Redwing,

As you can see I am a new forumite.
I offer you my experience of selling a property privately. It is not hard to do if you are in a position to have the time to dedicate to the selling period. I believe the most important factor is establishing the right asking price. Get apraisals from agents, minimum of three. Eliminate any ridiculous apraisals by agents simply trying to get a listing, it’s a competitive market! Find the median price then look at marketing at that price or even deduct a portion of what you will be saving by selling privately. List too high and risk losing genuine buyers at the start of the campaign. Then if on market too long may have to reduce below a reasonable price just to get buyers interested. It’s a fine line to tread. Be wary that it will cost you time to sell it yourself & time is money. I believe home opens do not work to your advantage. You get sticky beaks and tyre kickers who are complete strangers going through your home. Results come from serious buyers, the ones who see your advertising campaign and are serious enough to make an appointment for a private viewing. Have a good settlement agent who can guide you through the contract of sale right through to settlement.
If you think your property may be suitable to investors get three Rental market appraisals done. Obtain sales evidence for comparable properties in your area and have the results typed up to present to prospective purchases. It’s all about instiling confidence in the purchaser that your property is good value for money. Presentation is everything when selling, first impressions are the ones that last and you have to get them to want to look inside your property and fall in love with it. Or atleast see the potential!
Brush up on your negotiation skills as this is critical.
Mimic successful agents advertising campaigns.

Well thats my experience. Hope it helps and good luck.[thumbsup2]

Dave