When it comes to buying or selling property, the process can be complex and overwhelming. Hiring a real estate agent can help simplify the experience and ensure you make the best possible decisions.
READ: Real estate safety: Essential precautions for clients and agents
“Selling your home is one of the weightiest financial decisions you’ll ever make and one that will have an enormous impact on your life. Why wouldn’t you want a professional at your side to help ensure the most successful outcome?” comments Adrian Goslett, Regional Director and CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa.
The mistake many sellers make is to try and justify the cost of involving a real estate practitioner by trying to create a list of itemised billing tasks completed by their real estate agent. “Ultimately, sellers are not paying for 45 hours a week with 50 marketing emails to be sent and 10 viewings to be held each month. Instead, they are paying to have their home sell as close to full value as possible. If a real estate professional achieves this on the very first day the property is listed, it does not make his/her service any less valuable. Quite oppositely, many sellers might even be happy to pay a higher commission rate if an agent could promise to deliver a sale in such a short timeframe,” he remarks.
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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.
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.
READ: Safety measures to consider when selling and letting homes
To help buyers and sellers understand the true value that a real estate agent brings to the transaction, RE/MAX of Southern Africa shares their top five reasons to work with a real estate agent…
- Reduced Risk
When working through an agent from a reputable brand like RE/MAX, you run less risk of being scammed or conned out of your money.
- Time savers
An agent can do much of the legwork for you, from scheduling property viewings to marketing your home. They can also search for homes on a buyer’s behalf and only show the ones that meet the criteria.
- Skilled Negotiators
Whether you're buying or selling, they’ll ensure you get the best deal by leveraging their understanding of the market and their negotiation skills
- Market knowledge
Real estate agents are immersed in the local market and have in-depth knowledge of neighbourhood trends, property values, and market conditions. They can help you spot opportunities and ensure you won’t overpay or undersell.
- Objective Guidance
The home buying or selling process is emotional. It’s easy to let feelings influence decisions, but an agent provides objective advice, keeping your best financial interests in mind. Whether it's advising you to wait for a better offer or steering you clear of potential pitfalls, they’ll help you stay focused on long-term goals.
Apart from the convenience of leaving all the legwork to a professional, working with a real estate agent brings several other crucial values to the table. “Because of the huge financial impact these transactions can have on people’s lives, involving the right real estate agent can add immense value to buyers and sellers; providing them with professional guidance and a trusted ally on which to rely".
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