Your property is your greatest asset so, when you’re considering selling it’s essential to choose an agent who can deliver the best result.
That doesn’t mean using the agent who makes the biggest promises, but the agent who can sell your home at the best price possible in the way that you are most comfortable and who will take the time to understand your personal needs and expectations.
Always do some research on the property market yourself. This will let you see who the best performing agents are in your area, and which ones have a history of selling properties similar to yours. It will also give you an understanding of the general value of your property and the types of properties that are selling.
It’s always a good idea to talk to at least three agents. Make sure you ask each agent the same questions so you can compare them accurately.
Each agent will have their own approach, but don’t let that throw you from your own enquiries. A good agent will listen to what you need and ensure they answer all your questions to your satisfaction.
They will also ask questions about your property to understand its best features – as well as the obstacles that might affect the likelihood of it being purchased, or from achieving the best-possible price. Really good agents will also be able to provide some advice on changes that could be made to get a better result.
Beware of agents who set high price expectations or agree immediately to whatever price you say you want. The agent you finally select should be able to justify why they believe you will achieve the price they recommend, and be able to show you comparable properties that have sold, and demonstrate their knowledge about the local market.
Lastly, seek word of mouth recommendations from friends and family and check testimonials. Don’t be afraid to ask if you can speak with one of their recent clients to gauge their experience in terms of price attained, marketing costs and the agent’s client service focus.
Top tips:
- Shortlist agents who specialise in your area and are most suitable for the relevant property and price bracket
- Speak with at least three agents
- Ask each agent the same questions – that way you can compare
- Watch out for unrealistic expectation setting – to do that, you need to have done your own research
- Ask the agent if you can talk with a recent client
- Seek word-of-mouth recommendations