Sell ​​your property privately or with a real estate agent?

Many property owners consider selling their property themselves to save on real estate agent fees. However, a private sale involves significant time and expertise – from property valuation to contract negotiations. We've researched the pros and cons for you.

Time, knowledge, legal codes: What private sales actually require

Sounds tempting: grab your camera, type up the ad, hand over the keys – done. Reality is more complicated. Private sellers invest weeks in market analysis, pricing strategy, and preparing all the necessary documents: land registry extract, area calculation, energy performance certificate, minutes from owners' meetings, declaration of division, building plans. Then there are professional photos, floor plans, and a sales brochure – and the question: where to advertise? Which portals offer good reach, and which are just a waste of time and money?

You organize viewings yourself, including the marathon of appointments, follow-up questions, and additional charges. And then there's the legal stuff: disclosure obligations, liability issues, reservation agreements, financing confirmations. Anyone unsure about these aspects risks losing negotiating leverage or running into trouble after the notary appointment. In short: selling privately means project management – ​​with a legal undertone.

Added value for real estate agents: From pricing strategy to credit check

A good real estate agent doesn't just sell "any old way," but systematically. They start with a reliable valuation, establish a clear pricing strategy, and generate demand through professional presentation – high-quality photo shoots, virtual tours, targeted copy, and cross-channel distribution. Crucially, they ensure that only serious prospective buyers view the property, their creditworthiness is checked, and all documents are meticulously curated beforehand.

In negotiations, a professional creates distance between emotion and outcome. They moderate counter-offers, are familiar with typical tactics, and know when silence is more powerful than arguments. When preparing the purchase agreement, they guide the wording, clarify special requests, coordinate the notary and deadlines – and nip potential pitfalls in the bud before they become costly. In short: real estate agent services are not just marketing, but also risk and process management.

Commission or net profit: What really counts in the end?

The key question isn't, "What does the real estate agent cost?" but rather, "What's the final price – and in what timeframe, with what risk?" A professionally managed sale often achieves a higher market price, shortens the marketing period, and reduces subsequent costs due to mistakes. Conversely, inflated starting prices in private sales frequently lead to a "burnt" perception – ultimately resulting in a sale below market value. On the other hand, those who start too low are quietly giving away money.

Intangible factors also play a role: How much is your time worth? What is your stress tolerance? How strong is your desire to be legally on the safe side? A sober calculation considers revenue, duration, effort, and risk. If the broker improves this balance, the commission becomes significantly less of an issue.

Are you undecided between handling it yourself and hiring a professional? Let's have a no-obligation chat. We'll clearly explain which services we provide, what results are realistic, and how we'll position your property to ensure the right price, speed, and security. Our goal: a stress-free and successful sale.

Notes

For the sake of readability, this text uses the generic masculine form. Female and other gender identities are explicitly included where relevant to the statement.

Legal notice: This article does not constitute tax or legal advice for any specific case. Please consult a lawyer and/or tax advisor to clarify the facts of your individual situation.

Photo: © Igor_Vetushko/Depositphotos.com

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