When it comes to separating the good from the bad, choosing a real estate agent that’s right for you can be a gamechanger when it comes to a stress free sale.
Your house is often your biggest financial asset, and making the decision to sell is never easy. The commission paid to a real estate agent is often the largest outlay when it comes to selling property, so it’s important to pick the right one from the get go.
Five Tips On Choosing A Real Estate Agent
While a top agent should know the area like the back of their hand, general knowledge isn’t enough. They should know exactly what’s going on in the market, what’s been recently sold, how much it sold for, and all the inner workings of what buyers and sellers are up to in their pocket of the world. A good real estate agent is often a seller’s secret weapon, but only if you can find one with the right credentials, track record and expertise to match the property in question that you’re looking to sell – so how do you get it right?
Do The Research – Although it may sound like the obvious one, be sure to conduct thorough research before choosing a real estate agent. Avoid settling on the cheapest commission rate offered, as this can often be negotiated. While many of us ask our friends and family for recommendations, their property may be vastly different to the one you’re trying to sell.
Go Local – It’s important that the agent you opt for not only knows the area you’re selling in, but lives and breathes it. They should be able to rattle off the other properties for sale in your region plus those that have sold recently in their sleep. Other properties in the area could also very well be competition to your own, so it’s always good to know what – and who – you’re up against.
Be A Buyer – When choosing a real estate, don’t be afraid to go undercover for a spot of espionage. If you’ve set your sights on a local agent but aren’t quite convinced yet, start attending open home days in your area to see how they work in the flesh. Use the opportunity to see how the agent presents an open house and deals with potential buyers.
Check The Data – The simple fact of the matter is that numbers don’t lie. Jump online and take a look at properties that have recently sold in your area in the past six months, and who’s been managing the property. The results should reflect the hard facts that you need to know as a seller, such as the sale prices and time on the market.
Pick Your Vibe – Much like selecting a family doctor, you’re simply going to like working with some real estate agents over others. If the lines of communication with your real estate agent aren’t open and transparent, they’re probably not the right choice for you. An agent that vibed well with someone you know may not be the best fit for you, so make sure you’re comfortable.
Should you be looking to sell your home, enlisting the services of a free property advisor like ESPA can often be a game changer for vendors. As an example, your advisor would likely research the property, local agents, check the zoning, evaluate market conditions, and communicate clearly with the owner regarding all of their options, and can be particularly useful when it comes to choosing a real estate that’s right for you. When working with a reputable advisor, this often results in homeowners being able to sell their property for significantly more than they initially thought possible.
How To Take The Stress Out Of Selling Property
A completely free service, Emergency Services Property Advisors provide property advisor services to Police, Fire, Ambulance and S.E.S personnel and their families right across Victoria.
Luke and the team at ESPA are passionate about providing support to some of Australia’s most valued public servants. Along with key industry insights, ESPA also works with a broad range of service providers linked to the real estate industry such as conveyancers, trades, legal practitioners and mortgage brokers.
If you are an emergency services worker looking to potentially buy or sell property in the future, please get in touch with Emergency Services Property Advisors today to discuss how we can turn your real estate dreams into reality, or call Luke directly on 0414 757 705.
