You've reached the point where you've decided to sell your home, and it's time to involve real estate agents. Selecting the right agent is crucial for a successful outcome, though it's not always a straightforward decision. Fortunately, there are excellent agents available nowadays, but there are also some to steer clear of. Here are our top five recommendations for selecting the optimal agent to handle the sale of your home:
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Proven Track Record: Request the agent to furnish a list of their recent personal sales within the last 6-12 months. This will offer a clear indication of their level of activity in the local area and insight into the types of properties they predominantly handle. Online platforms like Ratemyagent.com.au and Openagent.com.au, as well as reviews on Google and Facebook, can be valuable resources. In today's digital age, it's challenging to conceal negative reviews.
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Local Knowledge: An agent with local expertise is essential for a successful outcome. It's imperative that the agent you choose is from the local area, ideally a resident themselves. This ensures they have a vested interest in maintaining the area's property values. Agents from outside the area often lack an active buyer database in the region and may not be well-versed in the type of property you're selling, such as waterfront properties.
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Experience: While newcomers to the industry may possess energy and enthusiasm, agents with ten or more years of experience will have honed their negotiation and selling skills over many years. Proficiency in handling challenging negotiations and maximizing outcomes doesn't develop overnight. Agents with a longer tenure in the industry have a better grasp of market fluctuations and can adeptly manage any situation.
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Setting Benchmark Records: Ideally, you'd want an agent with a reputation for achieving record sale prices rather than one with the highest number of sales. An agent who is committed to surpassing their client's expectations, regardless of the time it takes, is the ideal choice for selling your home. Many agents are driven by high turnover and may boast about how quickly they make sales. However, it's advisable to closely examine the prices they have achieved to determine whether they consistently secure good market prices or undersell for a quick sale.
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Word of Mouth: Seek recommendations from friends and family who have had firsthand experiences with real estate agents. While referrals are valuable, ensure that these individuals have actually used the agent's services rather than being merely acquaintances. Inquire about what they liked or disliked about the agent and whether they were satisfied with the overall outcome. An important indicator is whether the agent's initial valuation of the property aligns with the final selling price; if they significantly inflated the initial figure only to convince the seller to settle for less, they might not be the best fit for the job.
We believe that the Honer Dodd Realty team meets all the criteria for choosing the best real estate agent. If you're contemplating selling your home in 2023, we would welcome the opportunity to meet with you for a further discussion. Please don't hesitate to contact us at 95296699.
