Choosing The
Right Agent
Choosing the right estate agent to sell your property is probably the most difficult task
you will face.
Here are some tips to help you choose the
Agent that’s right for you.
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What are the signs
of a good agent?
When you speak to the agent,
request an appraisal, not a
valuation (this can only be done
by a licensed valuer). When the
agent inspects your home make
sure you give them an inspection!
Pay attention to how they dress
as this can reflect their attitude.
Your agent won’t get buyers
to part with large amounts of
money if they don’t look and act
professionally. If the agent doesn’t
impress you, they won’t impress
the buyers.
Shop around
Shop for an agent the way you
would shop for a good lawyer,
accountant, mechanic, plumber or
any other professional.
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Don’t be afraid
to ask direct
questions
Ask things like: “How often can I
expect to hear from you?” “What
sort of feedback will you give me
from potential buyers”, and “How
frequently?” “Who else in your
office would work on the sale
campaign?” “Are you too busy to
take this on?” “Will you handle
the sale personally?”
Ask about a
marketing
approach
Make sure you ask about how
and where your property will
be advertised and what types of
buyers will be targeted. Does
the agent have a buyer database,
for instance? Web marketing is
an essential component of any
campaign but how effective is the
agent’s website? What strategies
will they employ to make sure
buyers find your property on
their website rather than another
agent’s listing’?
Ask for feedback
on your property’s
presentation
An experienced agent will have
ideas about how to improve your
property to ensure a successful
sale. They will be honest about
any problems they can see. If
you don’t get both positive and
negative feedback about the
property, you might be talking to
the wrong agent.
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Talk price
If one agent gives a vastly higher
opinion of your property’s value,
try not to get carried away. This is
the most costly mistake a property
owner can make - signing up with
the most optimistic agent. You
want a realistic opinion of your
property’s value, one based on the
agent’s sound knowledge of the
area. Remember, it’s not the seller
or the agent who decides what a
property is worth, it’s the buyer.
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What type of
agreement to sign
When you’ve chosen your agent,
you’ve another decision to make.
What type of agency agreement
should you agree to? Some people
list their home with multiple
agents. This is known as ‘Open
Listing’. However, agents earn
their income through sales, not
listings, so they’re less likely to
give a great commitment unless
they’ve got a chance of success.
Like all business people, estate
agents dedicate time where
they’re most likely to gain.
Another method of sale is a ‘coagency’. Consider this method
from the agent’s standpoint again.
Why should they work as hard on
a sale when they’re only making
50% of their normal fee?
Finding the ideal combination of professionalism, experience and drive can be challenging in
an industry where skills vary so widely. Now that you’re ready to speak to an agent, we hope
that you’ll consider a First National agent. With around 550 offices in Australia and
New Zealand, we’d like the opportunity to prove “We put you first.” Call 13 16 66 today.
firstnational. com.au