Selling? Find the right agent

07.01.25 | Michael Brown | News

Selling? Find the right agent

Not all real estate agents are alike, and these differences can impact the results of a sale, whether at auction or on the private market.

Choosing the right real estate agent is crucial for maximising your sale results. Here are some tips to help you make an informed decision.

Narrow down your choices

With an estimated 14,000 estate agents operating in Sydney alone, choosing the best one is tricky. Narrow down your choices by choosing an agent who:

  • knows your local area
  • has experience with your property type
  • is skilled in your preferred selling method (private sale, auction, off-market)
  • has a proven track record.

Check real estate sites like Domain and Real Estate for agents with high clearance rates or strong private sales. Local agents often have a larger pool of potential buyers. A quick web search will reveal the biggest agencies in a particular suburb.

If you don’t know your target suburbs well, quiz agents about local schools, shops, and amenities. And if you do know the area, these same questions will give you an idea of who knows your area best!

Find an agent online

Agent finder websites can be useful but beware of those that charge finder’s fees or on-sell your contact details. Some site operators might sell your contact details to other suppliers – such as removalists, insurance companies and power suppliers.

While this might be useful, they might also keep contacting you regardless of your interest. Use a separate email address to avoid spam.

Once you find your dream property, you can close the account.

Reputation

Check reviews on sites like Rate My Agent and observe agents at open houses and auctions. Assess their demeanour, trustworthiness, and follow-up. Test prospective agents on the ground. Go to open houses and see how they operate in real life: Attend open houses and auctions they conduct.

Are they friendly and trustworthy? Ask difficult questions at an open house and see how they respond. Note their interest in you and your property preferences and see if they follow up with a call to gauge your interest.

Time to shortlist

Agents are competitive creatures. Make a shortlist and push hard to get a good deal. Ask about:

  • comparable sales in the area
  • marketing plans and costs (do you really need a ‘walk-through’ video?)
  • advertising strategies
  • preferred campaign duration
  • home styling advice
  • property valuation
  • commission rates
  • fast access to tradies.

Remember that many agents will promise the world to get your business. Don’t just go with the one who tells you the highest valuation. And don’t necessarily reveal your own price expectations. If you’ve done your own research, question any number that seems too high (or too low).

DIY

Some people opt to sell without an agent, typically using online platforms like PropertyNow, Buy My Place, and No Agent Property. But it’s certainly not for everyone.

Obviously, you won’t have a pool of interested buyers on your books, and you’ll certainly need legal advice on the contract and other paperwork, but – on the positive side – you can avoid dealing with real estate agents and will not incur commission fees.

Conduct thorough research beforehand and understand what to expect from this approach. It’ll take more time and will probably be more stressful.

Talk to us

Mortgage Broker Sydney specialises in helping people find and apply for the best home loan for their circumstances. So if you’re selling with an intent to buy, drop us a line. Our service to clients is free of charge – always – and our advice is 100% independent.

There’s no obligation and no pressure. That’s why three in four buyers in Australia use a mortgage broker. Contact Mortgage Broker Sydney for more tips on choosing the right agent.