Selling without an agent in Western Australia is legal, popular and so much simpler than most owners expect! An agent's role is a set of separate tasks, and each has an easy home: some with you, some with your settlement agent or lawyer, and the rest with PLBO. Here's who does what.
Who does what in a WA private sale
| Task | Who handles it | How |
|---|---|---|
| Offer and Acceptance form | You, with your settlement agent or lawyer | the O&A plus the Joint Form of General Conditions |
| Pricing | You and PLBO | your PLBO property comparables report |
| Smoke alarms | You | compliant mains-powered alarms before transfer |
| Photos and presentation | You and PLBO | your own on Essentials; professional from Signature up |
| Advertising | PLBO | PLBO, Domain, view, homely, Soho, realty, onthehouse and allhomes*, plus buyers agents, Facebook campaigns and notifications |
| Enquiries and home opens | You | PLBO buyer messaging and inspection registration |
| Offers and negotiation | You | PLBO offer management |
| Deposit | As set out in the O&A | held in trust |
| Settlement | Settlement agents or lawyers | electronic settlement |
What WA law and practice say
- Owners can sell their own property. No agent is required.
- Offer and Acceptance: the O&A form and the Joint Form of General Conditions are the standard contract. Private sellers can get the General Conditions from REIWA or the Law Society of WA, and changes should be made with legal advice (Consumer Protection WA).
- Settlement agents or lawyers are named in the contract for both sides.
- No statutory cooling-off for residential sales, unless the contract includes one.
- Smoke alarms must be compliant before transfer (WA Government).
Four skills that make a great private sale
1. Pricing from evidence
Open your PLBO property comparables report and weigh up your extras: a pool, a patio, solar, ducted air, a workshop or a coastal walk. In WA's fast-rising market, recent sales matter most.
2. Presenting the home
WA homes are made for outdoor living, so style the patio, polish the pool and let that famous sunshine pour in. Professional presentation is included from Signature up.
3. Hosting home opens
Two set times a week, every group registered in PLBO, and O&A forms ready (prepared with your settlement agent) for buyers keen to offer.
4. Negotiating
- Offers in writing on the O&A form
- Compare the whole offer, including finance and inspection conditions
- Counter-offer in writing, calmly and consistently
- Keep your walk-away figure private
Handy phrases for talking with buyers
- "What's your lowest price?" "We've priced it on recent sales nearby. I'm happy to consider any written offer on the O&A."
- Receiving an offer: "Thanks! I'll review it tonight and come back to you tomorrow."
- Several buyers keen: "We've had strong interest, so I'm inviting best written offers by Monday at 5 pm."
- Accepting: "Congratulations, it's yours! I'll send the signed O&A to our settlement agents today."
Helpful extras
- A licensed valuer, for a formal valuation
- A pre-sale building and pest report, which WA buyers appreciate
- A floor plan, which is quick and affordable
You've got this!
PLBO gives you the exposure, tools and guidance, and you keep the commission. Compare packages on sell my house privately in WA, or follow the WA 8-week plan.
*Availability on allhomes.com.au may depend on the property's location, listing type and applicable portal requirements.