How to Choose the Right Real Estate Agent to Sell Your Home.
Selling your home is a significant decision, and choosing the right real estate agent can have a major impact on both your experience and the final result.
It can be tempting to simply choose the agent who suggests the highest selling price or offers the lowest commission. But there is considerably more to a successful sale than either of those things.
A good agent should understand your local market, know how to position your property, have a clear marketing strategy and, importantly, be able to negotiate strongly when it matters.
At Mitchell Torre Real Estate, we've been selling homes throughout Patterson Lakes, Chelsea and the surrounding bayside suburbs for many years. Here are some of the things we believe every homeowner should consider when choosing an agent.
Local Knowledge Matters
Real estate is incredibly local.
Two properties only a few streets apart can attract different buyers and achieve very different results depending on their position, land size, presentation and the type of property.
This is particularly true in areas such as Patterson Lakes, where waterfront position, orientation, mooring facilities and even the particular canal can influence buyer demand and value.
An experienced local agent should be able to explain:
Recent comparable sales in your area
Current buyer demand
Who is likely to buy your property
How your home compares with competing properties
The best way to position it in the current market
Don't be afraid to ask an agent about their recent sales. Local experience isn't simply about knowing the suburb — it's about understanding the buyers currently active within it.
Don't Automatically Choose the Highest Appraisal
Every homeowner naturally wants to achieve the best possible price.
However, the highest appraisal doesn't necessarily mean the highest eventual sale price.
Ask each agent to explain why they believe your property is worth what they're suggesting. A good appraisal should be supported by recent sales, current competition and genuine market knowledge.
There is nothing wrong with being ambitious — we certainly believe in pushing for the strongest possible result — but your selling strategy still needs to be based on evidence.
The right agent should be prepared to have an honest conversation with you rather than simply tell you what they think you want to hear.
Look Beyond the Commission Rate
Commission is important, but it shouldn't be considered in isolation.
The difference between agents' fees can be relatively small compared with the difference a skilled negotiator can make to your eventual selling price.
For example, saving a few thousand dollars in commission isn't much of a saving if another agent could have negotiated an additional $20,000 or $30,000 from the eventual buyer.
Instead, consider the complete package:
Experience and recent results
Marketing strategy
Negotiating ability
Communication
Local buyer database
Quality of presentation
Personal involvement throughout the sale
The goal isn't necessarily to find the cheapest agent. It's to find the agent you believe will deliver the best overall result.
Ask How Your Property Will Be Marketed
Great property marketing is about far more than simply uploading a listing to the major real estate websites.
Ask your prospective agent exactly how they intend to present your home and reach potential buyers.
Depending on the property, a comprehensive campaign might include professional photography, floorplans, premium internet advertising, property video, social media promotion, database marketing, brochures and direct contact with existing buyers.
At MTRE, we're particularly strong believers in high-quality video and digital marketing. Buyers increasingly discover and engage with properties across multiple platforms before they ever attend an inspection.
The marketing should also suit your particular property. A waterfront home in Patterson Lakes shouldn't necessarily be marketed in exactly the same way as a family home in Chelsea or an investment property in Carrum.
There should be a strategy behind it.
Look at the Agent's Actual Marketing
Don't just listen to what an agent says they'll do. Look at what they're already doing.
Have a look at their current listings.
Are the photographs good? Are the videos professional? Is the copy engaging? Are their properties being promoted through social media? Does their overall presentation make you want to inspect the home?
Your property will soon be presented in exactly the same environment.
If their existing marketing doesn't impress you, yours probably won't either.
Communication Is More Important Than People Realise
Selling a property can sometimes happen quickly. Other campaigns require patience, adjustments and difficult conversations along the way.
That's when communication becomes particularly important.
Before appointing an agent, ask how you'll receive feedback and how often you can expect to hear from them.
You should never be wondering what is happening with your own property.
Good communication also means being prepared to tell you when something isn't working. Sometimes the market gives us information we don't necessarily want to hear, but recognising that information and responding appropriately is part of achieving the best result.
Negotiation Is Where a Good Agent Can Really Earn Their Fee
Marketing creates interest.
Negotiation converts that interest into the best possible price.
This is one of the hardest things to judge when interviewing agents because every agent will tell you they're a good negotiator.
Ask about recent sales. Ask how they handled multiple buyers. Ask how they approach an offer that falls short of their vendor's expectations.
A strong negotiator doesn't simply pass offers between buyer and seller. They understand how to create competition, recognise buyer behaviour and know when there may still be more money available.
Sometimes the difference is substantial.
Should You Interview More Than One Real Estate Agent?
Absolutely.
We have no issue with homeowners speaking with several agents before making their decision. Selling your home is important and you should feel comfortable with the person you're appointing.
When comparing agents, though, try to look beyond the headline figures.
Consider:
Their knowledge of your local market
Their recent results
Their proposed selling strategy
The quality of their marketing
Their communication style
Their negotiating experience
Whether you trust their advice
Ultimately, you are entering into a partnership for what may be one of your largest financial transactions.
You should feel confident that your agent is working firmly in your corner.
Preparing Your Home for Sale
The right agent should also be able to advise you on what not to spend money on.
Not every property needs renovating before going to market.
In many cases, relatively simple improvements such as decluttering, gardening, cleaning, minor repairs or fresh paint can make a meaningful difference without requiring a major investment.
Before undertaking expensive work, speak with your agent.
A good agent should understand what buyers in your area value and help you determine where money is worth spending — and where it isn't.
Choosing a Real Estate Agent in Patterson Lakes, Chelsea and Surrounding Areas
There are plenty of good agents throughout Melbourne's bayside and south-eastern suburbs, and homeowners have more information available to them than ever before.
Our advice is simple: do your research.
Look at recent results. Look at the quality of the marketing. Ask questions. Compare strategies rather than just fees and appraisals.
And choose someone you trust to give you good advice even when that advice isn't necessarily the easiest thing to say.
Mitchell Torre Real Estate has been part of the local property market since 1996, helping owners sell and manage property throughout Patterson Lakes, Chelsea, Carrum, Bonbeach, Chelsea Heights and surrounding suburbs.
If you're considering selling and would like an idea of your property's current value, we're always happy to have a conversation.
Contact Mitchell Torre Real Estate for a confidential property appraisal and advice on the best strategy for your home.
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