Selling a home for the first time can be a complicated and overwhelming process. Having a reliable real estate agent at your side can make a substantial difference to how smoothly the whole process will run.
READ: Pre-purchase checklist: Steps to take before purchasing a property
“Real estate agents will not only help you price the home correctly and find qualified buyers for your home, but they can also provide helpful information around current market trends, translate industry jargon, negotiate on your behalf, and can often recommend adjacent services such as bond originators and moving companies. The sooner you bring them on board, the better,” says Adrian Goslett, Regional Director and CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa.
With so much riding on choosing the right professional for this task, it can be challenging for a first time seller to know how to select the right agent. To help make this journey a little easier, RE/MAX of Southern Africa shares the following tips…
Find Reliable Recommendations
Nothing beats a recommendation from somebody you trust. If nobody within your inner circle has sold recently, then look around to see what agent is selling the most homes in your area. You’re usually able to tell by their yard signs and marketing presence who does the most business within any given area. Online client reviews and testimonials can also help provide an indication of an agent’s level of service delivery.
Set up an ‘interview’
To make sure you’re a compatible match, it can help to meet the agent in person (or virtually, if you’re coming in from far away). Before this meeting, an agent might ask for a copy of your ID as a safety precaution – this is totally normal and can actually be an indication that this agent is thorough and well prepared. When meeting with them, a few questions worth asking might be:
- Are they a full-time real estate agent?
- How long have they worked as an agent and within this particular market?
- What is their preferred communication platforms and how regularly can you expect updates from them?
- What will they charge in commission and how negotiable are they on this?
Check their credentials
One should always remain vigilant against con artists and make sure that the agent is actually who they claim to be. Ask them to share a copy of their FFC licence to make sure that they are registered with the PPRA that regulates the industry. To play it safe, you could also start your search for a real estate agent by looking through the website of a reputable real estate brand like RE/MAX. That way you know that the agent comes from a reliable background.
“With the guidance of a trusted RE/MAX agent, you're well-equipped to navigate the complexities of selling your property as a first-time seller,” says Goslett.
READ: Are you having trouble selling your house? Try this…
Here is a look back at the role of a real estate agent and what you need to know
According to the Seeff Property Group, (The role of a real estate agent : What you need to know) agents do not only sell or rent property on behalf of their clients, but also have their ear to the ground in terms of what current property values are, how much properties might sell for, and what is happening in the property market.
With so many newcomers to the market, often making lofty promises of high prices and quick sales, it is easy for sellers to get caught up in the hype. A property which simply sits on the market with no or low offers can be very frustrating for buyers.
The role of a good agent in getting your property sold as fast as possible, and for the best possible price cannot be overstated, says Samuel Seeff, chairman of Seeff. A bad agent could leave you with a lengthy and frustrating sale process.
Regardless of when you are selling, but especially in the current market, it is important to ensure you choose the right agent for your property and market. If you are not aware of who the best agents in your area are, ask around for recommendations from neighbours or friends.
Always meet the agents in person before appointing them:
This will give you a chance to ask questions and assess the agents. Check how long they have operated in the area. Each area is different and local expertise is a vital point of advantage for any seller.
Look for a successful sales track record:
Ask for a list of their recent sales in the area, how long it took to sell, and the prices achieved. A strong sales record is an important indicator of the likelihood of success and that the agent could find the right buyer for the property.
A strong brand and network is another advantage:
An established brand will have a strong online presence for maximum exposure of your property backed by the latest technology and marketing and sales methodologies. They will use best practice to market and sell your property.
Look for someone who will assist every step of the way:
Selling a property is a complex process with many legalities to be taken care of. A good agent will explain the process and guide the seller to ensure they have all the necessary documents and maintenance done for an efficient selling process.
Choosing the right agent to sell your home cannot be over-emphasised, especially if you are selling right now as you will not want to waste time, says Seeff. Choose the right agent and ensure you follow their advice.
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