What Makes a Good Agent?

When looking to buy or sell a property, an estate agent can make the process considerably easier.  Estate agents know how to market a property, negotiate a sale and can make finding the right property a joy, instead of a chore. But how to find a good one?

There are a number of factors to keep in mind when appointing an estate agent to sell a property:

A Fidelity Fund Certificate

All qualified agents, registered with the EAAB (the Estate Agency Affairs Board) are issued a Fidelity Fund Certificate. The certificate is required in terms of the Estate Agency Affairs Act (112 0f 1976) and it is illegal for an estate agent to operate without a current certificate.  “A good first question to ask an agent is always whether or not they have a current (i.e. 2013) FFC”, says Bruce Swain, MD of Leapfrog Property Group.  

An Area Expert

 When it comes to the area a professional estate agent should know what properties are selling for based on their location, size and amenities. He or she will be able to give home owners / or buyers an exact run down of what prices are doing within the area, giving a qualified estimate as to the value of a property.

The Ability to Listen

“In my experience one of the greatest assets an estate agent can have is the ability to listen; you need to be able to hear what it is that people are truly looking for”, says Swain. “Being a good estate agent is all about understanding people. In reality you’re dealing with people, not properties”.

Excellent Connections

Swain believes that a good estate agent will have built-up a decent database of qualified, potential buyers to whom they can show the property.

A Marketing Guru

An estate agent worth their reputation needs to be able to market a property by doing the following;

·         Advertising the home, at the correct price, in the property segments of local newspapers.

·         Placing the advert on online property sites.

·         Conducting show houses at the home.

The above serves as a good checklist to keep in mind when seeking the services of an estate agent.