Selling your home “FSBO” (For Sale By Owner) – meaning without engaging a real estate agent – is an appealing idea for many Australian homeowners. With Australia having some of the highest real estate selling costs in the world (agents’ commissions and advertising can total tens of thousands of dollars, it’s no surprise that budget-conscious sellers are tempted to try selling privately. In Victoria and across Australia, private sales (also called selling privately or selling without an agent) are completely legal and have been growing in popularity as online tools make it easier to find buyers and manage the process. Yet, despite the potential to save on hefty commissions, many sellers – both first-timers and even experienced homeowners – feel skeptical or intimidated about going the DIY route.

Why the hesitation? It usually comes down to some pervasive myths and misconceptions about FSBO. Perhaps you’ve heard friends or agents claim things like “you’ll never get a good price on your own” or “selling privately is way too complicated and risky.” Such statements can easily discourage owners from even considering a private sale. The truth is, many of these fears are based on outdated or false information. In this blog, we’ll debunk the biggest misconceptions about selling your home privately in Australia (with a focus on Victoria), using up-to-date facts and real examples. By clearing up these myths, you can approach the idea of FSBO with clarity and confidence – and decide if it’s the right path for you.

One of the first doubts people often have is whether they are even allowed to sell their own home without an agent. The idea that you “must be a licensed real estate agent to sell a property” is false. Australian law does not require you to hire an agent – it’s perfectly legal to sell your house privately in every state. In fact, thousands of Australians have done exactly that. As the one source explains, “Australia has no legal requirement to use a real estate agent to sell or rent out your house privately… Many people engage agents because they assume that this is a legal requirement, but this is not the case.” In other words, choosing to sell on your own is your right as a property owner.

It’s worth noting that the sales process itself is very similar whether or not you use an agent. You still have to follow the same laws for transferring property title and funds. This means you’ll need a solicitor or conveyancer to handle the legal paperwork (contracts, disclosures, settlement) – just as you would if an agent were involved. Real estate agents do not perform the legal conveyancing work themselves; they typically outsource it to legal professionals, or direct you to a conveyancer as the sale moves forward. So, from a legal standpoint, selling privately is not a risky or rogue approach – it’s a recognised method of sale.

Bottom line: You do not need any special license to sell your own property, and there is nothing “non-compliant” about a private sale. As long as you follow the standard regulations (which your conveyancer will help you do), you’re simply acting as your own agent. In Victoria, for example, many legal requirements for selling (like providing a Section 32 vendor’s statement to a buyer) apply equally whether you sell via agent or privately – the difference is just who does the work of organizing them. With the rise of FSBO support companies and online platforms, everyday homeowners now have access to all the tools and guidance needed to sell a home legally and successfully without paying an agent’s commission.

Another common myth – often perpetuated by traditional agents – is the notion that “homes just don’t sell without agents” or that most people who start FSBO will fail and eventually turn to an agent. This is a gross exaggeration. The truth is that plenty of homeowners successfully sell their properties privately and happily save thousands in the process. For example, the online FSBO community regularly shares success stories; as one source puts it, “FSBO homes don’t sell” is a myth – “the truth is, many homeowners successfully sell on their own and save thousands in commission.”.

It’s true that FSBO sales are a minority of total sales (in the U.S., for instance, only around 6–10% of homes are sold by owner in recent years, and the proportion in Australia is also relatively small). However, “small share” is not the same as “unsuccessful.” Sellers who choose the private route can and do find buyers. In fact, since online property advertising became the norm, it’s never been easier for an owner to get their listing in front of buyers (more on that later). Private sellers list and sell homes ranging from city apartments to suburban family houses and even rural acreage. If the home is presented well and priced right for the market, a FSBO sale can attract buyers just like an agent-assisted sale would.

To give a local example, private sellers in Victoria have successfully sold homes using FSBO platforms. One Melbourne seller from Werribee shared that he was initially warned by agents that selling on his own would be too hard and he’d “leave money on the table.” He decided to try anyway – and the result: “SaleMate surprised me… the whole selling process was way easier than I expected, and saving thousands in commissions made it 100% worth it. [We] sold our property at a pretty good price as well.”. This is just one anecdote, but it reflects a reality that gets lost in the myths: private sales can and do succeed, and the sellers often feel it was worth the effort.

Bottom line: FSBO homes do sell. Of course, not every owner will find it easy – just as not every listed property (even with an agent) sells quickly or for the price hoped. The key is that with the right approach, a private seller can achieve a sale on their own. Thousands of Australians have done it. Don’t let the naysayers convince you that it’s impossible – it isn’t.

This is perhaps the most intimidating misconception for would-be FSBO sellers: the fear that without an agent’s negotiating skills and network, you’ll sell for a lower price than you otherwise would – essentially losing money even after saving on commission. It’s an understandable concern: no seller wants to short-change themselves. However, the idea that “agents always get you a higher sale price that more than covers their fee” is not supported by real evidence. In fact, studies have found that agent-assisted homes do not reliably sell for more than comparable FSBO homes. One landmark study by economists in the U.S. (covering hundreds of sales in Wisconsin) found that “Realtors do not get you a higher price” – homes sold by owners fetched prices as good as, and sometimes higher than, those sold via agents. The raw data showed owner-sold homes averaging an 11% higher selling price before fees (and even after adjusting for market factors, there was no significant difference). In other words, agents could not prove their commission translated into a higher sale price – their commission was simply an extra cost.

Closer to home, Australian private-sale companies report similar outcomes. According to one Aussie FSBO platform’s analysis, their clients’ final prices typically meet or exceed the market expectations, despite not using traditional agents. They dispel the myth that only an agent can negotiate the “best” price: internal data showed vendors achieved, and often exceeded, expected market sale prices on their own. And of course, on top of that, those sellers kept the commission savings – often tens of thousands of dollars – in their own pocket.

Why do some statistics show FSBO homes selling for less? You might have heard industry groups cite figures that the “typical FSBO home sells for X% less than an agented home.” For example, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) in the U.S. reported a recent median of FSBO sales around $380k vs $435k for agent sales. But be careful with these numbers – they can be misleading without context. A large portion (around 38%) of FSBO sellers sell to someone they already know (a family member, friend, or neighbour). Those sales often happen off-market at a discounted price (for instance, selling cheaply to a relative), which drags down the overall “FSBO median price.” It doesn’t mean an open-market FSBO listing with proper marketing can’t get full value. It can. In cases where FSBO sellers truly market their home broadly, price it correctly, and negotiate diligently, there is little evidence they systematically underperform vs. agent-negotiated sales. In fact, real estate agents themselves quietly acknowledge that the oft-quoted stats “prove” nothing – as one observer noted, agents claiming “studies have proven” agents get more money can rarely back it up with unbiased data. The playing field is much more level than they let on.

Reality check: An agent’s commission (often ~2% in VIC, plus marketing fees) is a huge expense – and you should not assume that paying it magically increases your sale price. Agents determine price by doing the same research you can do: looking at recent comparable sales in your area and current market conditions. “Agents have no gifted insight into how to price homes. They simply go online and check the selling history of similar homes… That’s exactly what you’ll do as a by-owner seller,” as one FSBO guide points out. In terms of negotiation, remember that no one cares about your home’s price more than you – a motivated owner can negotiate just as firmly (or even more so) than an agent who just wants a commission and a quick sale. You can always enlist a professional valuer or use online valuation reports to ensure your pricing is on point. And if negotiation isn’t your strong suit, there are even services (or freelance ex-agents) you can consult for advice – but many sellers find that serious buyers are quite willing to be reasonable, and you as the owner have the advantage of intimate knowledge about the property’s strengths.

In short, you are not destined to “leave money on the table” by going FSBO. If you do your homework, price wisely, and market widely, you can attain a sale price comparable to an agent’s result – minus the 2-3% commission fee. The myth that “only an agent can get top dollar” is simply not backed by hard evidence.

This concern is about exposure: the fear that if you sell privately, your listing won’t be seen by many buyers because you “won’t have access to the major websites or buyer networks” that agents do. In Australia, this often boils down to Realestate.com.au and Domain – the two biggest property portals that virtually every buyer uses. It’s true that those sites don’t allow individual private sellers to post ads directly. But here’s the good news: if you use a licensed FSBO listing service, you can get your property onto all the major real estate websites, just like an agent would. Companies such as SaleMate, ForSaleByOwner, PropertyNow, BuyMyPlace and others are fully licensed real estate agencies (in a legal sense) – they act as the agent of record to list your property on the big portals, while you remain in control of the sale. They hold agent licenses in each state precisely so they can list your home on Realestate.com.au, Domain, and other listing sites on your behalf. So, your home will show up right alongside all the agent-listed properties when buyers search online – no difference in visibility.

And consider this: over 95% of buyers now start their home search online! In 2025, virtually everyone is browsing listings on their phone or laptop; very few are waiting for an agent to call them with a secret listing. That means if your property is advertised on the major internet portals (and possibly on social media), you’re reaching the vast majority of potential buyers. You don’t need an agent’s personal network when the Internet is your network – 9 out of 10 buyers use online resources during their home hunt, and 100% of serious buyers are watching the big websites for new listings. By selling privately through an online platform, you tap into this huge buyer pool at a fraction of the cost.

Beyond the big portals, FSBO sellers can market in other effective ways too, just like agents do (or even more creatively!):

• Professional photos and listing description: You can hire a real estate photographer and write a compelling description (or use a copywriter) to make your listing stand out. Many FSBO services offer add-ons like pro photography or copywriting to help your ad shine.
• Social media and word of mouth: Share your listing on Facebook, local community groups, or property forums. A lot of buyer attention can be generated at no cost by tapping into your network – you never know who might know someone looking in your area.
• “For Sale” signboard: A classic method that still works – a well-designed for sale sign in front of the property can catch drive-by interest. Private sellers can put up signage (FSBO services often provide a sign in their package) which invites buyers to contact you directly.
• Open houses and listing inspections: You can advertise and host your own open home days. Interested buyers will come just as they would to an agent’s open – and you’ll be there to greet them (more on that in Misconception 7).

It’s also worth dispelling the idea that agents have some exclusive “closed network of buyers” you can’t access. In the past, agents controlled access to the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) in the US or had tight grips on advertising. Today, however, “online resources give you more power than you realize” as a seller. If anything, the internet has democratized property marketing. Any buyer sitting at home in Melbourne or Sydney can see your home listing on realestate.com.au if it’s posted there – it doesn’t matter whether you listed it via Ray White, Jellis Craig, or SaleMate. All those listings show up in the same place for buyers. For a one-time flat fee, a private seller can obtain the same (or even greater) exposure as an agent would provide. In fact, some FSBO platforms argue they give more exposure because they syndicate to multiple sites and use digital marketing techniques agents might not bother with.

The bottom line: You absolutely can reach the vast majority of buyers without a traditional agent. By leveraging a FSBO service to list on major portals, and using common-sense marketing tactics, your pool of potential buyers should be no smaller than if you listed with a high-street agency. Remember, buyers ultimately care about finding the right property, not who listed it. If your home fits their needs and is visible in their search results, they will inquire – regardless of an agent’s involvement. In 2025, visibility is dictated by internet presence, not by an agent guarding the gates. And as a private seller, you can achieve that visibility quite easily.

(SEO Tip: Ensure your online listing has plenty of relevant keywords and details – e.g., “3-bedroom family home in Richmond with large backyard” – so that buyers searching with those terms will find it. Many FSBO sellers successfully draw in heaps of buyer interest purely through a well-optimized online listing on the big portals.)

It’s true that selling a house involves legal documents, contracts, and compliance – which can sound scary if you’ve never done it. Many sellers believe that an agent will take care of all the paperwork, and that without an agent they might make a mistake and get into legal trouble. This is a misconception on two levels. First, as mentioned earlier, real estate agents are not lawyers – they do not personally take care of the legal legwork such as drafting contracts or ensuring legality of the sale. Agents don’t manage the legal aspect of selling property – this is always handled by legal professionals like conveyancers or solicitors. Even when you sell with an agent, you (the seller) still have to hire a solicitor or conveyancer to prepare the Section 32 (in Victoria) or contract of sale, handle title transfer, etc.. The agent basically facilitates the deal and then hands off the paperwork to the lawyers.

Second, as a private seller you have the very same access to legal professionals and standardized documents that agents do. You will simply engage a conveyancer directly instead of through an agency. In Victoria, for example, you can start advertising your property privately even before the contract is drawn up, but you must have a Vendor’s Statement (Section 32) prepared by a legal practitioner and ready to provide to any serious buyer before signing a contract. This is a task your conveyancer will handle for a few hundred dollars (a similar cost you’d incur even if you had an agent). When it comes time to finalize a sale, your conveyancer/solicitor will typically provide the contract, ensure all disclosures are in order, and even hold the deposit in a trust account just as an agent’s office would. In other words, the legal safety nets are still there in a private sale – you’re not flying without instruments. You just need to hire the right professionals, which every seller should do anyway.

What about the other “paperwork” like listing paperwork, negotiation, etc.? Thanks to modern FSBO platforms and resources, much of the process is streamlined with templates and guidance. For instance, many private-sale websites provide state-specific contract templates and disclosure forms as part of their service, or they partner with legal firms to assist sellers. You can access step-by-step guides for things like how to handle offers, what forms to provide when (e.g. the Due Diligence Checklist in Victoria, which FSBO platforms will automatically include online for you). Essentially, you are not alone in figuring out the paperwork – the information is readily available.

Agents sometimes like to spook FSBO-hopefuls with warnings like “You’ll get sued if you do something wrong!” The reality: as long as you follow the normal procedures, the risk is no greater than if an agent were involved. (And agents, notably, are not legal guardians – if something is done incorrectly in an agent-led sale, you could still face issues, except you’d probably blame the agent). One homeowner quipped about this scare tactic: “‘You’ll get sued.’ Agents love that one. They seem to forget they aren’t attorneys. Just because you opt for FSBO doesn’t mean you won’t think to hire a real estate attorney.” In other words, private sellers can (and should) use a solicitor to make sure everything is above board – the same way an agent would ultimately defer to a solicitor for the nitty-gritty.

Tips to tackle the paperwork confidently:

• Engage a licensed conveyancer or solicitor early. Tell them you plan to sell privately – they will guide you on what documents you need (e.g. title search, Section 32, contract preparation) and when. Their job is to handle the legal transfer, so use their expertise.
• Use checklists and resources. Many online resources (including government websites and FSBO sites) provide checklists of what’s legally required in each state. For instance, you might find a guide enumerating the needed documents and steps in Victoria vs NSW, etc. Stay organized and tick off requirements as you go.
• Consider using FSBO platform tools. Some platforms have integrated systems for handling offers and even digital signatures on contracts. They often also partner with legal services; for example, SaleMate partners with an experienced conveyancing firm to assist sellers at a fixed price.
• Double-check everything, and don’t rush. One advantage of FSBO is you’re in control of the timeline. You can take the time to read and understand the contract before you sign, consult your lawyer on any clause, etc. There’s no pressure from an agent to quickly sign something you don’t fully grasp. Use that to your benefit.

In summary, selling privately does involve handling documentation, but it’s entirely manageable and largely the same tasks you’d be responsible for with an agent. By engaging the right professionals and utilizing the resources available, you can ensure all legal requirements are met. Plenty of private sellers describe the paperwork as “not as scary as I thought” once they went through it. And remember: peace of mind is attainable – if uncertain, you can always have a solicitor review anything you’re unsure about. The cost will still be far less than an agent’s commission, and you’ll have full confidence that you did it correctly.

It’s true that when you choose FSBO, you are taking on the responsibilities that an agent normally would – which means investing some time and effort. However, some people imagine the process to be overwhelmingly difficult or time-consuming, to the point that they’ll have to quit their day job to manage it. This is an exaggeration. Selling a home – with or without an agent – does require work, but selling privately is quite feasible to do alongside your normal routine, especially with today’s tech tools and flexible scheduling options.

Consider what an agent typically does: they consult on price, create the listing, field inquiries, conduct open homes, negotiate with buyers, and coordinate the closing. As a private seller, you’ll be doing these tasks, but you can often do them on your own schedule and with one less middleman involved. In fact, handling things yourself can sometimes simplify scheduling. For example, when arranging inspections or buyer viewings, an agent has to coordinate between you (the owner), themselves, and the buyer. As a FSBO seller, you coordinate directly with buyers – fewer back-and-forth phone calls. One FSBO advocate noted that adding an agent can actually complicate scheduling, since “showings need to accommodate the schedules of three people” (the seller, the buyer, and the agent), whereas direct seller-to-buyer communication can be more efficient. You can choose times that suit you and the interested party without a third party in the mix. Many private sellers conduct open houses on weekends and handle inquiries in the evenings after work – very doable for most people.

Moreover, modern FSBO platforms come with tools to lighten the load. For instance, some platforms provide an online dashboard where buyers can book inspection appointments for available time slots you set, and you get notified automatically. PropertyNow (a popular Australian FSBO service) literally advertises: “Manage viewings on your terms – set open inspections and private viewings to fit your schedule. Buyers can book directly through your listing.” This means you don’t have to play phone tag; technology can streamline the process. Additionally, you’ll receive inquiries via email or app, which you can respond to at your convenience (even outside 9-5 hours, which many buyers appreciate).

Let’s break down the time commitments involved in a typical private sale and why they’re not unmanageable:

• Pricing and listing prep: You might spend a few days or a couple of weeks upfront researching prices, maybe getting an appraisal or using online valuation tools, and preparing your property (tidying, minor fixes, staging) and listing materials (photos, description). This is a one-time upfront effort – akin to preparing your home for sale in any scenario.
• Fielding inquiries: Once the listing is live, interested buyers will reach out. Expect phone calls, emails or messages. You can set up a separate email or phone number for the sale to keep things organized. Many inquiries will be simple (asking about details, arranging a viewing). Responding to buyers can usually be done in short blocks of time – e.g., checking emails in the morning and evening. You won’t necessarily be glued to your phone 24/7.
• Showing the property: You’ll need to show the home to buyers – typically via open houses on weekends or private appointments. If you’re living in the property, you can designate, say, Saturdays 11am-1pm for open house and perhaps a weeknight for private showings by appointment. This way, you batch the time spent. Sellers often report that a handful of open home sessions are enough to find serious interest (depending on market conditions). Each open might take a couple of hours including prep. Think of it as hosting guests – it’s work, but not unendurable. (Bonus: As the owner, you might actually enjoy highlighting the features of your home to visitors – you can speak about the neighbourhood, the renovations you did, etc., in a way an agent might not.)
• Negotiation and follow-ups: This can happen over calls or emails. If a buyer makes an offer, you’ll discuss price and terms. This part can be as drawn-out or quick as any sale – but remember, you have full control. If you have multiple interested parties, you set deadlines or handle one at a time. The negotiation might take a few phone calls or meetings. Many sellers find this stage exciting, as you’re close to a deal.
• Closing paperwork coordination: Here your conveyancer will do most of the heavy lifting. Your role is to communicate with your buyer (or their solicitor) to sign the contract and settle on a date. This might involve a meeting to sign contracts (or even electronic signing). Time-wise, it’s not a big burden on you; it’s more about making decisions (e.g., accepting an offer, agreeing on settlement date, etc.) than laborious work.

All told, the time you invest is meaningful but quite finite – and remember, it’s time you are essentially paying yourself for. The commission you save can translate into thousands of dollars for hours of work, which is a pretty good rate by most standards. For example, if you save $15,000 in commission and end up spending 50 hours total on your sale (spread over a couple of months), you’ve effectively earned $300/hour for your efforts! Many FSBO sellers conclude that the extra effort was “absolutely worth it” for the money saved.

Additionally, some people worry that the process will be too difficult in terms of expertise. But as we’ve discussed in prior sections, you don’t need to be a seasoned real estate professional – you just need to be willing to learn and stay organized. There are tons of guides, checklists, and even community forums (SaleMate, for instance, hosts a community forum for buyers and sellers) where you can ask questions if you hit a snag. You might also find support in online groups of other FSBO sellers sharing tips and experiences. It’s a learning experience, but not an insurmountable one by any stretch.

In summary: Selling your home privately will require an investment of your time and effort, but it is entirely manageable for a typical homeowner. You set your schedule, you have modern tools to assist, and you can pace the process to suit your life. Many people handle FSBO sales while working full-time or taking care of family, by efficiently time-blocking tasks. And remember, without an agent involved, often the communication flow is simpler and faster – no waiting for an agent to relay messages. As one FSBO proponent noted, adding an agent doesn’t automatically make the process smoother; a prepared homeowner with a good solicitor can navigate the sale without the “drama” or delays that sometimes come with an intermediary. If you’re organized and committed, you can absolutely make a private sale happen without burning out.

Some sellers worry that buyers expect to deal with agents and will be hesitant to negotiate or transact directly with an owner. There’s a fear that buyers might think a private sale is less “legit,” or that having the owner present during inspections will scare buyers away. In truth, today’s buyers are quite open to FSBO transactions, and many actually appreciate the direct contact with the homeowner. Let’s debunk a few aspects of this myth:

• “Buyers will be put off because it’s not an agent listing.” In Australia, buyers ultimately care about the property – its price, location, features – far more than who is listing it. As long as your home is listed on the major sites and advertised professionally, buyers will inquire. When they see it’s a private sale, their main thought is often “Great, maybe the seller is more flexible since they’re saving commission” (some might think they can snag a better deal – which doesn’t mean you have to agree, but it certainly doesn’t stop them from engaging!). Buyers don’t inherently distrust owners; in fact, an owner has lived in the house, so they have first-hand knowledge that can be valuable to a buyer. In Victoria, all the same legal protections (cooling-off periods, required disclosures, etc.) apply to a private sale as to any sale, so buyers aren’t forfeiting any safety by dealing with you directly.
• “Buyers hate when owners are present at open homes.” This is actually not true according to feedback from many successful private sellers. On the contrary, buyers often enjoy being able to ask questions directly to the owner, knowing they’ll get fast, honest answers from someone who really knows the property. Think about it: who can better tell a potential buyer how much the quarterly council rates are, how the morning sun hits the living room, or how great the neighbors are, than you – the owner? Agents, who might be juggling several listings, won’t know every little detail. Serious buyers typically welcome a friendly owner who can discuss the home knowledgeably. One FSBO company noted the same for negotiations: buyers generally enjoy negotiating directly with the owner, as it speeds up the process instead of waiting for an agent to go back-and-forth between parties. There’s a level of transparency and efficiency in direct communication that many buyers appreciate. Of course, you should present yourself professionally and not hover too intrusively during inspections – but you can greet buyers, let them look around, and be available for questions. This personal touch can actually make the experience more comfortable for some buyers than dealing with a high-pressure agent.
• “Buyers won’t trust a private sale; they think something is wrong if no agent is involved.” While a few old-school buyers might have this bias, it’s fading fast in the internet age. As long as you are transparent, organized, and fair in your dealings, genuine buyers will proceed just as they would in any sale. You can instill confidence by having your paperwork in order (for example, have a copy of the title, Section 32, etc., ready to show interested buyers, so they see everything is legitimate). You can even mention if you’ve had a building and pest inspection done recently, or any other due diligence – the more information and openness, the more trust. Additionally, when it comes to the transaction, you can assure buyers that a licensed conveyancer (or trustee service) will handle the deposit and closing, which is standard practice and protects both parties. In essence, the transaction mechanics are the same; the buyer isn’t paying you cash under the table – they’ll be signing a legal contract and transferring funds in a trust account. So there’s no rational reason for a buyer to distrust a FSBO deal if all proper procedures are followed.
• “Won’t buyers try to low-ball me because I don’t have an agent?” Some might test the waters, but buyers do that with agents too! The asking price you set will frame negotiations. If a buyer knows you’re not paying a 2% commission, they might hope you’re willing to accept a bit less – but remember, you set the terms. You can always counter an offer or stick to your price if it’s fair. In many cases, buyers realize the home is priced in line with the market and won’t expect an unrealistic discount just because it’s private. In fact, some buyers might find it attractive that the seller isn’t paying a big commission – it can make negotiations feel more straightforward, a potential win-win. For example, maybe you’re able to agree on a price slightly below what you might have listed with an agent, but you both come out ahead (you still net more without commission, and the buyer feels they got a small saving). These scenarios can be very positive experiences for both parties. Anecdotally, buyers often report that FSBO purchases felt “more personal and comfortable” than agent-mediated ones, which can encourage a collaborative atmosphere rather than an adversarial one.

How to present yourself to buyers as a private seller: Be professional, honest, and responsive. You don’t need to have the gift of gab of a salesperson; just be straightforward and courteous. Respond to inquiries promptly, have all the property details at your fingertips, and don’t be afraid to highlight the great aspects of your home. At the same time, avoid overselling or pressuring – you actually have an advantage here, because many buyers find dealing with an owner less pressuring than with an agent (no one likes the stereotype of the pushy agent). If you show that you’re knowledgeable about your property and serious about the process (e.g., you understand the next steps, you’re ready to provide the contract when they’re ready, etc.), buyers will feel confident moving forward.

Finally, keep in mind that buyers are increasingly comfortable with technology-driven transactions. The pandemic years saw a surge in digital property transactions, virtual tours, etc. People are buying homes in new ways. Platforms like SaleMate even allow buyers and sellers to negotiate and go through the offer/acceptance stage entirely online– which can actually reassure buyers that there’s a formal process even without an agent. When everything is documented and handled through a platform or with solicitor oversight, the buyer has little to fear.

Bottom line: Don’t assume that buyers will run away when they see a private seller. On the contrary, many will engage enthusiastically. By being prepared and approachable, you can build trust directly with the buyer – something that can be harder when all communication is only through agents. Many people who have bought FSBO will tell you the experience can be refreshingly direct and human. As long as you conduct the sale professionally and by the book, serious buyers will treat it as a normal real estate transaction – which it is.

Selling your home “for sale by owner” in Australia may seem unconventional to some, but as we’ve shown, it’s backed by plenty of success stories and a supportive infrastructure that didn’t exist a decade or two ago. The biggest misconceptions – “you can’t do it,” “you’ll lose money,” “it’s too hard or risky” – largely melt away under scrutiny. In reality, selling privately is a viable option for those willing to invest a bit of effort to save a lot of money. You remain in the driver’s seat throughout, which can be empowering: you set the price, you schedule the viewings, you talk directly to buyers, and you negotiate knowing exactly what your bottom line is. And all of this comes with the safety nets of legal oversight and online tools to simplify the journey.

Let’s quickly recap the truths behind the myths:

• Yes, you can legally sell your own house – it’s 100% legal and done by many, with no requirement to hire an agent. You just need the usual legal paperwork which a conveyancer will handle.
• FSBO homes do sell, and many owners achieve successful outcomes (often saving tens of thousands in commission). Private selling isn’t a guarantee of failure; with good preparation, it can thrive.
• You are not destined to get a lower price. Studies and real-world results show that owners can get prices on par with agent-led sales. With the commission savings, you often come out ahead.
• Exposure to buyers is not a problem when you leverage the internet. Your home can be listed on Australia’s biggest property sites, reaching all the buyers who matter. In today’s market, 95%+ of buyers are online, and you can be right there in front of them.
• The process and paperwork, while detailed, are very manageable. Agents don’t possess secret knowledge here – you’ll use solicitors, standard contracts, and perhaps guidance from FSBO services to navigate the legal steps. No need to be an expert – just be diligent.
• Managing the sale is not a full-time job – many private sellers handle it alongside their normal life. With proper planning and modern scheduling tools, you can accommodate inquiries and showings on your terms. You effectively get paid (in saved commission) for the hours you put in – often at a very high “hourly rate” in hindsight.
• Buyers will work with you just fine. Many enjoy the direct communication and transparency of dealing with an owner. By being honest and prepared, you can gain their trust and move smoothly to a sale.

In the end, the decision to go FSBO comes down to your comfort level and personal circumstances. It’s not the best route for everyone – some may value an agent’s handling of everything, or simply not have the time to commit. But if you have been intrigued by the idea of saving money and taking control of your home sale, don’t let misconceptions scare you away. Armed with the facts and resources available today, you might find that selling privately is not only doable, but deeply satisfying. You’ll gain a wealth of knowledge and perhaps a great sense of accomplishment by seeing the sale through yourself.

Australia’s real estate landscape is evolving, with technology lowering barriers that once made agents indispensable. Whether you’re in Victoria or anywhere else in the country, the FSBO option is there – even if it’s still a “well-kept secret” to some. As you weigh your options, remember that an informed seller is a successful seller. Now that you know the reality behind these FSBO myths, you can make the choice that’s right for you with confidence and clarity.

Thinking about giving FSBO a shot? Feel free to tap into communities of other private sellers, read up on guides for your state, and even reach out to hybrid platforms like SaleMate or others that are built to support private sellers from start to finish. You might discover that selling your home without an agent is not only possible – it can be profitable, efficient, and incredibly empowering.

Good luck, and happy selling!