Choosing a Real Estate Agent
Choosing the right agent is important. Here is what you should look for and questions you should ask.
How to choose the right real estate agent when selling
A property, whether it is your family home, first home, investment or something in between, is often your most valuable asset. As a real estate agent is responsible for selling your home, choosing the right one is a big decision.
Their connections, local market knowledge and real estate expertise play an important role in ensuring you get the sales results you desire in the shortest time possible.
To ensure you're choosing the best agent for the job, it pays to ask pertinent questions. You'll need to feel comfortable with whoever you select when selling real estate.
What to look for in the best real estate agent
Local market knowledge
Choose an agent who knows your local area, including recent sales, current listings and how your property compares to similar homes on the market.
A strong local agent should understand buyer demand, property trends, schools, transport, demographics and the features that matter most to people looking in your neighbourhood.
With LJ Hooker’s network of over 5,000 real estate agents across Australia, your local agent can provide an honest property appraisal and share a Local Market Report with suburb insights, trends and property information to help guide your selling decision.
Recent experience and proven track record
Can the agent show recent comparable sales in your suburb or price bracket? Look at their average days on market, auction clearance rate where relevant and experience with your preferred sale method. A strong agent should also clearly explain the marketing activities they will undertake and, where possible, offer a service guarantee.
An agent with proven results selling similar properties nearby is more likely to understand local buyer demand, pricing strategy and how to achieve a strong result.
A clear sales and marketing strategy
Does the agent demonstrate a clear strategy for positioning, pricing, marketing and negotiating your property to achieve the best possible result?
Strong communication and reporting
Your agent must keep you informed at every stage of the selling process. Ask how often they provide updates, how quickly they respond and whether they share regular campaign reports. A strong agent should clearly explain buyer feedback, enquiry levels, inspection results and any changes in market interest to help you make informed decisions with confidence.
Trust, transparency and rapport
Honesty and trust are key to any good relationship - especially in real estate.
You'll need to find an agent who you feel comfortable with, who will listen to your concerns, answer your questions honestly and who is approachable by you and prospective buyers.
Licence, credentials and professional standards
In all states and territories in Australia and New Zealand, all real estate agents have to be licensed in accordance with local legislation. The legislation also regulates such matters as trust accounting, continual education of licensees and those engaged in the business of selling, managing and renting property. In some areas this legislation also prescribes the form of agency agreement or contract to be used.
Before choosing an agent, you should check the licence details of all real estate agents you are thinking of using before signing up with your preferred choice. With LJ Hooker, you can feel confident knowing our real estate agents meet the required licencing standards, giving you piece of mind from the start.
Reviews, references and testimonials
Don't be afraid to ask for references and referrals, as speaking with past clients can give you an idea of how the agent has performed previously.
See them in action
An excellent way to assess an agent is to see how they perform at an open for inspection. At the inspection, assess their behaviour, were they on time? Do they stand at the door and welcome attendees and capture their details? Do they highlight the property's features and could they answer any question you ask them? Did they follow up after the open for inspection offering more information? Was their marketing of the property of a good standard?
How to compare real estate agents before choosing one
Start by shortlisting 2-3 qualified local agents with experience selling properties like yours. Compare their recent sales, average days on market and ask for evidence behind their appraisal so you can understand how they reached their recommended price.
It is also worth reviewing their current listings to see how they present properties online, from photography and copy to pricing strategy. Attending one of their open homes can also give you a clearer view of how they communicate with buyers, handle questions, negotiate interest and present the property.
Compare each agent’s proposed marketing plan, sale method, fees and commission structure. The right agent should be able to clearly explain their strategy, costs and how they plan to achieve the best possible result for your property.
