A common claim agents make to win listings is that they have a database of “ready buyers” just waiting for a property like yours. It sounds compelling — but it rarely reflects how properties are actually sold.

Most serious buyers today aren’t waiting for a phone call from an agent. They’re actively searching online, comparing listings, and shortlisting homes based on their own needs and preferences. In reality, it’s online advertising — not an agent’s database — that drives buyer enquiry.

The danger in relying on a private list is that it often leads to a fast sale, not necessarily the best one. An agent may find any buyer quickly, but without full market exposure, you may never know what the right buyer was willing to pay.

Testing the open market creates competition — and competition drives price. The wider your reach, the more likely you are to attract the right buyer: someone who sees the full value in your home and is willing to pay for it.

Don’t settle for a quiet, convenient sale. The best results come when you let the market decide.