Forrestfield
When selling your home, selecting a real estate agent is one of the most critical decisions you’ll make. It’s vital you do your due diligence and list your home with an agent you trust and have confidence in.
Put yourself in the strongest possible position by finding a real estate agent who understands the local market conditions. A quality agent will evaluate the property with buyer demands in mind and work with you to determine an appropriate listing price.
Where to start
It’s important to ensure any agent you consider is a member of the Real Estate Institute of Western Australia. REIWA agents are required to comply with the Institute’s Code of Practice, plus they carry compulsory professional indemnity insurance which, should an issue arise, ensures all parties are protected.
Speaking to friends, colleagues or neighbours who have recently been through the process of selling or buying a home can provide valuable insights into their personal experience with an agent. Good or bad, this experience is very useful in helping to determine if the agent is suitable.
The internet is another great source of information, however be cautious when perusing agent referral websites as they aren’t the most accurate representation of the ‘best’ agent in your area. They simply feature agents willing to give up a portion of their commission for a lead.
reiwa.com AgentFinder has you covered
If you’re searching for an online tool to help you compare agents, reiwa.com AgentFinder is your best option. This useful tool features more than 9,000 agents and sales representatives listed across the state and is free for both the agent and public. It allows you to search for agents in your area and view their profile, experience, current listings and recent selling or leasing statistics. You get a full scope of an agents capabilities and can determine if they are suitable for you based on a range of performance criteria, not just the lowest fee price.
Before making your decision, it’s smart to create a shortlist and meet with a number of agents. Ask questions about how they plan to approach the task of selling your home. This includes everything from how they will promote and market the property, what their knowledge of the local area is and what selling method they recommend.
It’s also important to have a good rapport with the agent. You’ll likely be working with the agent for a number of weeks, so a positive relationship will ensure selling your property is an enjoyable experience. Plus, don’t forget to enquire about the more obvious points like fees and marketing costs.
Once you’ve appointed an agent, don’t be afraid to ask them as many questions as you please throughout the selling process. They are there to guide you through the process and ensure you achieve the best possible outcome.
