Selling a home in Western Australia (WA) can be a financially rewarding experience—but it often comes with significant costs. From real estate agent commissions to advertising expenses and legal fees, the total charges can quickly add up. Fortunately, there are smart, practical ways to minimise these costs and keep more of the sale proceeds in your pocket. If you're looking to save on fees selling WA properties, this guide will walk you through effective strategies that many savvy homeowners are already using.
Sell Your Home Without a Real Estate Agent
One of the most effective ways to save on selling costs is to go down the For Sale By Owner (FSBO) route. In WA, homeowners are legally allowed to sell their properties without involving a real estate agent. This eliminates the need to pay commission fees, which can range between 2% to 3% of the sale price. On a $600,000 home, that’s up to $18,000 in savings.
Platforms like For Sale By Home Owner make this process even easier by offering user-friendly tools, advertising packages, and support for private sellers. By managing your own listing and dealing directly with buyers, you can maintain control of the process while avoiding costly commissions.
Use Fixed-Fee Listing Services
Another cost-saving method is choosing a fixed-fee listing service instead of traditional agent representation. These services often include professional photography, online advertising on major property portals, and signage, all for one set price.
For Sale By Home Owner, for example, provides affordable advertising packages that help WA homeowners get their properties listed on sites like realestate.com.au and domain.com.au—without paying ongoing agent fees. This approach gives you national exposure for a fraction of the cost.
Invest Wisely in Marketing
Marketing is essential, but many sellers overspend on unnecessary extras. You can save money by taking a strategic approach. Focus on high-impact marketing tools like:
- Professional photos: These are worth the investment and help your listing stand out.
- Online listings: Focus on high-traffic real estate websites.
- Social media promotion: Facebook and Instagram ads can help target local buyers directly.
Avoid expensive newspaper or magazine ads unless your target market is known to use those channels.
Handle the Legal Work Smartly
While you can’t avoid legal documentation, you can manage the cost. In WA, it's common to hire a settlement agent or conveyancer to prepare the necessary contracts and ensure legal compliance. Shop around for quotes and make sure you understand what’s included in the fee. Avoid firms that charge inflated prices or surprise you with hidden costs later.
Using a DIY contract kit or templates where appropriate can also cut down on legal expenses—just make sure all documents meet WA property law standards.
Price Your Property Correctly from the Start
Overpricing your home can lead to extended time on the market and additional holding costs. These might include mortgage interest, utilities, rates, and general upkeep. Do your research, look at recent sales in your area, and consider getting a professional property valuation to set a competitive price.
A well-priced property generates more interest, reduces the risk of price reductions, and can lead to a faster sale—saving you both time and money.
Prepare Your Home for Sale Cost-Effectively
First impressions matter, but that doesn’t mean you need a full renovation. Simple, budget-friendly improvements can make your home more appealing:
- Declutter and clean thoroughly.
- Touch up paint and fix minor repairs.
- Add a few low-cost staging elements like fresh flowers or throw pillows.
Doing the work yourself (or with a bit of help from friends or family) can significantly reduce costs.
Negotiate Smartly With Buyers
When handling your own sale, you have the freedom to negotiate terms directly with buyers. This can give you more flexibility to strike a deal that works for both parties, potentially avoiding concessions or extras that cost you money.
Know your bottom line and be prepared to justify your asking price with market data and property features. Confidence and preparation go a long way in private sales.
Conclusion: Keep More of Your Profits
If you want to save on fees selling WA property, adopting a private selling strategy is one of the best routes. By avoiding traditional agent commissions, managing your own marketing, and being mindful of legal and preparation costs, you can significantly reduce your expenses.
With the support of resources like For Sale By Home Owner, WA homeowners are empowered to take control of the selling process and keep more of their hard-earned equity. Whether you’re experienced or a first-time seller, taking a DIY approach can be simple, profitable, and rewarding.
