Not Every Agent Is The Same
[dropcap2 variation=”purple”]T[/dropcap2]here are a few things that set a good agent apart from the rest and choosing the right one could mean the difference between how quickly you sell your home and how much you sell it for. This one decision alone could end up saving you thousands of dollars in holding costs and advertising. [image_frame style=”framed_shadow” align=”right”]https://onlineopenhome.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Agent2.jpg[/image_frame]Choosing a real estate agency is not as important as choosing the individual real estate agent. It is actually the individual real estate agent, their competency, motivation, skills, experience and support personnel that makes all the difference as to whether you achieve a strong result or end up thousands of dollars short.
When you choose a real estate agent make sure the real estate agent you select is in possession of the following rare combination of skills and experience:
[fancy_numbers variation=”purple”]- Local area expert
Those who live and breath the area in which you sell your property are more likely to have a comprehensive and up-to-date database of potential buyers for your property, before it is even marketed. The quality real estate agents develop relationships with potential buyers and actively stay in touch with and inform their database when new properties come onto the market that fall within their search criteria. Often these are the committed and serious buyers as they have been actively looking for a while and may have missed out on purchasing a property previously, and are therefore highly motivated and likely to pay a full price. Do not list your property with an agent who cannot show you their extensive experience at selling in and around the same street your property is on. - Specialist at selling your type of property
Selling a studio apartment versus a three story heritage listed terrace are vastly different processes. Given the multitude of factors that impact the particular property type from heritage and strata issues to the demographic of the potential buyers, you want an agent experienced at selling your type of property. - Negotiating
In order to negotiate effectively, the real estate agent must have a strong understanding of the local market and comparable properties so as to be confident in the value of the property and its relative position. An experienced agent who can talk confidently to the asking price, qualify buyers effectively and talk with authority on recent comparable sales will ensure your property is sold at its optimal price. [image_frame style=”framed_shadow” align=”right”]https://onlineopenhome.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Social-Media.jpg[/image_frame] - Marketing / Advertising
Presenting the property in its best possible light and in the best possible way is a skill that shouldn’t be underestimated. In fact, a quality real estate agent will need to be tech savvy in this increasingly technological world. The days of simply placing an ad in the paper and a picture in their window are limited as buyers turn towards the online shopping experience to research their potential new home. 87% of people use the internet as their main tool to search for property to buy according to Residential Consumer Property Seeker Report, Oct 2011. Because of this statistic, you must choose an agent who is comfortable with and up to date with the latest marketing tools and trends like Social Media, Video Tours and Professional Photography.
Finding an agent who can meet each of these criteria can be a time consuming task but it is important that you do your research and find the right one.
If you can find an agent with these skills and combine that with the information you learned in the earlier articles, then you are now on your way to selling your home quicker and for more money in any market.