Selling your family home can be one of the most significant financial decisions you’ll make in your lifetime. Choosing the right real estate agent is critical to ensure a smooth and profitable transaction. But with so many agents vying for your business, how do you identify the best one? Here are some key factors to consider when interviewing agents.
Honesty
Honesty forms the cornerstone of all successful relationships and is even more important when it comes to your chosen real estate agent. An agent who provides a realistic appraisal of your property’s value, rather than inflating it to win your business, is demonstrating their commitment to integrity. Ask potential agents for evidence to support their valuation and be wary of those who promise unrealistic prices. An honest agent will be transparent and let you know if they feel your expectations may be out of reach. After all, their goal is to sell your home not have it sit on the market for months on end without any success.
Professionalism
Professionalism encompasses a range of qualities, from punctuality and preparedness to how an agent presents themselves. During interviews, note if the agent arrives on time, is well-dressed, and communicates clearly. Professionalism also extends to their marketing materials and online presence. An agent who takes pride in offering high-quality photography, detailed professionally written ad copy, and has active social media engagement is likely a good candidate for selling your home.
Negotiation Skills
The ability to negotiate effectively can significantly impact the final sale price of your home. Ask agents about their negotiation strategies and for examples of how they’ve handled difficult negotiations in the past. An effective negotiator should be confident, persuasive, and able to maintain composure under pressure. Their goal should always be to secure the best possible outcome for you.
Personality
You will be working closely with your real estate agent, so it’s important that their personality meshes well with yours. Look for an agent who is approachable, empathetic, and listens to your concerns. A good agent should make you feel comfortable and supported throughout the selling process. Trust your gut feeling during the interview—if an agent seems overly pushy, distracted or dismissive, they might not be the right fit.
Past Sales History
An agent’s track record can provide valuable insights into their capabilities. Request details on their past sales, including the types of properties they have sold and the time it took to sell them. Look for patterns of success in properties similar to yours and enquire about any challenges they faced. An agent with a strong sales history demonstrates their ability to deliver results.
Successful Sale Results
Ultimately, the proof of an agent’s effectiveness lies in their ability to achieve successful sale results. This includes not only the final sale price but also the speed and efficiency of the transaction. Choose a property from their recent sales and ask to see a testimonial or better still to have a phone call with the vendor. Look at online reviews not only from REA, but other review sites including Google. A high level of client satisfaction and positive feedback are strong indicators of an agent’s competence.
The Ultimate Secret Weapon: Vendor Advocates
While these factors are crucial in choosing a real estate agent, the ultimate secret weapon is to engage the services of an experienced Vendor Advocate. A Vendor Advocate acts as a third-party advisor who represents your interests throughout the selling process. They interview and help you select the best agent, ensure your property is marketed effectively, and negotiate commission on your behalf. This additional layer of expertise can make a significant difference in achieving the best possible outcome and won’t cost you a cent as they share in a portion of the agent’s commission.
By leveraging the expertise of a Vendor Advocate, you can navigate the complexities of the real estate market with confidence and give yourself the best opportunity to achieve the most favorable result for your property sale.
If you would like help with knowing how to choose the best and most trustworthy agent, give our Vendor Advocates a call or visit us at www.sydneyvendoradvocates.au.
