Property is the largest investment most people will ever make so it follows that one of the most important professional relationships they will have is with their estate agent, however, research has shown that up to 75% of sellers will hire the first agent they approached to help them sell their home.
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“Choosing an estate agent is one of the most crucial decisions a seller makes in the home-selling process because the right agent can be the key to a smooth, successful transaction, influencing not only the speed of the sale but also its overall success and even your return on investment,” says Yael Geffen, CEO of Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty.
“It can be said that finding the right agent is very much like dating; you’ll probably have to speak to a few before you find the right match and a good match is essential when dealing with your main investment.”
Geffen notes that the following are traits of a good agent:
Problem solver mindset
Honestly and integrity
Good communication skills
Hustle and tenacity
Attention to detail
An understanding of the local market
Experience and a good track record
A strong network of connections
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So, how do you know that you’ve appointed a good agent? According to Geffen, the following are the key signs:
Your Agent Understand Your Needs
The first sign that you’ve chosen the right estate agent is that they truly understand your needs and priorities. From your first meeting, they should be attentive and interested in your goals, whether you're looking for a family home, a good investment, or a quick sale. They will ask the right questions to get a clear sense of what you’re looking for and will tailor their services to meet those needs. If your agent consistently presents options that align with your criteria, you’re likely working with the right person.
Your Agent Has Strong Local Knowledge
A knowledgeable agent who understands the local market is invaluable. The right agent should be well-versed in the suburbs you’re interested in, not only understanding the local market but also knowing the ins and outs of the area, including schools and amenities. They should be able to give insights into property values, recent sales, and the factors that influence market conditions. If your agent offers this level of expertise and can give you detailed, accurate information about your area, it’s a clear sign that you’re in good hands.
Your Agent Communicates with You Quickly, Regularly and Openly
One of the first things you should do when interviewing an agent is to ask for credentials, referrals and some basic information about how many homes they’ve sold in your area. If your agent answers these questions quickly, clearly and truthfully, that’s a very good sign.
Your Agent Keeps in Touch in a Way That Works for You
A good estate agent will keep you in the loop, which means regular communication without you constantly having to call them to ask for an update. And they will do so in your preferred method of communication whether it be a phone call, text or email at the times that best suit your schedule
Your Agent Shoots Straight with You
Selling a home involves making some tough decisions, including about pricing and potential renovations or repairs and this sometimes means that agents have to tell sellers things they don’t particularly want to hear, but it’s ultimately for the greater good that they do so. For example, sellers often have unrealistic expectations about the value of their homes, due to sentiment or because they’re working from the wrong indicators and it’s critical that agents manage these expectations and are upfront about a realistic price. While sellers should be clear about their needs and expectations, agents need to be comfortable pushing back and having the difficult conversations to make the home sale most effective. In the long run, it will help you get your home sold more quickly and for a better price.
Your Agent Markets Your Home Aggressively
Even the most appealing homes don’t sell themselves and your agent should be knowledgeable about all the current marketing practices and be willing do whatever it takes to generate foot traffic to get the place sold, leveraging a number of different options to help raise awareness of the property and market to the widest possible audience.
Your Agent Adapts, Reacts and Stays Flexible
As your home is marketed and viewed by prospective buyers, your agent will receive feedback and may need to recommend some changes, from making repairs to minor upgrades like painting a wall or even possibly a price reduction.
If you haven’t received any offers within a month, chances are that it’s a good idea to re-evaluate your home and the marketing strategy and a good agent will be able to recognise when - or if - it’s necessary to do so and will be able to make recommendations for the best way to do so without sacrificing goals.
You Feel Comfortable and Confident
One of the clearest – and most important - signs that you’ve selected the right estate agent is how you feel working with them. You should feel comfortable, confident, and reassured by their expertise and approach and not at all hesitant to ask questions. If you trust their advice and feel that they have your best interests at heart, you’ve probably found the right agent for your needs.
When it comes to finding the right agent who best fits your needs, Geffen says that it’s imperative to do due diligence and treat the process as one would when interviewing anyone for a job. She offers the following tips for finding the perfect fit:
Research and Referrals
Start by gathering recommendations from friends, family, or colleagues who have recently bought or sold property. Personal experiences can be a great indicator of an agent's abilities. Additionally, conduct online research and look for reviews. Verify credentials and licensing.
Interview Multiple Agents
Don’t settle on the first agent you meet. Interview at least three agents to get a sense of their approach, personality, and how they plan to handle your transaction. Ask for credentials, referrals and some basic information about their years of experience, how many homes they’ve sold in your area etc. If your agent answers these questions quickly, clearly and truthfully, that’s a very good sign. The agent should be someone you feel comfortable with, who listens to your needs, and who communicates clearly and promptly.
“A successful real estate journey hinges on a collaborative and transparent relationship between sellers and their chosen agents, ensuring that both parties work in tandem towards a common goal - selling the property for the best possible outcome,” concludes Geffen.
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Here is a look back at the role of a real estate agent and what you need to know
According to the Seeff Property Group, (The role of a real estate agent : What you need to know) agents do not only sell or rent property on behalf of their clients, but also have their ear to the ground in terms of what current property values are, how much properties might sell for, and what is happening in the property market.
The role of a good agent in getting your property sold as fast as possible, and for the best possible price cannot be overstated, says Samuel Seeff, chairman of Seeff. A bad agent could leave you with a lengthy and frustrating sale process.
Always meet the agents in person before appointing them:
This will give you a chance to ask questions and assess the agents. Check how long they have operated in the area. Each area is different and local expertise is a vital point of advantage for any seller.
Look for a successful sales track record:
Ask for a list of their recent sales in the area, how long it took to sell, and the prices achieved. A strong sales record is an important indicator of the likelihood of success and that the agent could find the right buyer for the property.
A strong brand and network is another advantage:
An established brand will have a strong online presence for maximum exposure of your property backed by the latest technology and marketing and sales methodologies. They will use best practice to market and sell your property.
Look for someone who will assist every step of the way:
Selling a property is a complex process with many legalities to be taken care of. A good agent will explain the process and guide the seller to ensure they have all the necessary documents and maintenance done for an efficient selling process.
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