The Times Australia
The Times Real Estate

.

Choosing the Wrong Agent Is the #1 Regret Among Aussie Property Sellers


Selling your home is often one of the largest financial transactions you’ll make, and for many Australians, it’s also one of the most emotional.

A new survey of Australian home sellers has revealed that their number one regret is having not selected a better real estate agent, a mistake made by 15% of respondents. And that figure only scratches the surface with how many sellers said they felt stressed, unsupported or out of their depth during the process.

The research is based on a nationwide survey commissioned by OpenAgent, a real estate marketplace which has helped nearly 400,000 Australians in comparing agents. The survey asked 344 Australians who sold a property within the last 24 months about the emotional cost of selling.

Selling is more stressful than you think

While buying a home or securing a loan often takes the spotlight in conversations around real estate stress, the survey results suggest that selling is just as intense, if not more so. More than 80% of respondents said selling was as stressful or more stressful than buying a home or getting a mortgage.


When compared to other major life events, the picture gets even more dramatic:

• Nearly 60% said it was at least as stressful as having a baby
• Almost half compared it to the stress of a breakup or job loss
• Three in four said it was on par with the stress of planning a wedding

And in a finding that might surprise some people, one in three Australians admitted they cried during the process of selling their property, whether from pressure, exhaustion, or sheer relief.

Bridget Dijkmans-Hadley, a recent seller who used OpenAgent to compare agents, said the emotion hit her the moment the first offer came in.

“I burst out crying because this is our home our little ones have grown up in, but also so relieved that we'd had that help and that it was over,” she said.

What sellers regret most

While every selling journey is unique, the survey revealed common pain points. The biggest? Choosing the wrong agent.

Other frequently cited regrets included not setting a higher asking price and wishing they had waited for better market conditions. But it was agent choice that stood out as the most impactful. Many sellers felt that a different agent could have helped them navigate negotiations better, market more strategically, or avoid unnecessary delays.


OpenAgent Co-CEO Johanna Urrutia says it’s no surprise that agent selection comes up again and again.

“The top concerns we hear from sellers are around pricing the property correctly, making sure it’s presented well, and choosing the right agent,” she said.

“While choosing the right agent can alleviate stress throughout the process, selling a home can still come with a lot of ups and downs, especially for those who have an attachment to the home they're selling.”

Why the right agent makes a difference

An experienced agent can ease the stress of selling in multiple ways:

• They bring local market knowledge that can help with pricing and positioning
• They handle tough negotiations and buyer communications
• They know how to present your home to maximise interest with everything from listing strategy to photography and open inspections

While some sellers are tempted to go it alone or choose an agent based solely on fees or a referral, the data suggests this may be a costly decision, emotionally and financially.

OpenAgent’s platform helps sellers compare agents based on criteria such as recent sales, suburb experience and historical track record. You can also check your property value with OpenEstimates and see the average agent commission in your suburb. This helps homeowners make more confident decisions at a time when uncertainty runs high.

Because while tears may be part of the process, the goal is to make sure they come from relief, not regret.


Methodology:

OpenAgent surveyed 344 Australians who sold a property in the past 24 months via a combination of online panel and email invitations during February–May 2025. Questions explored the stress, emotions and potential regrets involved in selling a home. The study was designed and analysed in‑house by OpenAgent.

About OpenAgent:

OpenAgent has been helping Australians buy, sell and own property since 2012. Best known for our agent comparison tools and property insights, the free resources on our website were used by over 2.1 million Australians in the past year.


Property Times

Flipping vs. Holding: Which Investment Strategy Is Right for You?

Are you wondering whether flipping a property or holding onto it is the better investment strategy? The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. Both strategies have distinct advantages and risks, and choosing the right one depends on your financial goals, ...

A Guide to Smarter Real Estate Accounting: What You Might Be Overlooking

Real estate accounting can be a complex terrain, even for experienced investors and property managers. From tracking rental income to managing property expenses, the financial intricacies of real estate demand more than just basic bookkeeping. A si...

Duke of Dural to Get Rooftop Bar as New Owners Invest in Venue Upgrade

The Duke of Dural, in Sydney’s north-west, is set for a major uplift under new ownership, following its acquisition by hospitality group Good Beer Company this week. Led by respected private hotelier John Azar, the Good Beer Company has a proven t...

Top Tips for Finding the Ideal Block to Build Your Home

There’s something deeply personal and exciting about building your own home. You’re not just choosing paint colours or furniture, you’re creating a space that reflects your lifestyle, your dreams, and your future. However, before you start sketchin...

Times Magazine

Building an AI-First Culture in Your Company

AI isn't just something to think about anymore - it's becoming part of how we live and work, whether we like it or not. At the office, it definitely helps us move faster. But here's the thing: just using tools like ChatGPT or plugging AI into your wo...

Data Management Isn't Just About Tech—Here’s Why It’s a Human Problem Too

Photo by Kevin Kuby Manuel O. Diaz Jr.We live in a world drowning in data. Every click, swipe, medical scan, and financial transaction generates information, so much that managing it all has become one of the biggest challenges of our digital age. Bu...

Headless CMS in Digital Twins and 3D Product Experiences

Image by freepik As the metaverse becomes more advanced and accessible, it's clear that multiple sectors will use digital twins and 3D product experiences to visualize, connect, and streamline efforts better. A digital twin is a virtual replica of ...

The Decline of Hyper-Casual: How Mid-Core Mobile Games Took Over in 2025

In recent years, the mobile gaming landscape has undergone a significant transformation, with mid-core mobile games emerging as the dominant force in app stores by 2025. This shift is underpinned by changing user habits and evolving monetization tr...

Understanding ITIL 4 and PRINCE2 Project Management Synergy

Key Highlights ITIL 4 focuses on IT service management, emphasising continual improvement and value creation through modern digital transformation approaches. PRINCE2 project management supports systematic planning and execution of projects wit...

What AI Adoption Means for the Future of Workplace Risk Management

Image by freepik As industrial operations become more complex and fast-paced, the risks faced by workers and employers alike continue to grow. Traditional safety models—reliant on manual oversight, reactive investigations, and standardised checklist...

The Times Features

Flipping vs. Holding: Which Investment Strategy Is Right for You?

Are you wondering whether flipping a property or holding onto it is the better investment strategy? The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. Both strategies have distinct advantages a...

Why Everyone's Talking About Sea Moss - And Should You Try It Too?

Sea moss - a humble marine plant that’s been used for centuries - is making a major comeback in modern wellness circles. And it’s not just a trend. With growing interest from athle...

A Guide to Smarter Real Estate Accounting: What You Might Be Overlooking

Real estate accounting can be a complex terrain, even for experienced investors and property managers. From tracking rental income to managing property expenses, the financial in...

What Is the Dreamtime? Understanding Aboriginal Creation Stories Through Art

Aboriginal culture is built on the deep and important meaning of Dreamtime, which links beliefs and history with the elements that make life. It’s not just myths; the Dreamtime i...

How Short-Term Lenders Offer Long-Lasting Benefits in Australia

In the world of personal and business finance, short-term lenders are often viewed as temporary fixes—quick solutions for urgent cash needs. However, in Australia, short-term len...

Why School Breaks Are the Perfect Time to Build Real Game Skills

School holidays provide uninterrupted time to focus on individual skill development Players often return sharper and more confident after structured break-time training Holid...