How Much Will It REALLY Cost Me — And What Do I Get for My Money?

SELLING YOUR HOME · CENTURION

By Wim Schulte | eXp South Africa | 29 October 2026

Before you ask an estate agent, “What is your commission?” ask them, “What will you actually do to earn it?”

It is your home. Your money. And possibly one of the biggest financial decisions you will make. You are entitled to a straight answer.

When I speak to homeowners about selling, cost naturally comes up. I understand that. Nobody wants to pay more than they need to. But the fee is only part of the conversation.

What matters is what you walk away with — and what it takes to get there.

A low fee can still be an expensive choice

Imagine two approaches to selling your home.

One starts with an impressive asking price, a few photographs and an advert. Then you wait.

The other starts with a proper discussion about your property, competing homes, recent sales evidence, your timing and what buyers are likely to question. You agree on how the home will be presented, where it will be marketed, how enquiries will be handled and when you will review the response.

Which approach gives you more confidence?

A lower commission is worth considering. So is the quality of the work behind it. A saving on the fee can lose its appeal if weak advice or poor negotiation leaves you accepting less than you reasonably could have achieved. And a higher fee needs to be justified by a clear service.

So, what should you get for your money?

Here is what I believe a seller should expect.

1. An honest pricing conversation

You need evidence and sound judgement. You also need someone willing to tell you when your expectations and the market response are moving in different directions.

2. Presentation that gives buyers a reason to look closer

Photographs, an accurate description and practical preparation advice should help buyers understand what makes your home worth viewing.

3. Marketing with a purpose

“Your property is online” is a starting point. Ask where it will appear, who the marketing aims to reach and how the response will be assessed.

4. Proper handling of enquiries and viewings

Someone needs to respond, follow up, understand buyers’ needs and establish how they intend to fund a purchase. That work takes time and attention.

5. Feedback you can use

You should know what buyers are saying, what interest the property is attracting and whether anything needs to change. Silence leaves you guessing.

6. Negotiation that considers the whole offer

The price matters. So do the conditions, funding, timing and any sale that must happen before the buyer can proceed. A good-looking number deserves careful scrutiny.

7. Attention after the offer is signed

An accepted offer starts another stage of the process. You still need communication, coordination and follow-through as the transaction moves towards transfer.

Illustrative stock photograph: RDNE Stock project / Pexels. People shown are models, not my clients.

Ask about the full cost before you sign

Ask for a clear written explanation of the commission, whether the quote includes any applicable VAT, any separate marketing charges, when fees become payable and what obligations the mandate creates.

Also request a property-specific breakdown of other selling costs from the professionals handling your transaction. Ask them to explain any compliance, bond cancellation, municipal or agreed repair amounts that may apply to your circumstances.

You should understand the likely effect on your proceeds before making a commitment.

Here is my view

I am comfortable being asked what I charge. I believe an agent should be just as comfortable explaining the work they will do, how they will keep you informed and what you can hold them accountable for.

I cannot promise that the market will pay any price we choose. I can explain my advice, agree on a plan and keep the conversation honest.

“What will you do for my money — and how will I know you are doing it?”

That is a fair question. And you deserve a clear answer.

Thinking of selling in Centurion?

Let’s talk about your property, the likely costs and what you should expect from the person you appoint. Buying? Browse the homes on my website and get in touch about a viewing.

Let’s talk about your next move

Willem “Wim” Schulte
Candidate Property Practitioner | eXp Realty South Africa
071 146 4871 · Email Wim
Browse my website and property listings

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General seller discussion, not a quotation or individual legal, tax or financial advice. Fees, services and transaction costs depend on your written agreement and circumstances. Featured photograph: Jakub Zerdzicki / Pexels; illustrative stock image, not a property listing.