Sometimes choosing the right estate agent to sell your home can be a little like a child in a candy store – but perhaps not as much fun. There are hundreds of agents to choose from, but not all are as nice on the inside as they look on the outside.
It can be tempting to select the first agent you meet, or the only one you know. But don’t be hasty. Different estate agents could offer a vastly different service to you, often at the same or a very similar price.
A wise customer always buys by comparison. And this is exactly how you should shop for your agent. Pick 3 agents or companies that you think may be able to offer you a professional real estate experience. Call them in separately, and interview them.
Sellers may feel “guilty” about calling more than one agent to see them. But there is no need to. Most professional agents expect you to speak to more than one agent, and we don’t mind you selecting the best agent for the job. After all, it’s your property and your money!
Once you’ve called an agent in, it’s time to compare them. Look out for the following important points:
- Who is on time for their appointment? If they are poor now, imagine what service you will receive.
- Professional dress and speech. Do they look the part? Do you want someone scruffy to represent you, or someone who looks and sounds like they know what they’re doing?
- Ask them about recent market activity. Test their local knowledge. If you don’t ask them the buyers will.
- Ask them to tell you about their results and experience. What track record do they or their company have? What are their average days on the market? What percentage of their sole mandates to they sell? If they have zero results then what results can you expect?
- How do they address pricing? Do they “thumbsuck”? Or do they do proper research – and that doesn’t mean just printing off a list of sales… Have they applied their mind to genuine comparable sales?
- What marketing plan are they offering you? Is it in writing? Is it detailed? Without marketing you will not achieve market value. Don’t be fooled.
- What service do they offer you? Beware of empty promises. Poor service will result in a lower price being achieved, and a bad experience.
- What does their presentation look like? Is their material of good quality? If they can’t invest in a professional presentation how will they professionally present your property?
- Does their sole mandate have a performance clause? If they agent doesn’t deliver on their marketing and service promise can you cancel the mandate? If not then beware. You may be tied in to a mandate with no way out if they don’t deliver on their promises.
- Finally, whom do you trust? Don’t pick someone because of their company name – that’s only one part. You need to trust the agent you work with, as they need to represent you.
Once you’ve interviewed 3 different agents then select the one that best meets the criteria above. Use a comparison sheet, and if you need one then Harcourts can email you one. Don’t be fooled. Not all agents are created equal.
Choosing the right agent will result in you selling for market value and enjoying the experience. Choose carefully – you deserve the best.
Steve Caradoc-Davies