Andrew Winter

A very common question I hear is "How should i choose an estate agent...?" and to be honest it is not easy to answer in just a few words; hence it is my subject this month.

As many of you will know 20 years of my experience in the industry has been in the UK and there is a fundamental difference between choosing agents here and there. In the UK you choose the company name, company reputation, their brand identity and maybe their particular type of housing they sell the best. Here in Australia I believe you should choose your agent as a particular person.

Each area has top performing agents; some working from home, some for big brands, some from small independents. Some of your local areas most visible agents maybe selling the most properties, but they are so busy you get their no.2,3,4 etc agent; no worries if no.2 is someone you like but do they have the proven track record you originally were attracted to in their no.1?

You, of course, will have the new agent to the area, no proven track record, no long standing sales record etc, BUT I have been the 'new boy' in an area many times and the right person will be so keen to get your home sold what they lack in experience locally will make up for in enthusiasm and determination, they do need to have a good support/ principal behind them though!

Apart from the top performers and the starters, the rest will have a huge range of experiences, success rates etc. To be honest you only really need to ask the following questions:
What type of licence do you hold and for how long?
How many years have you been selling houses?
How many homes have you sold in my suburb and surrounds in a price range of 20% below and above your target sale figure.
Who is the buyer type for my home?
What homes are currently for sale that are competition for mine?
Will you ensure weekly contact, work with me and be honest and straight with me?

All good agents will be able to answer these points without notice on your first meeting; all agents should have researched your home prior to your meeting. If your agent is a high performer, when you ask about weekly contact ensure who it will be with? With a new starter they may not have sold much locally yet but should know what their colleagues have done.

Remember, do your research too and then sit back and try out at least 3 agents. Get a price idea your self but listen to their valuation which MUST BE qualified. Do not be afraid to select someone you like or have been recommended to you AND never hold back if you are not satisfied even with an exclusive/sole listing, if your agent does not meet your expectations tell them!!!