Seller’s guide to choosing an agent

Seller’s guide to choosing an agent

A piece of real estate is generally a person’s most valuable asset, so when it comes to realising that value it all comes down to the sale.

Property owners value the role a sales agent plays but can be unsure of how to make an agent selection.

The real estate agent provides a service as an intermediary between sellers and buyers, finding sellers who wish to sell and buyers who wish to buy.

A trained, licensed and experienced agent has the expertise to guide the process from the listing of the property, the introduction of the buyers, and the negotiation through to the completion of the sale transaction.

Property owners, especially participating in the selling process for the first time, can be unsure of how to make their choice of agent to market and sell to get the best result on their behalf.

LJ Hooker Leeming offers a series of questions that sellers can pose to potential agents.

• How long have you been selling real estate?
• How long has your agency been operating?
• How many properties have you sold in the last 12 months?
• From what advertising sources do the majority of buyers come
• Approximately how many purchasers do you have listed on your database who might    be interested in inspecting my property for sale?
• Do you advertising online?
• If yes, what sites do you use?
• Are Open Homes a good idea?
• What is your agency’s attitude to auction and private treaty campaign?
• If I were to auction, what is your agency’s performance in the last six months of properties sold? Prior to auction? Under the hammer? After the auction?
• Over the last six months what has been the average time of market for your agency?
• What is the average time period from marketing to offer to acceptance?
• What is the length of your agency period?
• If I am not happy with your service what recourse do I have?
• Do you have references and can I call the referees if I have questions I’d like to ask?
• Do you have any customer testimonials or referrals I can see ?
• Why should I appoint you as my selling agent?

You want an agent who is prepared to spend time to make sure 

you feel comfortable and secure with their knowledge and experience, who will listen to you and communicate with you, and ask you just as many questions.

Our experience with happy customers suggests qualities that make agents stand out include strong communicator, excellent negotiator, assertiveness, effective use made of online marketing and social media, and good evidence of repeat business from satisfied customers.