Selling your home privately in South Australia—or anywhere in Australia—can save you thousands in agent commissions. But one major hurdle private sellers face is gaining exposure on major real estate websites like realestate.com.au (REA), which only allows licensed agents to list directly. So how do you access REA as a private seller? Fortunately, the process is easier than you might think, especially with the right support. Below, we break down the steps you need to follow to get your property listed on REA and gain access to a wider audience of potential buyers.
Understand REA’s Listing Policy
The first step is to understand how realestate.com.au operates. REA only permits listings from licensed real estate agents and registered third-party platforms. That means private individuals can’t post listings directly on REA themselves.
This policy is in place to maintain consistency and quality across the platform. However, it doesn’t mean private sellers are locked out—it just means they need to go through a licensed channel that offers access to the REA platform.
Partner With a Licensed Platform
To get your property seen on REA, you’ll need to work with a licensed real estate advertising service. This is where For Sale By Home Owner comes in. Our platform is fully licensed and authorised to list properties on REA on behalf of private sellers. We bridge the gap between you and major real estate platforms while still giving you full control over your sale.
When you list with For Sale By Home Owner, your property is not only advertised on our own high-traffic site but is also uploaded to REA and other key portals, giving your home the visibility it deserves.
Choose a Listing Package
Next, you’ll need to select a listing package that suits your needs. Most private sale services offer a range of packages based on your budget and level of support required. A typical listing package will include:
- Your property featured on realestate.com.au
- Professional property description templates
- Photo uploads (some offer photo enhancement or drone shots as optional extras)
- Online management dashboard to update your listing
- Email and phone enquiry forwarding
At For Sale By Home Owner, we offer flexible packages designed specifically for private sellers who want to access REA without paying agency commissions.
Prepare Your Property for Listing
Once you’ve chosen your package, it’s time to prepare your home for the market. That means:
- Taking high-quality photos of each room and the exterior
- Writing a compelling property description highlighting key features
- Setting an asking price based on market research or a property valuation
- Ensuring compliance with local disclosure requirements (e.g., Form 1 in SA)
Remember, first impressions matter. Great photos and a well-written description can significantly increase enquiry rates.
Submit Your Listing Details
After preparation, submit your listing content to your chosen platform. With For Sale By Home Owner, this is a simple online process. You’ll upload your photos, input your details, and preview how your listing will appear on REA before publishing.
We review all listings to ensure they meet REA’s guidelines before going live. This quality control process ensures your property gets the exposure it needs in a professional and compliant manner.
Go Live and Manage Enquiries
Once approved, your listing will be live on REA, and buyers can start making enquiries. You will receive all enquiries directly, either via email or phone, depending on your setup. This allows you to:
- Arrange your own inspections
- Negotiate directly with buyers
- Answer questions about the property in real time
This hands-on control is one of the biggest benefits when you access REA as a private seller—you’re in the driver’s seat from start to finish.
Make Changes as Needed
Markets can change, and so can your selling strategy. One of the advantages of using a private sale platform is flexibility. You can easily:
- Update your listing price
- Add new photos or information
- Mark the property as under offer or sold
At For Sale By Home Owner, we provide a user-friendly dashboard that gives you full control to update your listing at any time without delays or agent involvement.
Close the Sale With Confidence
Once you’ve found a buyer, you’ll move on to drafting contracts, completing disclosure documents, and settling the transaction. Many private sellers engage a conveyancer or solicitor at this point to handle the legal side of the sale.
By using a platform that allows you to access REA as a private seller, you’re not just saving on commissions—you’re also empowered to manage the sale on your own terms.
Final Thoughts
Accessing REA as a private home seller is not only possible—it’s also practical and cost-effective. With the right support from a licensed platform like For Sale By Home Owner, you can showcase your property to thousands of potential buyers while staying in full control. By following the steps above, you'll maximise your property’s visibility and give yourself the best chance at achieving a successful sale, privately.
