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No Fields Found.Get the best possible price – choose the right agent for you.
Choosing an agent to act in your best interest in your property sale is the most important decision you will make in the process. This decision will define your selling experience, your timeline and days on market, and of course it can have a substantial effect on the final result.
Your choice of agent could be the difference between a good price and a great price, a quick sale or being stuck on the market. Here are some things to consider as well as five key questions to ask when considering which agent to choose:
1. Research
Prior to meeting the agent we recommend doing a bit of friendly online investigation. Check their website, online profiles on realestate.co.nz and trademe.co.nz, check Facebook and Google for client reviews, as well as to get a strong overall impression of the agent.
2. Rapport
Your agent needs to be on the same page when it comes to knowledge in your area and your expectations. It is also crucial that you have mutual trust and strong lines of communication. When speaking with your agent, don’t be afraid to ask as many questions as you need to, to ensure you are comfortable and confident with having them on your team.
3. Support
You’re actually choosing an entire agency to work on your behalf with your agent taking the lead. How many sales do the agency do? Who and how many other agents are there? (More agents equals more buyers). What areas do they sell in? What leadership and administration support is available to your lead agent? And finally, how do they work together as a team to achieve the best results for their clients?
Q1: How long have you been in the industry?
Experience counts in this industry. However, we suggest to also take into account listing numbers, past experience and enthusiasm. Sometimes a newer agent with great experience in other industries has plenty of time and dedication available to service your property.
Q2: What properties have you sold recently in the area?
Can you tell me about the process and result, and provide a buyer and seller testimonial? Asking for some case studies will really separate the great agents from the average agents.
Q3: What process should I use to sell my home?
Why do you recommend it? There isn’t one simple answer to this question and each agent might have different recommendations but the key to success is in the details – in the ‘why’. Make sure they are making a custom recommendation specific to your property and circumstance.
Q4: How do you typically handle pricing negotiations between your buyers and sellers?
Once again there isn’t one right answer but this question will really make the great agent stand out. Your agent should be able to explain a few techniques they use and what circumstances they use them in. One important factor is that they should always take offers and complete their negotiations in writing (preferably on a contract) to be as transparent as possible.
Q5: What happens if my property doesn’t sell in the first four weeks?
This question is one that not many ask but it is really important. Not all sales happen quickly, some properties take longer to find the right buyer and get a deal together. You want to make sure that your agent will work to find the best buyer not just the quickest and that they are going to work just as hard on day 100 as they did on day 1.
Need more information?
Click Here to Download our “Before You Sell” GuideThe decision to sell your property can be a hard one, following that decision comes an even more difficult one – how do you do it? Take a look through our Guide to give you some helpful advice and information prior to making these important decisions.
Why get a market appraisal?
Determining the likely market value of your home is an essential first step if you’re thinking about selling in Christchurch. A professional property valuation or market appraisal can help you understand the market value of your property ahead of selling. You’ll get a feel for the local market, and learn what’s realistic in terms of pricing.
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