To ensure a successful sale, you’ll need unbiased and professional advice. How can you choose the right agent for your property?
At least three agents in real estate are needed.
Trying to sell your home without professional representation in today’s cutthroat market is sheer madness. Homes that aren’t represented by professionals often remain on the market longer and sell for less than homes that have one.
However, you shouldn’t go with the first real estate agent you come across. Janne Sutcliffe, a Sydney-based buyer’s agent, advises vendors to meet with at least three real estate agents before selecting one. “Ask each of them the same questions to establish their position on price, fees, what pre-sale improvements are needed, the best way to market the property and the cost of advertising,” she said.
Sutcliffe advises against selecting an agent who gives you the highest price estimate as they “might be talking it up to get the listing.” Instead, she advises vendors to pick the agent who gives realistic and fair price estimates.
Do your research.
Before deciding on a real estate agent, ask them to provide you with a list of the properties they’ve listed and sold in the past year, together with the contact information of the clients. To find out the asking price for the properties, interview past clients and compare it to the sale price. Also, ask if the properties were similar in price, location, and other salient features to the property you’re selling.
Check out the agents’ listings.
You should also check out the agents’ listings online. Places to snoop around include the agency’s website and reputable Aussie property websites. As the majority of buyers start their search on the Internet, you’d want to work with a real estate agent who knows how to use online tools effectively.
Examine how closely the agent’s listings mirror the property you’re trying to sell. Are the prices comparable? Does the real estate agent have enough listings to indicate a thriving business—but not so many that you’d just be another client waiting in the wings?
Ask them about their marketing strategy.
Ask the agents how they plan to market your property.
Aside from newspaper ads and specialty real estate publications, more and more agents are turning to digital marketing strategies—such as social media marketing, search engine optimisation, and content marketing—to reach tech-savvy buyers.
Be aware of the marketing media that your agent will use to market your property. If your agent understands the target buyers and has a solid plan for reaching them, then you’ve found the right professional to work with.
