Your Domain: How to choose the right real estate agent for you

Choosing who to trust with selling your home can be challenging, but these are some of the key attributes to look for.

It can be like an interview process, so it’s wise to have three or four agents view your house and give an indication of how they would market your home.

1. Experience

Including skills and education, market knowledge, resources and contacts. Relevant sales experience in your area – or one like it – is essential. There is absolutely nothing wrong with asking to see their resume or references. Make sure they have at least a few years’ experience in real estate, and be wary of someone whose past employment varies wildly – they may just be drifting and trying this job on for size. You cannot afford to go with someone who doesn’t know what they are doing, or who is not serious about their job. Be sure to Google potential agents’ names. It is amazing what you can find out about a person from a simple search!

2. Attention to detail

From their business card, to their listings, to the way they present themselves online, on the phone and in person. This will all reflect their attitude to their job, and will be a great indicator of how they will treat you as a client. You want someone who will be able to offer you great tips on staging your home, who has an eye for the things potential buyers may or may not like, and who will sell themselves as well as they sell your home.

3. Honesty

While some agents may offer an inflated indication of the price your home can achieve, the best agents will provide an honest opinion based on recent sales and hard data. Go into your meeting with any potential agents with your internal lie detector turned way up. A real estate agent who you can keep an open dialogue with is more likely to understand your needs and, as a result, can better accommodate you.

4. Communication

You want someone who will keep you in the loop at all times, who will answer your phone calls and emails promptly and with clarity, and who won’t keep you dangling. You also want your agent to be in constant communication with potential buyers who may be interested in your property to provide valuable feedback throughout the campaign.

5. Word of mouth

You want an agent whose reputation precedes them. Ask anyone you know and trust who has bought or sold recently for their honest opinion. This is possibly the best way to make sure you are going to get an agent who knows what they are doing and who won’t take you for a ride.

For more information on selling your home, check out Domain’s Ultimate Guide to Selling Your Home.

Your Domain airs at 10am on Saturdays on Nine. Catch up on all episodes on 9Now