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7 Things to Know Before Choosing Your Real Estate Agent

7 Things to Know Before Choosing Your Real Estate Agent

Choosing the right real estate agent to support you through the selling or buying process can be daunting and is an extremely important decision. There is little in life as stressful as selling or purchasing property and the right real estate agent can be your greatest asset to help you through the process, making it seamless and enjoyable, potentially leaving you happier and your wallet richer. There are some key aspects to consider when selecting your real estate agent, and most locations will have a few agencies and agents to choose from offering experts to specialise in your type of property or situation. 
 
We have seven handy hints to consider when selecting your real estate agent and hope to help you in finding the right team to make your property goals a reality. 
 
  1. Know your goals 
Before choosing your agent its important to know your property goals. Some things to consider include if you're buying or selling if you're looking for a sale by auction, how the housing market in your area is performing, and what you'd like to achieve from your sale. The right real estate agent for you will specialise in finding the type of property you seek – for example, some future homeowners are looking for an investment property, some are looking to enter the market, and some are seeking their forever home. Being clear about what you need from your agent will help to determine if they're the right one for the job. 
 
  1. Choose local 
Every town, city and market is different – and most areas have an array of local real estate agents to choose from. Selecting a local agent to work with you will put you at the benefit of local area knowledge, market insights and quick notifications about available properties. Additionally, if you're unlucky with a property, your local agent will be able to seek out similar properties for you or assess your property based on the local competition.
 
  1. Get to know your potential agent 
Most agents are active at inspections, open homes and auctions, and it's easy to observe their communication and selling styles. Seeing your agent in action can be one of the best ways to discover if they're the right agent for you and your property. Some things to look out for include:
 
  • Did the agent greet all potential buyers well, in a friendly and open manner?
  • What is their communication style with the clients? 
  • Were they detail orientated? A good agent will take details of all potential buyers with plans to follow up after the open home or inspection 
  • Did they know the property well, listing all the benefits and answering all questions confidently?
  • Did they follow up with you after the inspection and offer to answer any questions or assist you further?
  • Were they on time for the event?
  • Did you like their use of marketing materials and opportunities? Were there enough signage, available pamphlets and information?
 
If you like the agent this can be a good opportunity to meet them and grab their contact information for future use. 
 
  1. Check their sales history 
Most agents will have the past sales history and successes of their resume available for public knowledge. Discovering whether they have sold properties like yours or have a property that you seek available for purchase can indicate that they're specialists in your type of dream home. A quick way to do this is to search properties that have sold in your area in the past 6 months and have a look at the agent who managed the property. When enquiring to an agent, feel free to ask questions such as how long the last home they sold was on the market, what kind of sale prices they achieve and how many homes they have sold in the past 12 months. 
 
  1. Ensure that they know the market 
A good agent will know their region well and can offer a snapshot of what the housing activity is like. Your agent should be able to answer all of your questions about school types, shopping centres, work opportunities, crime rates and environmental factors, and can offer you an educated insight into your potential new location. Knowing the types of demographics and properties that reside in your area can determine whether your home will thrive in the selling market or if you will be able to find the right home to purchase. 
 
  1. Ask about their marketing experience 
Marketing can be the difference between your home reaching the dining tables and screens of hundreds of potential buyers, or none at all. Marketing campaigns are much more extensive than a picket sign out the front of the property and can involve intricate digital marketing plans, print and online processes, social media and word of mouth. It's important that your agent knows how to create excitement and anticipation about your property and can easily drum up interest. Experienced agents will have an extensive list of potential buyers as well as properties available and when choosing these agents – you're generally gaining access to this database. The marketing and advertising strategy of your agent will create the first and most lasting impression of your property – so it's important that they have a clear plan for how to advertise your property, and that you agree with and understand their marketing strategy. 
 
  1. Go with your instincts
Buying and selling a property can be an emotional experience and your agent should be with you every step of the way. It's important to make sure your agent makes you feel comfortable and that you get along well. First impressions count and choosing the right agent for your buying and selling journey comes down to more than just facts and figures. Selecting an agent who has the best for you and your family in mind, and who cares about the success of your sale, will result in having a dedicated and passionate person at the forefront of your property. When selecting an agent, make sure they understand you and want to work with you to make your dreams or goals a reality. 
 
Choosing the right agent is an integral part of your experience in the housing market, and we hope this blog has made you feel confident and clear about the process of finding the right agent. Here at G1 Property, we are experts in helping clients exactly like you to find their dream home or investment property or to sell their property. Operating in Mooloolaba and its surroundings, we have the experience and passion to bring you the best results and our team has the dedication and industry know-how to tick all of your boxes when searching for your agent. 
 
To start the conversation about your next change or sale call us at 5478 0200 or to rent one of our luxury properties call 0418 183 641.  Alternatively, enter your details through our contact form and our best agents will contact you to start with making your move.

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