Nicola Kelland - Can’t decide which agency should sell your home?

Friday, February 10, 2012 1:52 PM

Have you met with several different real estate companies and unsure which agent to appoint to sell your property?

Sometimes this can be an easy choice as there is one person or company that just ‘feels right’, but often it’s hard to choose as they will likely all offer similar services. So how do you make the right choice?

Firstly, look at the brand of the companies and which one looks like a good fit with your property. This may be dependent on the style of your home, for example, whether your home is architecturally designed or is waterfront. Look for a company or salesperson who appreciates your type of property and who has the ability to sell those differences, both in terms of marketing, detailed information and knowledge.

There is no point in appointing a beautiful architecturally-designed home or an iconic home with an agency thatpredominantly showcases standard brick and tile homes. The purchasers will just not be looking at that brand for your style of home. Advertising should elevate your property in the market, not downgrade it.

Secondly, while the company image and market fit is essential, finding the right salesperson is crucial. Discuss with them at length their experience in selling your type of home, their successes, and the service that they provide. Are you just going to be a number? Or are they going to ensure that they have the capacity and the passion to get up everyday with the sole desire to sell your home.

Reporting
Do they offer detailed weekly written reports and regular feedback after open homes so that you are kept fully aware of the entire sales process?

Personality
Do you like the salesperson? You are going to spend the next few weeks, or even month, in a close working relationship with this person or persons. It helps greatly if you get on well and you trust them. Ask for testimonials from previous vendors as a third party endorsement of their work.

Fees
There can be quite a difference in fee schedules; it is essential that you are fully aware of the company’s fee structure. But like all things in life, the cheapest is not always the best and therefore you need to weigh up the pros and cons of paying a bit more in fees to get the right job done and the best price for your property. Achieving a premium price from a fantastic salesperson and company can easily over shadow the commission fee differences.

Choosing your real estate company and salesperson is a major decision when selling what is often your largest asset. So do your research and go with what feels right for you and for your property.