THE TOP 10 QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR AGENT WHEN SELLING YOUR PROPERTY

There are a lot of real estate professionals out there today. Chances are you may already know one from within your own social circle. You can get referrals from neighbours, friends, and family members, however, you need to choose the most qualified person for the job that you feel you’ll work well with.

The ideal agent for you is an experienced professional who knows your market, acts in an ethical manner, answers all of your questions, addresses your concerns and, most important, will listen to you and be your teammate throughout the entire process.

Here are my top ten questions to assist you in selecting the right agent…

1. How long have you been a Real Estate Agent in this area for?

In this industry, local area experience definitely counts – but that doesn’t mean that the agent who has been around the longest is the best one for you. What you are looking for, is someone who has had enough experience to handle all aspects of the sale, combined with the enthusiasm and motivation required to secure a buyer for your property.

2. What properties have you recently sold in the area, and do you have any buyers that missed out who might be interested in my property?

Agents will often have a type of property that they are best at selling, due to their location, experience and personal preferences. An effective agent will have a well-managed and up-to-date database of buyers and sellers that they regularly communicate with.

3. What selling price do you think I can achieve?

Prospective agents will give you a sale price they think they can achieve for your property. The most important question to ask is “What are you basing that on?” They should then support this with recent sales in your area of similar properties – both from their agency and others.

Make sure they can support the suggested sale price with evidence – you don’t want to fall for the trap of securing the agent who simply says they can get the best price for you!

4. How long do you think it will take to sell my property and why?

By asking this question, you don’t expect the agent to give you an exact number of days that it will take to sell your property! You are looking for their understanding of the current market and the factors impacting your area, and how these will contribute to the selling process.

5. What is your professional sales fee?

This is an important question. You are not looking for the cheapest agent but the agent that will give you the best service. What is included in their fees? You are looking for a good negotiator and value for money – a good agent will be able to confidently justify their price.

6. What method would you recommend to sell my property and why?

There are several different types of campaigns your agent may recommend as follows:

Auction – a sale (usually in public) by an auctioneer at which property is sold to the highest bidder.

EOI – Expressions of Interest – a deadline is set by which potential buyers submit a bid of what they are prepared to pay.

POA – Price on Application – property will be listed with a sale price of “POA” so that vendors will need to contact agent to receive details.

Tender – the selling of a property through seeking written bids/offers.

Private Treaty Sale – the process in which potential buyers negotiate with a real estate agent to purchase your property.

7. How do you plan to arrange the viewing of my property?

This is either via scheduled ‘open house’ times or by appointment only?Both of these offer numerous benefits but may have different consequences depending on how the inspection process is managed. It’s very helpful to have a qualified real estate agent on your side as you start planning for either open or private inspections, because they will best know how to manage buyer expectations.

8. How does my house present? What can I do to maximise the sale price?

While it’s only common sense to make sure that your house is clean and tidy when preparing for viewings by potential buyers, many people neglect the so-called “kerb appeal” of their property, First impressions are vitally important when it comes to showing your home in the best possible light, so a little time spent sprucing up the exterior can really pay dividends.

9. What’s the state of the market?

It is important that your agent has “their finger on the pulse” with what factors may affect the sale of your property and the sale price. These can be local, State and National issues.

10. Do you have a list of recent vendors I can speak to?

Talking to previous clients is a great way to help you in your decision making. Utilising other peoples selling experiences will give you confidence to select the right agent to successfully sell your property.

Take Advantage of the Inside Story Realty Difference….

• No upfront marketing costs
• We are open 7 days a week so your property will have the advantage of extended viewings
• Properties are displayed in two offices covering all the Southern Highlands listings
• Small personalised business = quality service
• Our staff have lived in the area for many years and know the properties selling history and the local market well
• Bowral Office is located at Milk Factory Gallery complex which opens the door for high tourist traffic and is a well-known landmark for local buyers
• Our qualified database of potential buyers receive our property bulletin fortnightly

Get on board and experience the Inside Story Realty difference now.

Specialising in Buying, Selling and Leasing of Southern Highlands Real Estate

Susan Everdell at Robertson office is also a licensed “Stock and Station” agent.