Real estate
House
house sale estate agent or private
Selling your house is an important decision. Should you hire an estate agent or handle the sale yourself? Both options have advantages and disadvantages. Find out which aspects you should definitely consider to find the best way for your successful house sale. Do you need personal advice? Contact us for a non-binding assessment.
The decision between a broker and a private sale depends on your priorities: saving time and achieving a higher sale price with a broker, or cost savings with a private sale.
An estate agent can increase the selling price by up to 5% and significantly reduce the time spent on the sales process.
A professional presentation and effective marketing are crucial for success in private sales. Use property portals and social media to reach as many potential buyers as possible.
Are you facing the important decision of selling your house? The question "Sell house through a broker or privately" is central to this. Both options offer advantages and disadvantages that need to be carefully considered. This article serves as a comprehensive guide to help you determine the best strategy for your individual property sale. We highlight the aspects of time commitment, costs, expertise, and reach, so you can make an informed choice.
A successful house sale depends on many factors. Besides the condition of the property, the current market situation, the right pricing, and effective marketing play a crucial role. Whether you decide on a broker or a private sale ultimately depends on your personal preferences and resources. In the following sections, we will analyse the respective advantages and disadvantages in detail to provide you with a clear basis for decision-making. Our expertise will help you find the optimal path for your successful property sale.
Enter supports you in accurately determining the value of your property and developing the best sales strategy. We offer you comprehensive advice and guide you step by step through the entire sales process, ensuring you achieve the best possible price for your house – whether with or without a broker.
An estate agent offers numerous advantages when selling a house. Their professional market knowledge is invaluable. They possess up-to-date market data and are familiar with the land values in your area. This allows them to provide a realistic assessment of the selling price and position your house optimally. The Sparkasse provides insights into current property price developments.
Another major advantage is the time-saving and relief. The agent handles the entire sales process, from creating the property listing and organizing viewings to negotiations with potential buyers. You'll be relieved of administrative tasks and can focus on other important matters. Additionally, you benefit from greater reach and professional marketing, as agents have access to relevant property portals such as ImmoScout24 and can prepare the listing professionally (photos, virtual tours). Learn more about the benefits of an agent when selling a house.
Also not to be underestimated is the negotiation skill and secure contract processing. Agents have experience in price negotiations and ensure the secure handling of the purchase contract through a notary. However, you should also consider the disadvantages of an agent, particularly the agent commission (fee), which can range from 3 to 7% of the selling price plus VAT, depending on the region and agreement. The information from ImmoScout24 helps with orientation.
It is crucial to choose an agent carefully and make transparent agreements about the commission rate. The quality and commitment of agents can vary greatly. Pay attention to references and experience to ensure you have a competent partner by your side. Inform yourself here about the agent costs when selling a house.
The private sale of a house offers the advantage that no estate agent's commission is incurred. This can represent a significant cost saving. You have direct control over the entire sales process and can implement your ideas and wishes directly. However, you should be aware that a private sale involves a considerable time commitment and requires a lot of self-initiative. You need to create the property listing yourself, organize viewings, and conduct negotiations with potential buyers. Find out more about private sales.
Additionally, thorough research into market prices and legal aspects is necessary. You have to independently stay informed about the current market situation and obtain the necessary documents and paperwork. Also, marketing opportunities are limited in a private sale. You have less access to potential buyers and must manage the marketing through classified adverts and social media yourself. Classified adverts can be a good option here.
An additional risk with private sales is the danger of mistakes and legal issues. Lack of experience in price negotiations and contract processing can lead to financial losses. There is a risk that you might make errors in drafting the purchase agreement, which could lead to legal disputes later on. Therefore, it is advisable to seek professional support from a notary or lawyer. Read more here about the advantages and disadvantages of private sales.
The decision on whether a real estate agent is worthwhile or if a private sale is beneficial depends on various decision factors. An important aspect is the complexity of the property. In a difficult market situation or with specific characteristics of the property (e.g., properties in need of renovation), agents are particularly helpful. They possess the necessary know-how and experience to successfully sell even challenging properties. The trends for 2025 show that agents can also bring their expertise to the sale of new-build houses.
The time resources of the seller are also a crucial factor. If you are employed or have other commitments, a private sale can be very time-consuming. An agent takes many tasks off your hands and relieves you of the stress and hustle of the sales process. Additionally, you should realistically assess your own market knowledge. If you have no experience in the real estate market, you can benefit from the expertise of an agent who knows the current prices and trends. The market data from ImmoScout24.ch can give you an initial overview.
Ultimately, financial aspects also play a role. Are you willing to pay an agent's commission? Weigh the costs and benefits carefully. Keep in mind that a good agent can usually achieve a higher selling price that offsets the commission. The falling interest rates make buying a house more attractive, which can positively affect the chances of selling.
When choosing private sales, there are some important tips you should consider to be successful. Realistic pricing is crucial. Research comparable properties and standard land values in your area. Use online tools and seek expert opinions to determine the right price for your house. A professional presentation of the property is also essential. Create high-quality photographs and a compelling property brochure. Offer potential buyers virtual tours to give them an initial impression.
Effective marketing is essential to reach as many interested parties as possible. Use online platforms such as classifieds and social media to advertise your house. Place ads in local media to also attract regional buyers. Carefully prepare viewings. Clean and repair the property and create a pleasant atmosphere. Be punctual and answer all questions from interested parties competently and amicably.
The contract processing should be carried out professionally. Consult a notary or lawyer to ensure the purchase agreement is legally sound. Get advice on drafting the contract and carefully review all clauses. This way, you can avoid disputes later on and ensure a smooth sales process. Find more tips for successful private sales here.
ImmoScout24 and other platforms play a crucial role in house sales, both for agents and private sellers. These platforms offer a vast reach and diverse search functions that allow you to target potential buyers effectively. Agents benefit from premium memberships like KäuferPlus, which provide them with additional advantages, such as preferential treatment of their listings. Utilise the benefits of ImmoScout24 for your house sale.
Besides ImmoScout24, there are also alternatives like classifieds, regional portals, and off-market platforms. For instance, OFFMARKET24 offers exclusive listings that are not publicly accessible. The importance of real-time notifications should not be underestimated. Respond swiftly to new listings to gain a competitive edge. This is particularly important for private sellers who do not have access to the same resources as agents. The search functions of ImmoScout24 enable precise searches for suitable properties.
To make the most of these platforms, you should prepare your listing professionally. Create high-quality photos and a compelling exposé. Describe your house in detail, listing all the important facts and features. Ensure the price is accurately stated and be prompt and reliable in responding to enquiries. This will increase your chances of a successful sale. Learn more about the role of agents in using property portals.
The financing and the additional costs are important aspects when selling a house that you should certainly consider. Buyers should have sufficient equity, ideally 20-30% of the purchase price. This reduces the loan amount and interest burden. Familiarise yourself with the various financing models and choose the one that suits you. The information from ImmoScout24.ch provides an overview of the financing options.
In addition to the purchase price, there are also additional costs, such as property transfer tax, notary fees, and land registry costs. These additional costs can amount to between 9 and 26% of the purchase price, depending on the federal state and purchase price. Be sure to include these costs in your budget. The energy performance certificate is playing an increasingly important role in house sales. It provides information about the energy efficiency of the property and impacts the selling price and operating costs. Ensure you have a good energy rating to make your house more attractive. The Sparkasse provides information about the importance of the energy performance certificate.
A realistic calculation of financing and additional costs is crucial for a successful house sale. Seek advice from experts and obtain various offers to secure the best conditions. This way, you avoid unpleasant surprises and secure a solid financial foundation. Find out more about the costs involved in selling a house.
The real estate market in Germany is constantly changing. Currently, moderate price increases are expected (2-4% in 2025), with regional variations. The ECB's interest rate policy has a significant impact on the market. Falling interest rates make buying a home more attractive, leading to increased demand and higher prices. The information from Handelsblatt provides insight into the current interest rate developments.
Energy efficiency and sustainability are playing an increasingly important role. The demand for energy-efficient properties is rising, as buyers value low operating costs. The energy refurbishment of older properties is a growth market. Additionally, digitalisation and new living models (e.g., senior living, co-living) are influencing the market. The trends for 2025 show that sustainability and digitalisation are key factors.
To make your house sale successful, you should keep an eye on the current trends and forecasts. Adapt your sales strategy to market conditions and take advantage of the opportunities available to you. Stay informed about the latest developments and seek advice from experts. In this way, you will be well-equipped to sell your home at the best possible price. Statista offers a comprehensive overview of the real estate market in Germany.
The decision between a broker and private sale is a personal question that depends on your individual circumstances and preferences. Carefully weigh the pros and cons, and consider your time and financial resources. Inform yourself thoroughly about the property market and seek professional support if you're unsure. Classified ads can be a good option for a private sale.
The future of the real estate market holds both opportunities and risks for sellers. A successful sales strategy requires flexibility and adaptability. Stay informed about the latest developments. Take advantage of digital opportunities and focus on a professional presentation of your property. This will equip you well to successfully sell your home. Discover our comprehensive real estate services.
Key Benefits of Choosing the Right Strategy
Here are some of the key benefits you'll gain:
Maximized Sales Price: By carefully evaluating whether to use a broker or sell privately, you can optimize your strategy to achieve the highest possible sales price.
Reduced Stress and Time Commitment: Choosing the right approach can significantly reduce the stress and time involved in selling your home, allowing you to focus on other important aspects of your life.
Informed Decision-Making: With a clear understanding of the pros and cons of each option, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your specific needs and goals.
Enter supports you in making the right decision and successfully handling your home sale. We offer comprehensive advice and guide you step-by-step through the entire sales process. Contact us today to start your personalized consultation and lay the foundation for a successful home sale. Register for free and receive an initial estimate for the renovation needs of your property.
The Sparkasse provides insights into the current real estate price development.
ImmoScout24 offers information and market data on the topic of home buying.
The Handelsblatt reports on falling interest rates and their impact on home buying.
Statista provides a comprehensive overview of the real estate market in Germany.
What are the main advantages of using an estate agent for selling a house?
An estate agent offers market knowledge, time savings, and negotiation skills. They handle the entire sales process and often achieve a higher selling price.
What are the benefits of selling a house privately?
Private selling allows for cost savings as no estate agent fee is incurred. You have direct control over the entire sales process.
How do I find the right estate agent for selling my house?
Look for the agent's references, experience, and market knowledge. Agree on transparent commission arrangements.
What costs are involved in selling a house without an estate agent?
In a private sale, there are notary costs, land registry fees, and potentially costs for a valuation report.
How important is energy efficiency when selling a house?
Energy efficiency is becoming increasingly important. A good energy rating enhances the property's appeal and can positively influence the selling price.
What role do property portals like ImmoScout24 play in selling a house?
ImmoScout24 and other platforms offer extensive reach and allow for targeted searches for potential buyers. Agents benefit from premium memberships.
How do I best prepare my house for sale?
Ensure a professional presentation with high-quality photos and a compelling exposé. Offer potential buyers virtual tours.
What current trends are influencing the property market?
Moderate price increases are currently expected. The ECB's interest rate policy and the increasing importance of energy efficiency influence the market.
