How to choose the right agent for you

Selling your house can be an emotional journey. Finding the right agent will make the difference between a successful life transition and a traumatic experience that leaves you underwhelmed.
So what should you look for in the perfect real estate agent? Keep the following tips in mind:

1. Stay local
   A local agent will be up to date on the price you can expect for your home. Avoid the temptation to bring in an outsider, who may not be well-informed about the latest movements on the market.
   Using a local agent is also helpful because he or she can put you in touch with reliable contractors who work nearby and can work on repairs and upgrades before you sell.
   
2. Check their references and reviews
   Everything is reviewed online these days. The second tip on how to choose an agent is to check the reviews and references of the person you’re considering hiring. A few bad reviews here and there might be a personality clash, but a number of bad reviews or no reviews at all is a red flag.
   You can also ask potential agents to put you in touch with some of their recent clients and make some phone calls to hear about their experience.
   
3. Ask about sales results
   When you are having initial discussions with your prospective agent, ask them about their recent sales results. A quality agent will be able to share the data with you. An agent who is coy about sharing their recent results may have something to hide.
   
4. Get a valuation
   Before you take on your agent, have a valuation of your property. This way, you will know what to expect before talking to any prospective agents who might hit you with a ‘too-good-to-be-true’ scenario.
   
   Be aware, though, that valuation may be a great deal lower than what the market will pay, so you don’t always have to discount everything an agent says.
   
   It helps to have a professional valuation then three appraisals from local property agents. If one price is much higher than the others, be sure to find out exactly why the agent thinks they can fetch this amount from a buyer.

5. Ask about marketing
   Whatever you are selling, it is all about marketing. You can’t sell something that no one knows is for sale. The best quality agents will present you with their marketing strategies early on in the process.
   
6. Talk through the start-to-finish steps
   Ask your agent to explain their process so you understand what will happen at every stage. This way, you are in the loop and can have the necessary input into the sale of your home. You should avoid any agent who acts as if they are guarding a secret and never picks up the phone when you call.
   
7. Do you like them?
   You don’t have to make a lifelong best friend but your agent should be someone who you feel you can get along with.
   
   You will be spending a lot of time with this person during a lengthy process so it is important that you are comfortable with this person. The best agents will always be out to bat
   for you and have your best interests in mind. You should leave the process feeling excited and happy to refer them to someone else.
   
   Looking for the best agents in town? Reach out today on 0410 665 947.