What Does a Fixed-Fee Selling Service Include?

A fixed-fee selling service charges an agreed amount for an agreed scope of work. The amount does not automatically rise with the property's eventual sale price. That describes the payment structure, though, not a universal list of inclusions. Providers can offer quite different levels of support under the same label.

For a seller, the useful question is: what will the provider do, what will I do, and what will I pay for separately? Answering those questions before signing makes the day-to-day process more predictable.

How does a fixed fee compare with commission?

A commission-based fee is generally calculated as a percentage of the sale price. Depending on the agreement, it might use a single rate or a tiered structure. A fixed fee is an agreed dollar amount for a specified service, regardless of the eventual sale price. Both models can include substantial personal involvement, or leave some activities to others; the fee structure alone does not tell you who will do the work.

Compare written scopes as well as numbers. Ask when payment falls due, whether GST is included, and whether any additional charges may arise. If you are comparing a commission proposal with a fixed fee, also request a dollar illustration at a few possible sale prices. Our Adelaide agent-fees guide explains that comparison in more detail.

What can a fixed-fee service cover?

Depending on the provider and package, the work may include an initial conversation about goals and timing, a property assessment, review of comparable sales, discussion of pricing and method of sale, preparation for marketing, buyer enquiries and inspections, feedback during the campaign, offer review and support through the contract stage.

Some services provide frameworks and structured check-ins while the seller completes more of the practical tasks. Others manage the process directly. Ask how the property will be listed, who writes and approves the description, who responds to buyers and who attends inspections. Clarify who communicates offers and how changes to the campaign are considered. A written responsibility list is more useful than a broad promise of support.

What stays with the seller?

The owner remains responsible for deciding whether to sell, which offer to accept, and what terms suit them. Even where a service handles most of the practical work, the seller needs to provide accurate property information, approve the campaign and respond to important decisions. The owner may also arrange independent conveyancing, tax or other professional input when needed.

In a more actively involved model, the seller may help with property preparation, review material, participate in inspections or buyer communication, and use provided tools to organise decisions. The precise responsibilities should be agreed at the start. If your available time changes, ask how the scope could be adjusted and whether that would affect the fee.

How are marketing costs handled?

Marketing is often priced separately from the selling service. The proposed campaign could include photography, floor plans, online listings, signage and optional additions. What makes sense for one property may differ for another, so ask for an itemised proposal before agreeing to spend. Check who engages each supplier, who approves changes and when invoices are due.

With Clarity, the service fee is fixed at $2,500 or $5,500, and marketing is separate in both options. The client engages and pays each provider directly, and every quote is approved in writing before work proceeds, so campaign spending stays visible and in the seller’s hands. Payment options are available; we can walk through the arrangements. Preparation costs, conveyancing and other expenses may also arise. For the whole picture, see our guide to selling costs and steps to consider before selling.

How do Clarity's two selling options work?

Clarity's Guided Pathway costs $2,500. It is for a seller who wants to remain actively involved while using structured frameworks, AI-Enabled Guidance and personal, professional guidance from Janina at key decisions. The tools can help organise information and comparisons; Janina provides the human review and conversation that place those tools in context.

Full Support costs $5,500. It is the end-to-end option, provided personally by Janina for someone who wants her to take a more direct role throughout the agreed selling process, with AI-Enabled Guidance included as well. Neither fee is a percentage of the sale price. Exact responsibilities are confirmed in the engagement, and marketing is separate in both options. The selling page and pricing page set out the available paths.

A word about savings comparisons

Examples comparing a fixed fee with a percentage-based commission can be helpful. They also depend on the assumptions used: the property value, the percentage rate, any additional expenses and the scope of service all shape the result. An illustrative difference in professional fees isn't a guaranteed overall saving, particularly when the services involve different responsibilities.

So it's worth comparing like with like. Ask each provider what is included, what isn't included and what you'll be expected to manage yourself. Your own time has value too, and the right service is the one that offers the right balance of assistance, involvement and value for your circumstances. The example on our pricing page sets out its assumptions clearly for this reason.

Who might prefer a fixed-fee approach?

It may appeal to sellers who want to know the service cost in advance and distinguish that cost from campaign spending. Within that group, some have the time and interest to participate closely; others prefer more direct support. Neither level of involvement is inherently right for every property or person.

Consider your time, confidence with the process, property circumstances and preferred communication. Ask a provider to walk through a typical week during the campaign and what happens if interest is different from expected. This helps reveal how the service works beyond the fee description.

What should you confirm before signing?

Request a written scope covering the start and end of the service, the person responsible for each task, payment timing, marketing approval, communication and any possible variation. Ask what happens if the property does not sell during the proposed campaign. Review the agreement carefully, and obtain independent professional input where your circumstances call for it.

For another way to assess a proposal, read how to choose an agent. A clear fixed fee is useful, and clarity about the work and your role is what makes the comparison meaningful. Take the time to discuss any assumptions that are unclear, especially around inspections, marketing changes and communication during the campaign.