All real estate agents are not the same and all markets are different. It definitely pays to do your research when choosing an agent to sell your most significant financial asset and to understand what is happening in your local marketplace. That being said, there are some common misconceptions about real estate and real estate agents that we thought we would clarify.
Here are 3 of the most common misconceptions/myths.
- It’s easy to sell property today because it’s all done online
The Internet and sites like realestate.com.au can certainly make it seem like all we do is upload the photos and advertising copy of a property and let the site work its magic. While the Internet has certainly made everyone’s lives easier, it only represents a small part of what we do as your agent.
A good agent:
- Researches comparable sales to price the property appropriately,
- Advises on the best way to present the property for sale and organises property styling if appropriate,
- Arranges professional photos and copy,
- Contacts and communicates with all potential buyers from the database,
- Organises and runs the open homes,
- Conducts private inspections,
- Negotiates on price,
- Communicates with clarity and transparency with all buyers and the seller
- Liaises with solicitors/conveyancers
And we don’t get paid for our service until the property is sold.
- All markets are the same
Every market is unique. While the market might be hot in some parts of the country, the opposite is true in others. The media has a tendency to generalise based on what’s happening in the majority of the country and this can skew perceptions. Not only is every market unique, so too is every owner’s situation. A good agent won’t tell you what you want to hear but what is actually happening and how that may affect your personal situation. Listen to your agent and trust that they have your best interests in mind. Remember, we don’t get paid unless you are happy to release your property and that means achieving the best possible price in the current situation.
- Your agent doesn’t care how much you sell your property for, just as long as it sells and they make their commission
Nothing could be further from the truth. A real estate professional understands that selling a home is typically the biggest transaction of people’s lives. We know how stressful that can be and appreciate that the stakes are high. This is something we take very seriously. It is our job to ensure you are comfortable releasing your property to the next owner for a price you are satisfied with. You are not obligated to sell until you achieve that outcome. The ultimate reward for an agent is a happy seller and buyer who are grateful for a positive outcome and happy to refer them to their family and friends.
A professional real estate agent understands that real estate is about building relationships and helping people move and profit from the knowledge. Without positive relationships (which can only be achieved by doing a great job) a real estate agent will not be in business for long.