How to choose the
Right Real Estate Agent for YOU
14 February, 2022
One of the most important things you should consider when selling your house is choosing the right real estate agent. This can be a big decision, with several factors to take into consideration to ensure you get the results you desire, such as their connections, local market knowledge and real estate expertise.
Here are 7 tips on what you should look for to choose the right agent for you.
Contact Jesse on +61 431 761 644 or email us at info@universalproperty.com.au
- Do Your Research
As with most things in property, doing your own research is key.
Find agents working within your area and put together a shortlist. Most real estate agents will have a strong online presence, which allows you some insight into who they are, their business values and achievements.
Browse their website and social media accounts, pay attention to:
- Their recent sales and types of property that they sell
- Their client testimonials
- How they market both properties and their agency
- Their community involvement and contribution
- Social media comments, reviews, and branding
- Any agent review sites such as Rate My Agent or Real Estate.Com.au
2. Go for local knowledge
A good real estate agent should know as much about the property and the locality as the vendor. It’s important that you choose an agent with comprehensive knowledge of the area that you’re selling in and who knows the other properties for sale and that have sold recently.
This knowledge shows that they are invested in the local area and have a good understanding of the marketplace. It will also help bring the extra energy to the home so that the buyers are impressed and supported during the sale of your home.
When you meet with agents, find out how long they have worked in the area and test them on their knowledge. They should know where the local schools are, the zoning, local bus routes, what the local coffee is like, and positioning to close-by amenities.
Real estate agents that are experts at knowing the local market can give you an honest comparative market appraisal on the expected value of your property and assess how it is placed in the market alongside similar properties.
3. Get Out and About
Your agent is presenting your home to the public, an excellent way to assess an agent is to see how they perform at an open home.
Pay attention to their behaviour and how they interact with the buyers. Did they stand at the door and welcome attendees and capture their details? How well were they presented? Did they actively highlight the properties features and could they answer any questions that you put to them? Did they follow up after the open home? What was their marketing like?
As 80% of the decision-making process when buying a property is emotional, the agent that is going to get you the best results is the one who looks after the buyers. Look for an agent who can engage and nurture buyers.
4. Check Their Results
Look at the agent’s results, taking into consider properties that they have sold recently. Can they show you their recent results including sale prices, time on market, number of offers, etc?
5. Make sure you’re comfortable
Think about what kind of person you are looking for. What kind of experience should they have? What kind of personality works well with yours? Do you feel comfortable with the agent? You need to be very honest with an agent during the selling process so that you can have open and honest communication. Property sales are essentially a partnership between the agent and the vendor, with both working to achieve the same goal. What feels right is usually what is right.
6. Marketing and Advertising Plans
A marketing plan is a key aspect in selling your home for the best price. A good real estate agent will use tailored and innovative marketing that is catered to each unique property. This would include points on presentation and areas that you could enhance before the open homes. How will the real estate agent market your home? Can they clearly outline the activities and marketing they will undertake? When talking to your shortlisted agents, ask them:
- Who they believe your target market is and how can you position your property to appeal to them?
- What features of the property you should highlight?
- How do they plan on promoting your property?
- What digital platforms will they use?
- Will they promote your property to their existing database?
- How much will you be expected to invest in marketing and advertising?
- How they plan on negotiating the deal
7. Bigger is Not Always Better
Choosing a boutique real estate agency has plenty of perks. Don’t feel obliged to only choose larger agencies that may not be able to offer you personalised service. At smaller agencies, you’re dealing with the same agent from beginning to end. At Universal Property, we throw the ‘one-size fits all’ approach out the window. Larger agencies tend to use a simplified, stock-standard method of selling your home. We prefer to get to know you, your needs, wants and expectations before suggesting a strategy plan.
Completing your House Sale with Universal Property
Whether you are preparing to sell or looking for more information, Universal Property is here to assist you in your sales journey. We offer you a superior and personalised service that helps make the selling process as smooth as possible.
Universal Property featuring the finest, most exclusive luxury real estate listings in Noosa Heads, Noosa Springs Golf & Spa Resort, plus the surrounding areas too Noosa.
Elite network of Professionals focused on the highest level of client service, integrity, loyalty and professionalism. Unrivalled experience with extensive market, community and local area knowledge.
