How to Find the Right Real Estate Agent to Sell Your Home?
Selling your home? Let’s be real—it’s emotional. You’re handing over keys to a place full of memories, and the last thing you need is a real estate agent who treats it like just another listing. But with a million agents promising the world, how do you pick the right one? Spoiler: It’s not about who shouts the loudest at opens. Here’s the no-BS guide to finding your match.
Know What You Want
Are you racing to sell before the school term starts? Or holding out for top dollar, even if it takes months? Be honest. If speed’s your game, you’ll want a real estate agent who’s a ninja at auctions and has buyers lined up. If it’s all about price, find someone who’s sold heritage cottages in your ‘hood for record sums. Pro tip: Agents love a seller with clear goals—it helps them hustle smarter.
What Real Estate Agents Actually Do?
Think agents just host opens and slap a sign on your lawn? Think again. A killer agent will:
- Stage your home (RIP to your neon green feature wall).
- Hire a pro photographer who makes your 90s kitchen look Pinterest-worthy.
- Pitch your place to local buyer groups (like those Facebook mums hunting for a backyard).
- Negotiate like a boss when offers roll in.
- Translate legalese so you don’t drown in paperwork.
Why “Local” Isn’t Just a Buzzword?
A real estate agent from the next suburb over might as well be from Mars. Local legends know stuff like:
- “That new dog park boosted prices on Maple Street by 10%.”
- “Families here will pay extra for a granny flat.”
- “Avoid listing in December—everyone’s at the beach.”
Example: Selling a fixer-upper in Sydney’s Inner West? A real estate agent who’s flipped 20 terraces in Newtown will know which renovators to target.
Red Flags That Scream “Run!”
- The Yes-Man: “Your price idea? Genius!” (Translation: They’ll say anything to get your listing.)
- The MIA Pro: Takes 3 days to reply to texts. Hard pass.
- The Bargain Bin: Low fees often mean cheap photos, lazy ads, and crickets at opens.
5 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Real Estate Agent
- “Show me 3 homes like mine that you’ve sold in the past year.” (If they fumble, they’re not your guy.)
- “What’s your 3 a.m. crisis policy?” (Will they answer your panicked midnight texts?)
- “Break down your fees—what’s included?” (Watch for sneaky extras like “admin charges” or “premium listing fees.”)
- “How will you market my home?” (If they don’t mention Instagram Reels or buyer databases, yawn.)
- “What’s the ONE thing you’d change about my home to sell it faster?” (Their answer reveals if they’ve got vision.)
Vibe Check: Do You Actually Like Them?
You’ll be stuck with this person for months. If their personality grates on you during the interview, imagine 6 weeks of it. Hate small talk? Find a real estate agent who’s all business. Need hand-holding? Avoid the “too cool for school” types.
Homework You Can’t Skip
- Crash Their Open Homes: Show up incognito. Do buyers linger? Does the real estate agent remember everyone’s name?
- Deep-Dive Their Socials: Are their listings all dimly lit iPhone pics? Red. Flag.
- Call Their Last 3 Clients: Ask: “Did they screw anything up?” and “Would you rehire them?”
The Final Test: The Pricing Talk
A good real estate agent doesn’t just throw out a number. They’ll show you:
- Recent sales (not just the fancy ones).
- How your home compares (size, condition, street appeal).
- Market trends (are buyers fleeing to the regions or flooding back to the city?).
If they pull numbers out of thin air, walk.
Bottom Line
The right real estate agent feels like a teammate—not a sales robot. They’ll fight for your price, keep you sane, and maybe even make the process fun. Take your time, trust your gut, and remember: This is your sale. You’re the boss.
Now go find your home’s hype person—and get ready to pop that “SOLD” sign!
