Choosing an agent is an important part of the selling decision. The highest suggested price, lowest fee or largest advertising promise does not automatically identify the agent best suited to your property.
A useful comparison should examine local experience, the evidence behind the appraisal, the proposed marketing and sale strategy, communication standards, negotiation approach and the agent’s ability to explain both opportunities and risks clearly.
Ask each agent to explain the recent sales they consider genuinely comparable, the current listings competing for similar buyers and the features that may strengthen or limit your property’s market response.
An appraisal is an informed opinion, not a guarantee. A credible agent should be willing to discuss the assumptions behind the range and explain why another property may not be directly comparable.
The recommended method of sale should reflect the property, likely buyer pool, current competition and your priorities. Auction, deadline sale, negotiation and an advertised price can each work well in the right circumstances.
Ask how the agent would position the property, which buyers they expect to attract, what information should be prepared before launch and how the campaign will be assessed once it is under way.
A marketing proposal should explain the audience, channels, photography, written presentation, digital promotion, buyer-database activity, campaign timing and reporting. Ask which parts are essential, which are optional and how each cost contributes to the strategy.
Discuss how often you will receive updates, what information will be reported and who will contact you. Useful reporting should cover enquiries, inspections, buyer feedback, repeat interest, online engagement, competing listings and any offers received.
Read the agent’s current profile, independent reviews and relevant career evidence. Awards, transaction numbers and ratings should be attributed accurately and should not replace a direct discussion about your property.
Grace Anderson brings more than a decade of real estate experience, extensive Katikati sales and auction experience and a substantial record of independently published client feedback. David Sylvester brings more than 25 years of real estate experience across sales, leadership, marketing, business growth and negotiation.
Ask for commission, marketing costs and any additional charges to be explained in writing. Your agent should also explain the agency agreement, the term of the appointment, cancellation provisions, marketing authority and the obligations of each party.
Obtain legal advice if you do not understand the agreement or its consequences.
Not automatically. Compare the evidence, assumptions, marketing plan, communication standard and proposed sale strategy. An unsupported high figure may create unrealistic expectations and weaken early buyer engagement.
Commission is one part of the decision. Consider the agent’s strategy, marketing, buyer engagement, negotiation, reporting and the service included. Ask each agent to explain all fees and costs in writing.
There is no required number. Speak with enough agents to compare the evidence and approach confidently. Two or three well-prepared appraisals may provide a useful comparison for many owners.
That depends on the property and sale method. If auction is being recommended, ask about the agent’s auction-listing experience, campaign process, buyer preparation, auctioneer support and what happens before, during and after auction day.
Grace Anderson and David Sylvester can review your property, current market evidence and likely buyer audience before recommending a preparation, marketing and sale strategy suited to your circumstances.
Request a confidential property appraisal from Ray White Katikati.