Top agents sell 5–10% higher than average. On a $1M home, that’s $50K–$100K more in your pocket.
The cheapest agent is almost never the best value. Here's what the numbers actually look like when you compare agents on net outcome rather than commission rate.
Property: 3-bedroom house in Sydney's Lower North Shore.
Agent A — experienced local specialist (2.0% commission):
Recommends professional styling ($4,500), premium photography, and targeted 3-week auction campaign. Markets to their buyer database of 2,400+ active buyers. Strong open home attendance. Four registered bidders at auction.
Sale price: $1,520,000
Commission: $30,400 + marketing: $8,500 = Total cost: $38,900
You keep: $1,481,100
Agent B — discount agent (1.5% commission):
Standard photography, listed on portals only, no buyer database, 6-week private treaty campaign. Limited open home traffic.
Sale price: $1,420,000
Commission: $21,300 + marketing: $5,000 = Total cost: $26,300
You keep: $1,393,700
Net difference: $87,400 more with Agent A — despite paying $12,600 more in fees.
Buyer databases: Top agents maintain databases of 1,000-5,000+ active buyers. Before your property even hits the market, they're calling qualified buyers who've told them exactly what they want. This creates competition before day one.
Pricing strategy: They use CoreLogic/RP Data to analyse every comparable sale within 1km in the last 6 months. They set a price guide that attracts maximum interest without overquoting. Overpriced properties sit on the market and eventually sell for less than they would have at the right price from day one.
Property presentation: CoreLogic data shows professionally styled homes sell for 7-12% more than unstyled equivalents. A $4,000-$6,000 styling investment routinely adds $50,000-$100,000 to the sale price on properties above $1M.
Negotiation under competition: When multiple buyers are interested, the agent's skill in managing competing offers or auction dynamics directly determines whether you get $1.4M or $1.5M. This is the single highest-value skill a selling agent brings.
Examples are illustrative based on typical Sydney market conditions. Actual outcomes vary by property, location, market conditions, and individual agent performance. Commission rates are negotiable and vary by state.
We refer you to selling agents with a proven track record in your specific area. Our vetted agents have verified recent sales data, strong online reviews, and transparent commission structures. The referral is free and you’re under no obligation.
Commissions vary by state: NSW 1.8–2.5%, VIC 1.6–2.2%, QLD 2.0–2.8%, WA 2.0–2.5%. Higher-value properties often attract lower percentage rates. Commission is negotiable and usually includes GST.
Auction works best for properties with broad appeal in competitive markets. Private treaty suits unique properties, quieter markets, or sellers who need certainty. Your agent should recommend based on comparable recent sales data.
Average days on market vary by city and market conditions. In 2026, Sydney averages 28–35 days, Melbourne 30–40 days, Brisbane 25–30 days. Top agents typically sell faster than average.
Most agents require marketing costs upfront or before the campaign launches. Some offer vendor-paid advertising (VPA) plans where costs come out of the sale proceeds. Clarify this before signing the agency agreement.
Yes, but studies show agent-sold properties achieve 5–15% higher prices than private sales, which more than covers the commission. Agents bring negotiation skills, buyer databases, and marketing reach that are difficult to replicate.