Choosing the right real estate agent can have a major impact on your selling experience. The right agent should understand your property, communicate clearly, market your home with care and negotiate with confidence.
Selling a home can feel personal, especially when the property holds memories or represents an important financial decision. Because of this, it helps to ask the right questions before choosing who will represent you.
Below are six questions to consider before appointing an agent.
Does the agent understand my property?
Every property has a different story. A character villa, architectural residence, apartment, development site or family home each needs a different approach.
When choosing the right real estate agent, look for someone who understands what makes your property valuable. This may include location, land size, architecture, renovation quality, lifestyle appeal, buyer demand or future potential.
An agent should explain how they would position the home, who they would target and what features they would highlight during the campaign.
Do they have strong local market knowledge?
Local knowledge matters. A good agent should understand recent sales, current buyer demand, suburb trends and comparable properties.
They should also explain the market in clear terms. This includes what buyers are responding to, what may affect price and how your property compares with other homes nearby.
In South Australia, sellers must sign a sales agency agreement before an agent can sell their property. SA.GOV.AU also notes that this agreement must state key details, including the property, services, commission, advertising costs and duration. This makes clear communication important from the start.
Can they show a clear marketing strategy?
A strong campaign needs more than a listing online. It should include professional photography, strong property copy, targeted advertising, inspection planning and buyer follow-up.
Ask how the agent will present your home. Ask where it will be advertised, how buyers will be contacted and how campaign performance will be measured.
The best strategy should feel tailored to your property, not copied from another campaign.
4. Do they communicate in a way that suits me?
Communication can shape the entire selling process. You should feel informed, supported and clear on what happens next.
Ask how often the agent will update you. Ask whether updates will include buyer feedback, enquiry numbers, inspection results and market response.
A strong agent will not only give updates. They will also explain what those updates mean and recommend the next step.
Do I trust their advice?
Trust matters when selling a home. Your agent will guide pricing, presentation, negotiations and key campaign decisions.
Look for advice that feels honest and supported by evidence. Be careful with promises that sound too easy, especially if they are not backed by comparable sales or a clear strategy.
You should feel comfortable asking questions and challenging recommendations when needed.
6. Do they have a proven record?
Experience can help when the market changes or negotiations become complex. Ask about recent sales, buyer databases, campaign results and client feedback.
Client testimonials can also help you understand how the agent works with people, not just properties.
When choosing the right real estate agent, the best fit is not always the person who gives the highest price estimate. It is often the person who can explain the strategy, understand the buyer, communicate clearly and protect your interests throughout the campaign.
If you are preparing to sell, you can request a sales appraisal or speak with our team to discuss your next move.
You can also view our current residential properties for sale to see how SY Luxury Real Estate presents homes across Adelaide.
Reference List
- SA.GOV.AU, Selling your home
https://www.sa.gov.au/topics/housing/buying-building-selling/selling-a-property/selling-your-home - Consumer and Business Services, Tips for selling a home
https://www.cbs.sa.gov.au/documents/regulation-and-advice/Tips-for-selling-a-home.pdf - Consumer and Business Services, Sales agency agreements | Rights and obligations of vendor
https://www.cbs.sa.gov.au/documents/tenancy/fact-sheets/Form_R1_final_sales_agency_agreements.pdf - Legal Services Commission of South Australia, Selling a home
https://lawhandbook.sa.gov.au/ch23s09.php