This is one of the most important questions any property seller faces — and the honest answer is: it depends on your situation. Real estate agents provide genuine value in some scenarios and overcharge dramatically in others. This guide breaks down exactly what you get, what you pay, and when a fixed-fee property advisor is the smarter choice.
What Does a Real Estate Agent Actually Do?
A selling agent typically provides:
- Property styling and presentation advice
- Professional photography and marketing campaign management
- Portal listings (Domain, REA) and open-for-inspection management
- Buyer enquiry handling and qualification
- Auction or private sale management
- Negotiation and offer management
- Contract coordination and settlement liaison
In exchange, they charge 1.5–2.5% of the sale price — typically $15,000–$30,000 on a $1M property.
When a Real Estate Agent Is Worth It
- You want a full-service campaign — photography, marketing, opens, auction management
- You have no existing buyer interest and need the agent’s buyer database
- You are selling a complex property type (prestige, development site, commercial) that requires specialist agency marketing
- You do not want to be involved in any aspect of the sale process
When a Real Estate Agent Is NOT Worth It
- You already have a buyer interested in your property
- You want to sell privately and just need negotiation and pricing support
- You are confident with marketing and just need expert guidance on price and strategy
- You want to avoid paying $20,000–$30,000 in commission on a straightforward sale
The Real Cost of Using a Real Estate Agent
| Sale Price | Agent Commission (2%) | Collings Advisory Fee | Saving |
|---|---|---|---|
| $700,000 | $14,000 | $4,500 + GST | $8,550+ |
| $1,000,000 | $20,000 | $4,500 + GST | $14,550+ |
| $1,500,000 | $30,000 | $4,500 + GST | $24,550+ |
| $2,000,000 | $40,000 | $4,500 + GST | $34,550+ |
What Is the Alternative to a Real Estate Agent?
Collings Property Advisory offers sellers a third option between DIY and full-service agency:
- Independent pricing strategy and comparable sales analysis
- Campaign strategy recommendations (what to do, what not to do, which marketing channels matter)
- Buyer qualification and negotiation management
- Offer assessment and sale management
- Fixed fee of $4,500 + GST — no commissions
For sellers who already have buyer interest, want to sell privately, or simply want professional guidance without a full agency engagement, property advisory is the smarter, cheaper option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sell my house without a real estate agent in Australia?
Yes. Private sales are legal in all Australian states. You can list on Domain and REA as a private seller, manage your own inspections and negotiate directly with buyers. A Collings Property Advisor can support this process with independent pricing and negotiation strategy at a fixed fee.
Do real estate agents negotiate on their fees?
Yes, most agents will negotiate commission, particularly on higher-value properties. However, even a negotiated rate of 1.5% on a $1.5M property is $22,500 — still significantly more than a $4,500 + GST fixed-fee advisory service.
What is the difference between a real estate agent and a property advisor?
A real estate agent manages your full campaign and charges commission. A property advisor gives you expert guidance, analysis and negotiation support at a fixed fee — without taking over the sale or charging a percentage of your sale price.
Why Collings Property Advisory
Collings has been operating in Australian real estate for decades. We know exactly how the agency model works — and where it over-charges and under-delivers. Our fixed-fee property advisory service was built specifically for sellers who want professional expertise without the commission bill.
Enquire today at collings.com.au — $4,500 + GST, fixed fee, no commissions.
Find your next property with Collings
Track suburbs, get matched to on-market and off-market listings, and manage your whole property search in one place. Access the Collings property portal.
