Selling privately or with an agency?

“I’ll try on my own first, then see” is a common choice. Sometimes it works, but it often ends up costing time and money. Let’s look at the pros and cons plainly, so you can decide with the facts.

What selling privately means

The advantage is clear: no commission. But everything else falls on you — valuation, photos, listings, phone calls, viewings, filtering the merely curious, negotiation and checking the documents. It’s doable, but it takes time, know-how and steady nerves.

The final price matters, not the starting one

The real yardstick isn’t “how much commission do I save”, but “how much do I actually sell for”. A well-presented, well-managed home often achieves a higher price, which can cover — and exceed — the cost of the agency. The DIY risk is underselling without realising it.

Time, filtering and safety

An agency filters the curious and brings real buyers, handles the negotiation and, above all, checks the documents before reaching the deed. That’s the part that, on your own, most exposes you to mistakes and wasted time.

What you really pay for with an agency

With the commission you’re not paying for “a listing”, but for a process: valuation, home staging, a dedicated website for the property, an open house and management through to the deed. It’s our method, and it’s what separates “putting it on the market” from “selling well”.

How to tell if it’s worth it

Not all agencies are the same. If you choose one, look for those that work on an exclusive basis, with a clear method and home staging included: it’s the sign of someone who takes responsibility for the result, not someone who just publishes the listing.