Selling your home without a real estate agent might seem daunting at first, but with the right tools and a clear plan, it's completely achievable—and financially rewarding. Many Australian homeowners are now choosing to sell privately and take full control of the sale process, saving thousands of dollars in agent commissions. If you're looking to do the same, this guide will help you sell your home step-by-step with confidence.
Thanks to platforms like For Sale By Home Owner, private sellers can access professional marketing tools, list their homes on major websites like realestate.com.au and Domain, and manage their sale independently.
Here’s how to sell your home step-by-step without an agent.
Step 1: Research the Market and Set a Realistic Price
Start by understanding your local property market. Look at recent sales in your suburb for similar homes in size, location, and condition.
- Visit realestate.com.au and Domain to compare properties
- Use property valuation tools to estimate market value
- Consider supply and demand trends in your area
Pricing your home correctly is crucial. A realistic and competitive price attracts more buyers and can lead to faster, stronger offers.
Step 2: Prepare Your Home for Sale
Presentation plays a major role in attracting interest. Invest time in making your home look clean, spacious, and well-maintained.
- Declutter and remove personal items
- Clean windows, floors, and surface
- Touch up paint, repair minor damage, and refresh landscaping
- Add simple styling touches like cushions, plants, and neutral décor
The goal is to help buyers picture themselves living in the home. A well-prepared property creates strong first impressions.
Step 3: Organise Legal Documents
Before you can legally sell, you need to have the right documentation in place. In most Australian states, this includes:
- A contract of sale
- A vendor disclosure statement (Section 32 in VIC)
- Title documents and zoning certificates
Hire a solicitor or conveyancer early on to handle the legal aspects and ensure compliance with your state’s regulations.
Step 4: Take High-Quality Photos and Floorplans
Online listings are your main marketing channel, so great visuals are essential.
- Hire a professional real estate photographer
- Include wide-angle shots of every room and the exterior
- Capture key features like the kitchen, outdoor areas, and unique spaces
- Include a floorplan for added buyer clarity
For Sale By Home Owner offers affordable packages that include photography, signage, and more to help your listing stand out.
Step 5: Create Your Online Listing
Now it’s time to build your listing on the top real estate websites. When using For Sale By Home Owner, your property will be featured on realestate.com.au, Domain, and other major portals.
- Write a compelling property description
- Highlight features like bedrooms, bathrooms, location, and upgrades
- Use keywords buyers search for, like “close to schools” or “renovated kitchen”
- Choose strong, eye-catching headlines
A well-crafted listing draws in more serious buyers and sets your home apart from the competition.
Step 6: Promote Your Property
Even the best listings need a push. Promote your home beyond online platforms to increase visibility.
- Share your listing on social media (Facebook, Instagram, local groups)
- Use “For Sale” boards outside your home
- Print brochures to hand out during inspections
- Send your listing to family and friends
With For Sale By Home Owner, you can access a full suite of promotional tools to maximise your reach.
Step 7: Schedule and Conduct Inspections
Once inquiries start coming in, it’s time to show your home. Open homes and private inspections help buyers connect emotionally with the property.
- Be flexible with inspection times
- Tidy the home and keep it smelling fresh
- Create a welcoming atmosphere with light and soft background music
- Be friendly, but let buyers explore at their own pace
Buyers often appreciate dealing directly with homeowners—it builds trust and opens the door to honest questions and feedback.
Step 8: Receive and Negotiate Offers
When offers come in, evaluate them based on price, conditions (finance approval, building inspection), and settlement period.
- Be prepared to negotiate
- Stay professional and focused on your bottom line
- Don’t feel rushed—take time to consider each offer
- Use your conveyancer to help review and finalise details
Without an agent’s commission involved, you may be able to accept a slightly lower offer and still walk away with more profit.
Step 9: Finalise the Contract and Settlement
Once you've accepted an offer, your conveyancer or solicitor will guide you through to settlement.
- Sign and exchange contracts
- Ensure the buyer meets any conditions (e.g., finance approval)
- Allow a final inspection before handover
- Complete settlement and receive payment
This is the final step where legal ownership transfers and the sale is officially complete.
The Benefits of Selling Privately with For Sale By Home Owner
By choosing to sell your home step-by-step without an agent, you keep full control and save significantly on fees. For Sale By Home Owner gives you everything you need to succeed:
- Affordable marketing packages
- Listing on realestate.com.au, Domain, and more
- Custom signage, brochures, and photography options
- Support with legal documents and selling guidance
- No agent commissions—keep your profit
Final Thoughts
Selling your home doesn’t have to involve hefty commissions or giving control to an agent. When you sell your home step-by-step through a trusted platform like For Sale By Home Owner, you empower yourself to manage the process on your terms and maximise your return.
With the right preparation, pricing, and presentation, you can attract serious buyers and close a successful sale—all while saving thousands. Ready to take control of your property sale? Your step-by-step journey starts today.
