Selling Your Home? How to choose the right Estate Agent

Selling your home is not always the easiest thing to do. Apart from marriage and babies, it is probably the next most emotional event in your life. So it's vital right from the start to find the right person to help you with the process, from assessment and evaluations to advice, documentation and legal issues. The right choice will ensure a successful process and peace of mind. Essentially you need a genuine partnership.

A good partnership means finding a top professional who will not only understand the financial, business and technical side of the matter, but also the emotional rollercoaster you may be embarking upon. It is their job to shoulder the pressure, the administration, and the marketing, as well as iron out snags, both large and small. The person you don't want is one who promises to sell your house for the highest price, as fast as possible. You want someone who can work with you and support you, with your interests at heart.

So how do you know who is right for you?

One: Trust is key. Selling your home can be a complex transaction during which you may have to ask enough questions to fill a text book. So finding someone who is both knowledgeable and empathetic is critical. A credible brand, well-honed negotiating skills and market savvy are the watchwords. So trust is key - you will be choosing the person as much as the experience or the company; you need to feel comfortable and engage confidently. How well does the agent listen you? And does he or she ask valuable questions? Feel real, is the motto. Emotions understood and shared are important. You're not just selling a washing machine.  

Two: Take time to interview. To find the right person means interviewing more than just one person. You need to assess their presentation, and ask for references as well. Go with your gut feeling but be sensible, you may need more than the lady with the vivacious smile or the gentleman with the impressive jargon. It's important to get opinions from a variety of sources; this can help you with understanding the value of your property and your expectations. Any well-established agent should welcome your interest in their levels of professionalism and integrity, and engage positively.

Three: Questions to ask.

• How long they have worked in the industry?
• Do they have the qualifications to back-up their know-how?
• Is there a report on recent sales in your neighbourhood?
• What are the lowest and highest prices in the last six months?
• What is driving those prices and determining the frequency of sales in the area?
• How long has the agent been working in that specific neighbourhood and what is their track record?
• Do they live in, and know the area well?

Four: Look for genuine connection. Often an estate agent may be referred to you by friends or acquaintances, or other homeowners in your area. That's a good starting point but personality is still key. What may be acceptable to others may be irritating to you. Everybody is different and you need to find the right person who meets your criteria and connects with you on a level of both trust and service. Despite the internet, if there is one industry that still requires effective human-to-human connection, it has to be realty.

Five: Your interests, not theirs. Work with someone who has your best interests at heart. If after stating your expectations clearly, the options delivered are nothing like your desired conditions, then you might well suspect it is the sale that counts and not your interests.  Be transparent about your reasons for selling, and how urgent that sale may be. An agent who pressurises you to take the first offer is not necessarily on your side. An agent who works to your convenience and who is available to answer questions is the one who takes on your project with personal commitment.  

Six: Communication. Your agent should lead you through all the steps involved in the transaction. They should advise on the market, price and sales in the area. Their experience in sales in the area should be well demonstrated. Equally, you as the client should be ready to receive information and feedback. Remember, you stand to learn from the agent's experience. This is information that could change your mind on a range of hopes and conclusions you've already set for yourself. Be focused, but be flexible because the agent may not tell you what you'd like to hear, but rather pertinent information that will better serve your interest.
 

Seven: Check their track record. Don't be shy to check out an agent's reputation. Ask for credible reports of other sales of similar houses, and check back with those clients if you really want to be sure of credentials. Honesty is vital in this process because it's your money. Measuring service against costs is part of the homework process you have to engage in whenever you contemplate selling your home. Look at their listing materials, website, brochures and signage. Be aware of their record on turnaround times. Look for passion and a proactive approach; you want an agent who can realistically and honestly discuss the risks that may come with selling.  You don't want to push unrealistic pricing, but nor do you want to sit with your house unsold for months. The way this advice is handled is key to your relationship.

Eight: Is there a support team? This is also important because this will impact on your level of service. Agents often have several clients at a time. You need to know they can hold the project together without mixing up important details. The support team are the backbone of any full service agency, handling aspects such as bonds and title deeds, electricity and plumbing certification issues, and insurance - streamlining and assisting you in simplifying the process. If you can, it's good to meet the team and reassure yourself that the efficiency and dedication reflected by your agent is the philosophy across the agency. Take a look at their training and coaching programmes for staff - that's a sure-fire indicator of service value.

Leapfrog Property Group

Leapfrog Property Group offers a fresh and innovative approach to buying, selling, renting and property investments, ensuring the best property deals for clients across South Africa. Our agents are qualified, trained, experienced; our approach bold and spirited, driven by a big heart, generosity and honesty. It is our mission to advise, eliminate obstacles and save you unnecessary expense. Trust is our watchword. And value our motto. Armed with our combined credentials, we are the bright face of excellence in the South African market.