How to choose the best real estate agent to sell your property

Choosing the right real estate agent to sell your property is a crucial decision that can greatly impact on the success of your sale. It is commonly agreed within the industry that the real estate agent can influence the sale price by up to 10%. The choice of agent will also influence the amount of stress you will be dealing with throughout the sales process. Using a good agent will instil confidence in the process and make decisions significantly easier for you to make.

The following are some key factors to consider when selecting a real estate agent:

1. Experience and Skill:

Look for an agent with a track record of selling properties in your area and ask them how many years of experience they have. Don’t assume that the agent that sells the most in your area is necessarily the best agent. Some agents focus on volume and this then in itself builds on more volume, which can appear to the market place to signal that the agent is good. Unfortunately, sometimes these agents can give very poor service due to the large volumes they process and they often pass on very important tasks to team members who are not very skilled.

2. Reputation and Testimonials:

Nothing is more telling than what previous clients have to say. Sometimes this can be difficult to assess critically as most agents will only send out testimonial requests via the online platforms to clients they know are satisfied with their work. A more telling measure is the agents NPS (net promoter score) result. This is a measure that is done in-house via the company they work within and it is a measure from a request that is sent out to every single client they have sold for or sold to. This prevents the agent from being able to hide from an unhappy client. Ask the prospective agent what their NPS score is. Most agents will have an abundance of good reviews, but very few will have a history of only good reviews. Don't be shy to ask the agent for contact details for their references so you can contact them.

3. Local Market Knowledge:

A good real estate agent will have an in depth knowledge about local market conditions and will be able to offer valuable insights into current trends, pricing, and buyer preferences. They should show you comparable properties in the area that have recently sold and that are currently on the market. Don’t just accept the agents opinion on price, they should demonstrate to you how they have come to the value they place on your property. Furthermore, they should have a good understanding of the neighborhood amenities, schools, transportation, and other relevant factors that can influence the sale of your property.

4. Marketing Plan:

Good marketing is essential to get the best possible price, but this does not necessarily need to cost a fortune. Discuss each element of marketing with the agent and let them explain why it is necessary and how it benefits you. A comprehensive marketing plan should include online listing options, professional photography, drone photography, floor plans, staging recommendations, advice on preparing the property for market (including repairs and any recommendations for easy improvement in presentation), open homes, print advertising, and targeted promotion to potential buyers including to the agencies database. The agent should also talk about proactive methods of attracting qualified buyers.

5. Communication:

Effective communication is the key to good service. The agent should inform you of the frequency that they will be communicating with you and how they will be reporting back to you with regards to inspections and open homes. It is also critical that the agent is able to listen to your needs as this will affect the conditions of the sale and become crucial in the negotiation process and when the contract is prepared.

6. Commission:

Don’t be shy to discuss what the agents commission structure is. Whilst a lower commission percentage can save you some money, going for the cheapest agent can cost you more in the long run. Don’t hire an agent just because they charge a low commission rate, this can end up costing you much more than the difference in commission between a good agent and a cheap agent.

7. Trust:

It is essential that you feel comfortable with the agent as they will be guiding you through the process and decisions will be extremely stressful if there is no intrinsic trust. You need to feel comfortable discussing any matter with the agent and you must be sure that you feel the agent is professional, honest and committed to achieving the best outcome for you.

Real Estate Market Update - Robina and the Gold Coast QLD - February 2024

The property market is extremely vibrant at the moment on the Gold Coast!

Stock levels remain at record lows and the number of buyers through our open homes has increased dramatically in the past few weeks, to the level it was at the peak of the price increases during the "covid" market.

The Golden Opportunity: Unveiling the Secrets of the Gold Coast QLD Real Estate Market

With its pristine beaches, world-class surf breaks, and vibrant city life, the Gold Coast QLD offers a lifestyle that is second to none. But it's not just the lifestyle that makes the real estate market here shine – it's also the lucrative investment potential.

Investing in the Gold Coast QLD real estate market presents a unique opportunity for both local and international buyers. From luxurious waterfront properties to high-rise apartments with stunning ocean views, there is a diverse range of options to suit every investor's needs.

In this article, we will explore the key factors driving the growth of the Gold Coast QLD real estate market, such as population growth, infrastructure developments, and the booming tourism industry. We will also provide expert insights and tips to help you navigate this competitive market and maximize your return on investment.

Real Estate Market Update - Robina and the Gold Coast QLD - October 2023

With so much change in the property market over the past 3 years we are currently seeing a stabilisation of price, with prices trending sideways for the past few months in most suburbs.

Stock levels remain low and for the time being, this seems to be balancing the downward pressure of the high interest rates.

I have created a new graphic with the graphs of Supply, Demand and Price superimposed on the same timeline, highlighting the relationship between the market forces and price.

Real Estate Market Update - Robina, Gold Coast QLD - JULY 2023

Much to the surprise of many, the property market has remained surprisingly strong on the Gold Coast. This is being driven mainly by the incredibly low stock levels and demand from buyers is still fairly robust.

We have seen a reverse in the decline of property prices in Robina, with both houses and units increasing in price over the past 3 to 5 months.

The median price for apartments in Robina has remained fairly resilient, moving sideways from June 2022 to November 2022.
Demand remains steady and strong. We had approximately 10 people per open home in February. This needs to be seen in the context that we used to have approximately 4 people per open home prior to 2021.

Real Estate Market Update - Robina, Gold Coast QLD - JANUARY 2023

The property market in Robina has well and truly changed direction over the past 6 months, with the median property price for houses having moved down by $130,000 from $1,240,000 to $1,110,000 from June 2022 till November 2022.

The median price for apartments in Robina has remained fairly resilient, moving sideways from June 2022 to November 2022.
Demand remains steady and strong. We had approximately 10 people per open home in February. This needs to be seen in the context that we used to have approximately 4 people per open home prior to 2021.

THE 13 MOST ASKED QUESTIONS OF A SOLICITOR DURING A PROPERTY SALE OR PURCHASE - answered by a specialist solicitor

When buying or selling a home, you must sign a Contract. Frankly, whenever signing a Contract of any kind you should seek legal advice, especially when it comes to buying an asset that, for most people, will be the biggest assets of their lives. There are a number of pitfalls that, unless you are familiar with property law and conveyancing, you just could not know.

Real Estate Market Update - Robina, Gold Coast QLD - June 2022

The Robina and Gold Coast property market continues to perform exceptionally well with all the fundamentals driving the growth remaining consistent at the moment. Talk of high inflation rates and interest rates increasing has not impacted the local market yet.

Demand remains steady and strong. We had approximately 10 people per open home in February. This needs to be seen in the context that we used to have approximately 4 people per open home prior to 2021.

Real Estate Market Update - Varsity Lakes, Gold Coast QLD - June 2022

The property market on the Gold Coast has had an incredible year of growth in 2021, with stock levels having remained very low over the year and buyer demand seeming to be endless. The start to 2022 has been very strong, however, there are a few subtle indicators pointing to a possible slow down or levelling off in the market.