debbie mckay

Success Stories: How One Couple Saved $75,000 with PropertyNow

Reviews, Blog

“We loved it all. And did it with love. We profited over $75,000. “

When it comes to selling a home, many people assume they need a real estate agent to handle the process. But for one Debbie and her partner, taking control of their home sale was not only empowering—it was also incredibly rewarding, both emotionally and financially. By using PropertyNow, they successfully sold their home while saving over $75,000 in commission and marketing costs.

Why They Chose Private Selling

For Debbie, the decision to sell privately wasn’t difficult.

“We hate agencies and anyone who sells real estate. We are just another sale to them,” she shared candidly. “We loved dealing with PropertyNow. They were upfront about cost, provided support when needed, and allowed us to pay for what we actually needed—not for what we were told or demanded.”

This level of transparency and flexibility gave them the confidence to move forward with selling their home on their own terms.

The Services That Made a Difference

PropertyNow provided key services that made the selling process seamless, including ongoing support, advertising assistance, and negotiation guidance.

“It was simply easy, accessible, and efficient—let alone the value!” Debbie noted.

Unexpected Discoveries Along the Way

One of the most surprising aspects of Debbie and her partners journey was how potential buyers perceived them.

“We were continually amazed at how people thought both my husband and I were agents—probably due to our signage,” she said. “It was easy to get a sign—so affordable, delivered, set up, and removed for a fraction of what agents charge.”

Once buyers realized they were dealing directly with the homeowners, the atmosphere shifted.

“A more relaxed, unguarded personality surfaced. It was a pleasant feeling.”

Not every interaction was smooth, though. One investor insisted they replace their marble floors before he would consider an offer. Their response?

“We suggested our house wasn’t for him.”

The Power of Selling Their Own Home

Selling their home themselves was an incredibly fulfilling experience.

“It was very empowering. And such a joy to know who was going to be the new owners of our home.”

Now, they’re searching for their forever home—a smaller space where they can enjoy retirement, travel, and, as they put it, “spend our kids’ inheritance.”

Lessons Learned from Private Selling

Reflecting on the experience, they shared valuable advice for future home sellers:

  • Be patient with pricing. “If it doesn’t sell or you don’t get the price you want, wait or reassess. The market will tell you.”
  • Know your home’s value. “Use agents for comparisons, check similar listings, and don’t overprice out of greed.”
  • Be transparent. “No lies, no exaggerations—just the truth. People appreciate honesty, and it makes a difference.”
  • Not everyone will love your home—and that’s okay. “Agents make you feel like your home will sell to everyone. It won’t. But you only need one buyer.”

The Challenges and How They Overcame Them

Negotiation was one of the hardest parts of the process.

“Don’t jump in. Be patient. When someone falls in love with your property, they show it. Investors and some cultures negotiate endlessly—be aware and prepared.”

Another challenge was the hands-on commitment required to sell privately.

“Be prepared to earn the dollars you save from not using an agent,” Debbie advised. “Cleaning, decluttering, self-staging, and showing your home all take time. But we loved it. We did it with love.”

A Rewarding and Profitable Experience

After successfully selling their home, they walked away with not just a great deal but also a deep sense of satisfaction.

“We profited over $75,000—saved in commission and marketing demands. We were very happy with the price.”

The couple also appreciated the direct communication with buyers.

“No three-way communication channel through an agent. We qualified each person, followed up, and shared details about the area—things an agent can’t do.”

Final Thoughts

Debbie’s story is a testament to the power of private selling. With the right tools and support from PropertyNow, homeowners can take control of their sale, save thousands, and enjoy the process.

You could be our next success story!

Why not have the support of a professional team and sell online, saving yourself thousands in agent commissions? Contact the PropertyNow team to learn how easy it is to sell your home without an agent.

Get in Touch

We are Australia's best reviewed online agent

Sell your house for just $829 and save big on commission!