conclusion of the transaction with a purchase agreement

2. Why sell your property without an estate agent?

No estate agent fees

If a you successfully sell your property without professional support, you won’t need to pay any commission. But remember: without an estate agent or realtor, it’s usually more difficult to achieve the highest possible selling price.

Full control of the sales price

You determine the price yourself. Especially when there is no time pressure or sales pressure, you can communicate your personal price expectations.

There are two basic risks:

• The price is too high: the sale does not succeed and interested parties lose interest.

• The price is too low: you are not exploiting the full potential of the property.

On home turf: you know the neighbourhood and the region best

As the property owner, you are well aware of life in the neighbourhood and the region’s special features. You can use this to your advantage.

3. Why sell your property with an estate agent?

Market value and pricing strategy

For a successful sale, estate agents or realtors determine the market value of your property and develop a pricing strategy. These tasks are likely to overwhelm owners: they usually lack the necessary knowledge and understanding of the market.

With the support of an estate agent, you are more likely to win over interested parties and achieve the highest possible sales price.

Estate agents are more objective than you

Homeowners often overestimate or underestimate the value of their property. Good estate agents have in-depth knowledge of the market and set realistic sales targets.

Estate agents maintain a network

Real estate professionals usually have a broad network. This helps with marketing. For example, they have contact with lawyers, photographers and designers. Good estate agents are also in contact with local banks and their appraisers.

Furthermore, they often have rich marketing experience – for example on online portals or on social media.

Estate agents negotiate professionally

Experienced estate agents and realtors recognize serious buyers – and rely on the right sales tactics. They are familiar with the sales process and can take a leadership role in negotiations.

Estate agents take care of the paperwork

The sale of a property involves a good deal of paperwork. Estate agents take care of the necessary documents. They are familiar with the sales process and the associated guidelines and formalities.

4. Selling without an estate agent: conclusion

Selling without the support of an estate agent or realtor quickly becomes a challenge. As a rule, you need prior knowledge – such as market knowledge, sales strategies and understanding how to determine the market value.

You can find more information in the Comparis property guide.

In addition, you usually need professional support in preparing the sales documents and clarifying legal issues. Given the magnitude of the task, it can make sense to hand the entire sales process over to a real estate specialist.