Which Real Estate Agent Is Right For You?
Here’s how to find your perfect match when selling your home.
Which real estate agent you use may not sound like the hardest decision to make when time comes to sell your home.
But did you know that choosing the right real estate agent not only means you’ll achieve better results, but it can actually be the difference between a smooth, successful experience or a nightmare to forget.
Not to mention all the time, money and stress you’ll actually save by having the best people in your corner.
But how do you sort ‘the wheat from the chaff’, and settle on an agent that’s right for you?
Apart from the obvious - honesty and professionalism - here are the top 5 traits any real estate agent worth their salt will have:
A future mindset.
Good agents believe in building genuine relationships with clients that last long after settlement.
So find one that values this.
How can you tell? The best agents will ask questions, get to know you personally, follow up calls and meetings promptly and will answer every question you throw at them to make sure you feel comfortable.
In short, you should never be brushed off, belittled or made to feel like an inconvenience.
Great communication skills.
Even before you’ve signed up, a good agent will make sure they stay in touch regularly, and offer all the information you need to make a good decision. Once engaged, they’ll make sure you’re kept in the loop with all the important details so you’ll always know what’s happening.
Plus, they’ll be good listeners, taking on board any opinions and concerns you might have to make sure you’re comfortable throughout the process.
Market knowledge.
Good agents know their market inside out. From the first phone call, an agent should be able to demonstrate how well they know their area, and be able to reel off information not only about median prices and value growth, but also lifestyle factors like demographics, amenities and attractions.
Why does it matter? Agents that know their stuff can authentically sell the lifestyle - which ultimately draws in more interested buyers.
A vendor-first attitude.
The very best agents are client-driven. They understand that getting the best deal for their client is a win for everyone, while simply chasing a ‘quick sale’ at all costs can lead to disappointment and frustration all round.
They take the time to get to know each client - and their reasons for selling - so that they can create a positive campaign that achieves the best result possible within the client’s required timeframe.
A good track record.
The best way to tell if an agent is any good? Their past clients tell you!
If previous vendors sing their praise, you can be assured there’s good reason for it.
Good agents are not afraid to demonstrate their skills either, and will happily offer up testimonials that attest to their talent.
But if you really want to make sure they can actually do what they say they can do?
Visit websites like Rate My Agent, where you can read real reviews from real clients.
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OK - now we’ve covered what to look for - are there any dealbreakers when choosing an agent?
Yes!
Like anything in life, it pays to watch out for some obvious red flags.
After all, your property is probably your biggest asset, so making sure you find a good real estate agent should be high on the priority list.
In an industry often unfairly stigmatised by a few bad seeds, it’s easy to be dazzled by the bright lights of a beautiful pitch, a polished presentation or an agent that promises they’ll get a lofty price for your home (that other agents can’t, of course).
But just because they’ve got slick advertising splashed everywhere, or they offer the ‘lowest fees’, it doesn’t mean they’ll be the best fit for you or your property.
Scratch the surface and you’ll be able to tell if all the hype can be backed by substance.
Sales results, a good understanding of the market, solid experience, exceptional negotiation skills and affability all contribute to whether your property will be in good hands.
The best way to find out? Ask lots of questions. Check the fine print. Read the reviews.
If there are none - or even more than a few dubious ones - take heed.
Plus, watch out for these tell-tale signs that an agent may not be all as they seem:
• Too many listings. They have more listings than seems reasonable - meaning your property may get ‘lost in the crowd’.
• Indifference. An agent should be excited and upbeat about the sale of your home and what it has to offer buyers. If they’re not, it’s not the right fit.
• Pushiness. Agents that try to push you in a direction you don’t feel comfortable with - even after you’ve expressed your feelings - is a big red flag. Put simply, an agent that that tries to convince you to run a campaign that just doesn’t feel right, may not have your best interests at heart.
• They don’t listen. If you’re not heard on day one, rest assured you still won’t be as your journey progresses.
• No constructive criticism. A good, experienced agent wants to achieve the best results possible, so will offer ideas about how to make your home more appealing. No property is perfect, so if there are no suggestions, you’re probably going to miss out when offers come in.
• Disorganisation. If they’re not on top of details, or turn up late for meetings, can you imagine how they’ll treat potential buyers and manage important deadlines?
• Terrible communication. A good agent should be accessible throughout the process, answer your calls and get back to you in a timely manner.
• Dishonesty or ‘hazy promises’. Always compare an agent’s fees and contract conditions against those of other agents - although some may seem cheaper upfront, there might be more than a few missing inclusions that wind up costing you much more in the end.
The most valuable thing you can do when selling your home is to slow down, take your time and choose a great real estate agent that will put you - and your property - first.
Here at We Connect Property, we genuinely take the time to get to know you so we can recommend the best and most cost-efficient strategies to meet your needs.
Fully committed to using the most effective tools - to get your home sold quickly, and for the highest possible price - we offer what you need, when you need it. And nothing you don’t.
And we’ve got the cred to prove it. Check out all our 5 star reviews here.
So, if you’re ready to sell your home, rest assured that we’ve got you covered!
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And if you’d like some expert guidance and support? We’re ready and waiting to answer all your questions!
If you’re just getting started, or looking for more valuable property buying or selling tips, tricks and hints, check out these other handy articles on our blog:
× How to Add Value To Your Home Outdoors - Without Blowing The Budget
× The 7 Hidden Costs Of Buying A New Home
× Does the Perfect New Home Exist?
And for all the very best property buying, selling or investing advice, why not connect with us - We Connect Property are your local property market specialists with over 21 years’ experience in buying, selling and managing property in southern Adelaide.
Check out our 5 star Google reviews here to find out what our happy clients think!
Give us a call on 0403 799 983 today, or drop a line to sales@weconnectproperty.com.au - we can’t wait to chat!
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We Connect Property - your Adelaide real estate & property management specialists.
DISCLAIMER: All recommendations made by We Connect Property are general in nature and not to be relied upon as legal or financial advice. To ensure accuracy, we always strongly recommend seeking independent, professional advice tailored to your specific situation before making any investment or financial decisions.