MANY people think they should entrust the sale of their principal place of residence to the real estate agent who puts the highest value on it.<\/p>\n
This should not necessarily be the case, says Bellarine Property managing director Christian Bartley.<\/p>\n
\u201cTalk to people you know who have recently sold in the area,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cAct on advice from people whose opinions you respect. Word of mouth is the best source of current information about local real estate agents, doctors or any other practitioners.\u201d<\/p>\n
According to Mr Bartley, those who intend to sell should also obtain submissions from agents who are active in their local area.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou can tell if agents are active by the number of \u2018Sold\u2019 signs they have, and by the quality of their local advertising.<\/p>\n
\u201cA busy office with ready after-hours facilities is also a must. Choose two or three agents and get them to put their submissions in writing.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mr Bartley said some of the criteria to consider were level of service, specific advertising details, fees and expenses and commitment to feedback during the marketing program.<\/p>\n
\u201cOnce you have two or three submissions you are in a position to compare apples with apples.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s no good going with the agent who puts the highest value on your home or offers you the lowest commission only to find they don\u2019t do any active marketing or provide you informed feedback from the market.\u201d<\/p>\n
According to Mr Bartley, many would-be sellers see through this kind of false economy too late.<\/p>\n
\u201cPotential buyers recognise overpriced property for what it is.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis makes them cautious and decreases competition for the property.\u201d<\/p>\n
He said most overpriced properties failed to attract offers and purchasers ended up with the psychological edge once negotiations were under way.<\/p>\n
\u201cTake your time about choosing an agent.<\/p>\n
\u201cAfter all, it\u2019s not something you do every day and you want to be confident in your choice. Do your homework and don\u2019t be seduced by fantasy prices or cheap commissions.\u201d<\/p>\n
For more information, phone Christian Bartley on 0410 695 325, email christian@bellarineproperty.com.au or head to bellarineproperty.com.au.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
MANY people think they should entrust the sale of their principal place of residence to the real estate agent who puts the highest value on it. This should not necessarily be the case, says Bellarine Property managing director Christian Bartley. \u201cTalk to people you know who have recently sold in the area,\u201d he said. \u201cAct […]<\/p>\n