Potential downsizers can get the opportunity to maximise the sale price of their home by choosing the best real estate agent. The right real estate agent can save you time and money, and make the process of selling your property less stressful.
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Selling a home can be an overwhelming experience but with a good agent by your side, the whole process can be smooth and simple.
It’s best to do your homework before you approach and choose an agent. Research not only individual agents but also the local market. Undertaking some research will help you gain confidence and have better judgement about your real estate agent’s performance.
Understand how the real estate market works, talk to people to understand metrics like average days on the market or auction clearance rates. Find agents that are already working in your area, look at their previous sales record and how they market the properties they sell.
Ask for recommendations from friends and family instead of looking at newspaper ads. You can also seek referrals from other homeowners and ask them who they would recommend.
Choose an agent who works with you and for you. Don't choose an agent based solely on their experience. The right agent depends on what you’re selling and what you expect from them and the sale. It is extremely important to choose an agent that you click with.Â
To ensure their credibility, make sure the real estate agent ticks the following criteria:
They have a license and a good reputationÂ
They have experience selling similar property types
They have a good sales record
They have local knowledge, experience and strong contacts in your area
They are a member of the Real Estate Institute (REI) or a relevant professional organisation in your state or territory
You don’t want to be stuck with someone who doesn’t empathise with your situation and requirements.Â
After you’ve done your homework and have a shortlist of agents, nothing beats a face-to-face meeting to get a sense of which agent is right for you.Â
When you meet with agents, find out how long they’ve worked in your area and test them on their local knowledge. Question them about recent sales. If they are aware, it shows they are invested in the local area and have a good understanding of the marketplace.Â
If you want to get a better idea of what the process is and how your agent works, ask to visit their properties listed for sale. Attend open homes and see how the properties are presented, and how the agent behaves on the job or at an auction to get a sense of whether they’re right for you.
Just like you shop around to find the best deal before buying anything, compare a few agents to choose the one that becomes your biggest asset.Â
An effective agent will consult with you and create a clear plan with dates and tasks to be undertaken before you sell. They will offer clear advice on getting the best price for your property and take care of photography and the preparation of marketing collateral.Â
If they suggest decluttering or pre-sale repairs, Homesuite can support you in getting this work done. Homesuite can also connect you with an expert national conveyancer, for a fixed price guarantee.
To compare the agents, look at the following parameters:
How they answer your questions
Their suggestions to get the best price for your property
The market value they put on your propertyÂ
Their commission and fees structure and the services they cover
Marketing and advertising strategy and the budget they suggestÂ
The agreement they offer between you and the agency selling your home
These key things can vary between agents so these can save you time and money to do thorough comparisons.
As a client, you begin the dialogue when you meet an agent face-to-face but pay close attention to how they listen to you and ask you questions.Â
They might be experienced professionals in selling property and also have access to technology to make sure your property is visible in the market. But it takes a human to understand and work along with you to achieve specific goals.
Look for enthusiasm, conviction, honesty and strong core values. Find a real estate agent who is honest about the risks of selling. Make sure they offer adequate support and are clear in communication.
Once you have checked with all the parameters above and if you are still confused then go with your gut feeling. The gut has a unique way of identifying if someone is a threat — If someone feels and clicks right, go with it.Â
Homesuite helps potential downsizers throughout this transition, including the sale of your current property. We offer a free property report which outlines the recent sales of similar properties in your local area. Our team will also help you compare up to three of the best performing local real estate agents, arrange decluttering, pre-sale repairs, conveyancing and more.
