Buying or selling a home is one of life’s biggest decisions. In Adelaide, the cost of hiring a real estate agent plays a big part in that decision. If you’re not careful, fees can eat into your profit or add more pressure to your purchase. That’s why knowing how to compare your options is so important.
Know What You’re Paying For
Before anything else, it’s important to understand how these fees work. Agents usually take a percentage of the sale price. This is their commission. In most parts of Adelaide, it ranges from 1.6% to 2.75%. Some agents in rural areas may charge more, often closer to 3%.
Let’s say you sell your house for $700,000. If the agent’s commission is 2.5%, you’ll pay $17,500. That’s not a small amount. It’s money coming out of your final sale. So, make sure you’re getting real value in return.
Different Ways Agents Charge
Not all agents charge in the same way. There are two common methods.
The first is a fixed commission. This means the percentage is set from the start. No surprises. If it’s 2.5%, you pay that rate no matter what your home sells for.
The second option is a tiered commission. This one’s based on performance. For example, the agent might take 2% for the first $800,000 of the sale price, and then 4% for anything above that. It’s a reward system that encourages them to push for a higher price.
Each method has pros and cons. Fixed is more predictable. Tiered can push the agent to get you more money. But be careful. A higher sale price also means a higher fee.
More Than Just the Fee
Some people look at the percentage and go straight for the cheapest agent. That’s a mistake.
Low fees don’t always mean good service. A more expensive agent may offer better marketing, stronger negotiation skills, and deeper local knowledge. These things can help sell your property faster and for more money.
Ask each agent what’s included in their service. Do they handle professional photos? Do they list on top property sites? How often will they update you? These are the things that turn a good deal into a great one.
Don’t Forget Extra Costs
Some agents add marketing fees on top of their commission. These can include photos, videos, flyers, signage, and even online ads. Always ask for a full breakdown.
If one agent charges 2.5% commission and includes everything, while another charges 2% but adds $3,000 in marketing costs, the cheaper one may not actually save you money.
Use Tools and Compare
There are online tools to help with this. Websites like LocalAgentFinder let you compare agents’ side by side. You can see their fees, what services they offer, and how they’ve performed with other properties.
This gives you a clearer picture before making a choice. You might be surprised by how much fees can differ from one suburb to the next. For example, in Glenelg, rates can be around 1.58%, while in Hahndorf, they’re closer to 2%. On a $1 million property, that difference is $4,200.
Always Negotiate
Here’s something many people forget. Agent fees are not set in stone. In South Australia, agents are free to set their own prices. This means you can negotiate.
Ask for a lower rate, especially if you’re selling a high-value property. Or ask them to include more services without charging extra. Most agents are willing to work with you if they really want your business.
To get the best value when looking at real estate agent fees, you need more than just a quick Google search. Dig deep. Look at what the agent offers, how they charge, and what’s included. Use comparison tools, ask questions, and always be ready to negotiate.
This process takes time, but the reward is worth it. A good agent can get you a better sale price and make the whole experience less stressful. A bad one? They’ll cost you more than just their fee. Choose wisely.