Adelaide Real Estate

When taking on the, often daunting, task of choosing an Adelaide real estate agent to sell your home, it is wise to take your time in choosing who you will hand over the responsibility to sell what is most likely to be your biggest investment and asset. Using an experienced and professional Adelaide real estate agent can mean the difference between receiving the maximum for your property or not.

Here I have gathered together a few points for you to consider before you sign up with an Adelaide real estate agent, so that you can ensure you are making the best decision for your specific circumstances and requirements.

• Get recommendations - you may be surprised as to how many family members, friends, or work colleagues can recommend a reliable agent to you. Someone you know may have recently sold a property, bought a property, or simply received an estate agent valuation of their property, and can suggest a professional Adelaide real estate agent for you to use.
• Do your research - it pays to research your local market, take a drive around and spot the ‘For Sale’ signs, taking particular notice of any ‘Sold’ stickers. You may find that one particular agency, or agent, has more signs than any other in your area. This is a good indication of an agent who is actively selling property in your area. Visit open homes to get a feel for how professional the agent is, from the point of view of being a potential buyer. How the agent treats you is how they will treat a potential buyer for your property.

• Visit the agency - visit your local estate agency offices, are they professional in how they treat you, do you feel that this office will market your property to its fullest potential.
• Create a short-list - once you have done your research, invite about 3 agents to value your property for sale. Compare these 3 valuations and your impression of each agent and what they offer you. Be aware that it is not always advisable to choose an agent based on the commission they will charge you. An agent who charges the least may not be the best agent for your property, likewise the agent who charges the most may also not be the best one to choose. So it pays not to select your agent on commission rate alone. Neither is it wise to choose an agent who gives you the highest valuation for your property.
• Know how your property will be marketed - make sure your Adelaide real estate agent clearly explains what type of advertising they will use to market your property. Internet, newspaper, specialty photographs, agency window adverts, and signs are the common forms of advertising. Some advertising methods are more suited to particular homes. The agent should be willing to suggest and discuss these with you.
• Understand the contract - before signing a listing contract with your chosen agent, make sure you understand all clauses in the contract. Pay particular attention to the advertising figure that you will be charged, the commission you will be due to pay upon the sale of your property, the length of any sole agency period etc. Contracts are legally binding, so make sure you are comfortable before you sign any documents.
• Ask questions - make sure you ask any questions that you have, your chosen Adelaide real estate agent should be more than happy to clearly explain any queries that you raise.

March 2009
Jason Keiller