How to find the right real estate agent to sell your home

Listing your house is a daunting task, because it usually means dealing with the transaction of your family’s largest and most private asset.

Whether you are facing competitive conditions or want to get the most from sales in a slower market, choosing the right agent to sell your property is crucial.

The following are important tips from experts to help you find the perfect person to guide you through
process.

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Going to the agent’s open house is a way to determine their style.

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What to look for

Mike McCarthy, CEO of Barry Plant, said that suppliers should ultimately choose an agent they are satisfied with and can trust.

Mr. McCarthy said: “The seller trusts the agent very much, so you need someone who will provide you with honest and direct feedback throughout the campaign.”

“Clear and good communication is the key to all this.”

Although it is easy to be attracted by an agent who tells you what you want to hear, they need to share their objective view of your home with a deep understanding of the buyer community.

Mr. McCarthy said this usually means that choosing a local agent who knows the area and the buyer “very well” is the best way.

“Part of the sales process is selling the vision to buyers,” he said.

“If they know about the small park around the corner, the quirks of public transportation, and the best local cafes, then the reviews of the agents here or there may help ensure the interest of potential buyers.”

Jarrod McCabe, director of Wakelin Property Advisory, said people often pay attention to their “personal relationship” with the intermediary.

“You don’t need to think they will become your best friends, but they should have a good reputation,” Mr. McCabe said.

Mike McCarthy, CEO of the Barry plant.

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Where to start

Potential sellers can search online for recent sales in their suburbs to get a preliminary understanding of the main agents and agents in their area.

It is also important to find people who have experience selling similar types of properties.

Mr. McCarthy said: “If you have a period to go home, do your research to see who is handling these types of sales.”

He said that a good broker should have comparable sales on hand—including the properties they sell—to prove their success and let the supplier know where their home is on the market.

Meeting with at least two agents will help you maintain choice.

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Shop around

Before choosing an agent, don’t be afraid to meet with several different agents.

Mr. McCarthy suggested that sellers even “buy secretly” potential agents.

He said: “Check their public information to see how they treat buyers, how popular do you think they are, how diligently they collect your details, and the important thing is whether they will answer the phone.

If you plan to sell through auctions, participating in some agency auctions will also be a good test.

Mr. McCarthy said that before making a decision, it is an ideal position to meet with “at least two or three” agents.

“If you pursue more, you may start to confuse yourself-unless you feel uncomfortable with the first few,” he said.

Commission rate

Buying and selling can be a costly process. But Mr. McCabe warned not to be constrained by the commission rate of the agent.

He said that interest rates usually depend on the value of the property. The fair interest rate for an average residence is about 2%, while a house worth millions of dollars may be as low as 1%.

“The difference between half or quarter may be a few thousand dollars. But if you have the right broker, they will make up for this (in the sale),” the real estate consultant said.

Talking to any recent sellers you know to compare rates is another way to measure reasonable numbers.

Jarrod McCabe, Wakelin Real Estate Consulting Director.

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What about the supplier’s spokesperson?

Supplier advocates are third parties who can help supplement agency work throughout the event. But is it worth investing in their services?

Mr. McCarthy said this may help people who are uncomfortable with the sales process. But he pointed out that “a good agent should give you all the comfort you need.”

Mr. McCabe said that the added benefit of advocates is that they can “focus on your property.”

“Vendor advocates usually don’t try to sell 10 properties at once,” he said.

“They can provide tailored advice on price, timing and marketing. Two sets of views on the best negotiation strategy can help you get the best chance at the best price.”

Questions to ask the agent

– What other properties have you sold similar to me?

-What price did you reach?

– Would you recommend us to sell through auction or privately?

– What is the profile of the possible buyers of my family?

– Do I need to complete any updates to prepare my house for sale?

– How should I show my home?

– What is the appropriate marketing strategy for buyers?

– Throughout the campaign, how will you keep me updated on the situation?

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