Why Less Than One in Three Properties Listed Privately Sell Privately

the shocking truth about successfully selling privately

When owners first consider selling privately, it’s common for agents to discourage the idea. Remember, agents are expert salespeople — not just in selling homes, but in selling concepts, including why you should list exclusively with them. This is the first of the “three sales” in real estate: the agent selling themselves to win your listing.

Once your property is listed privately, every agent in your area will see it as an opportunity. They’ll actively reach out, creating doubt, promoting themselves, and encouraging you to switch to an agent listing. This can be overwhelming for vendors navigating the process alone.

Finally, many private listings don’t sell simply because vendors don’t transition smoothly to an agent-managed sale when needed. Without professional support, it’s easy to miss timing or stall negotiations.

 

That’s where we step in. Our office helps you manage the entire journey — from listing privately, handling enquiries and property inspections, to negotiating a successful sale — and if needed, seamlessly transitioning to agent representation. You’re never alone, and your goals remain front and center every step of the way.

A quick note before you dive in:

We share what we’ve learned to help property owners make confident decisions — but we don’t yet know your personal goals or financial situation. So while we hope our advice gets you thinking in the right direction, it’s general in nature and not legal or financial advice.

We’d honestly hate to see anyone make a big decision based purely on what’s on our website — so let’s talk! Book a chat with one of our Owners Agents and we’ll look at your situation together, create a plan that fits, and help you sell with clarity and confidence.