When selecting a real estate agent it’s all about choosing the person who can best influence the price of your property upwards. You need to ask yourself: who can achieve the best result and how are they going to do it?
Finding that perfect agent can be hard, and there’s no way around the fact that you have to do your due diligence. So visit your potential agent, go to some of their open homes and auctions and check them off against the below checklist. If they get seven big ticks, then I think you’ve found the one!
1. Buyer relationships and access to buyers
What properties does your agent have on the market in your local area and do they have an extensive network across the country? Select an agent who does a lot of sales in the area but also has a broader network, because more buyers equals more dollars. It’s that simple.
2. Negotiation skills
What quality of questions do they ask the buyers and will they always go back and ask for more money?
3. Superior local market knowledge
Your agent should be well aware of the buyers in the market place and the properties you are competing against. They should know what properties your buyer has bided on in the past, because then they will know how much money they have to play with.
4. Auctioneer
There’s no point having a good agent if you don’t have a good auctioneer selling your property. It’s so important that the auctioneer is able to keep the auction flowing and build momentum. Make sure you watch the auctioneer in action before deciding to go with them.
5. Editorial
What reach does your agent have to promote your property in the media? Free editorial makes a big difference and puts you a cut above the rest. It’s going to influence the price upwards and will help get more people through the door.
6. Team operations, customer service and buyer experience
It’s not just your agent that’s representing you, but their team. What’s the dynamic? Who handles the buyers? How many people work your open home? How long has everyone been in the industry?
7. Presentation
How does your agent present your property? Real estate is about finding that feeling, and when you walk into a property you either get it or you don’t. There’s only one first impression. So does your agent have good access to stylists? Do they know what time of day shows your property in the best light? Do they know when bin night is? All these little things make a huge difference when it comes to showcasing your home’s maximum potential.
— Mark is the principal director of Belle Property Surry Hills.
