Selecting an Agent

It goes without saying that it is very important  to select a real   estate agent who is  not  only  competent, but   also  professional,  reputable and ethical.

Most  people are  aware of some of the  bad industry practices from first hand experience. However, there are certainly agents  who operate professionally and ethically.

In  looking   for   an   agent  that   will  work in your  best interest, word  of mouth recommendations are always a good way to start. If you don’t   have a recommendation you may consider talking to other vendors who  have just  sold  with the  agent you’re  considering.

Knock  on  their  door and ask  them about their   experience  with   their   agent.  Most people would  be  only too  glad  to give you their opinion.

Treat   the   appointment of  the   real  estate agent like a job  interview. They  should be able   to  provide  you   with  information  of recent sales of houses similar  to  yours in your area and of other properties currently on the  market (your competition).

If  you   are   interviewing more  than  one agent,  you   may   be   tempted  to   choose the   agent  who   quotes  you   the   highest selling   price   for   your   home.   Although agents  are  obligated  to  substantiate  their quoted price, they  certainly are  under no obligation  to   achieve  the   quoted  price when selling  it. Contrary to  some peoples belief’s, agents do not  control the  market.

Remember, if your  selling  price  is too  high, the   right   buyer  for  your   home  may   buy something else  and you’ll miss out on selling for the highest price.

Agents’  commissions   are   negotiable,  so you  can  negotiate a  fair commission. Most agents charge between 2%  and  4%  of the sale  price. Although  some agents will go  a little lower  and  some as high  as 5%.  When negotiating commission be careful of what  is and  isn’t included. Some agents have  one ‘all inclusive’  fee, while others have  a fee plus  an amount for advertising and  other costs which are payable whether you sell or not.

Be aware  of   catches.  A  low   fee   may not provide the  incentive required for maximum effort  to be  put  into  the  sale  by the  sales team. They are  more likely to put the  majority  of their effort towards selling  a property for a vendor who is paying them a higher commission.

Don’t  rush  into  signing up  with  an  agent to  sell  your  most valuable asset until  you have done  your   checks  and  are   totally comfortable that  they  are  the  right  people for the  job.

Graham Lester

Graham is known for his passion and his drive to succeed in all aspects of his professional life. A man with a big vision.

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Graham is known for his passion and his drive to succeed in all aspects of his professional life. A man with a big vision, Graham has immense pride in the company he directs; and is particularly proud of having been awarded the BDH Cup in 2010, and becoming one of the top 10% of performers in Australasia while maintaining a 79% repeat and referral client ratio.

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