What should I consider when choosing a real estate agent?

Look, I’ve been in this game for a while now. seen enough real estate deals go sideways to know that picking the right agent? That’s like 80% of your success right there.

Here’s the thing most people don’t get — your agent isn’t just someone who sticks a sign in your yard and waits. They’re your strategist, your negotiator, your therapist sometimes (selling a home gets emotional, trust me).

## **The Big Red Flags You Can’t Ignore**

First things first. If an agent hits you with upfront marketing costs before they’ve even proven themselves? Run. Seriously.

I’ve watched too many sellers fork over thousands before their house even hits the market. What happens if that agent drops the ball? You’re out that cash AND still stuck with an unsold property. The good agents? They’ll back themselves. They know they’ll get paid when they deliver results.

## **Lock-In Contracts Are For Gyms, Not Real Estate**

Here’s another one that makes my blood boil — agents who want you to sign some 90-day exclusive agreement before they’ve lifted a finger.

Think about it. If they’re so confident in their abilities, why do they need to trap you? A great agent keeps you because they’re crushing it, not because you’re legally stuck with them.

## **The Junior Agent Shuffle**

Oh man, this one’s a classic. You meet with the star agent, the one with all the awards on the wall. They charm you, promise you the world. Then who shows up to your open homes? Some kid who got their license last week.

When you’re selling what’s probably your biggest asset, you want the A-team. Not the benchwarmer. Ask straight up: “Who’s actually going to be handling my sale?” If they dodge that question, you’ve got your answer.

## **Negotiation Skills Matter More Than You Think**

Here’s something nobody talks about — most agents are terrible negotiators. They’re order-takers, not deal-makers.

A properly trained negotiator can squeeze an extra 5-10% out of a buyer. On a $800,000 property? That’s serious money. Ask your potential agent about their negotiation training. If they look confused, keep looking.

## **The Local Market Knowledge Test**

Every agent’s gonna tell you they “know the area”. Here’s how you test that:

– Ask them what sold on your street in the last 6 months
– What’s the average days on market for properties like yours?
– Who are the active buyers in your price range right now?

If they’re scrambling for answers or giving you vague responses… next.

## **Marketing That Actually Works**

Cookie-cutter marketing is death in today’s market. Your property needs to stand out, not blend in with the 47 other listings that went up this week.

A good agent should be able to walk you through their marketing strategy. And I mean specifically — not just “we’ll put it on realestate.com.au”. What’s their plan to get YOUR property in front of the RIGHT buyers?

## **Communication Style (This One’s Huge)**

You know what drives sellers crazy? Radio silence. You list your property and then… nothing. No updates. No feedback. Just crickets.

Before you sign anything, test their communication. How quickly do they return calls? Do they give you straight answers or dance around tough questions?

The agent who takes 3 days to call you back when they’re trying to WIN your business? imagine how responsive they’ll be after they’ve got your listing.

## **Results, Not Promises**

Anyone can promise you the moon. But what have they actually delivered?

Don’t just look at their sold stickers. Dig deeper:
– How long did those properties take to sell?
– Did they achieve the asking price?
– What do their past clients say about them?

Real testimonials from real people. Not some generic “Dave was great!” nonsense.

## **The Gut Check**

Here’s the bottom line — you’re potentially handing over hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of responsibility to this person. Do you trust them?

If something feels off, it probably is. Your instincts are usually right about people.

## **What Your Agent Should Bring to the Table**

– **No upfront costs** (they should believe in their ability to sell)
– **No lock-in contracts** (you stay because they’re performing)
– **Senior agent involvement** (not palmed off to juniors)
– **Proper negotiation training** (this literally pays for itself)
– **Clear communication** (updates without you chasing)
– **Tailored marketing** (not one-size-fits-all)
– **Local expertise** (real knowledge, not just claims)
– **Proven results** (with evidence to back it up)

## **The Final Word**

Choosing an agent isn’t about who has the shiniest office or the biggest advertising budget. It’s about who’s going to fight for every dollar, keep you informed every step, and actually give a damn about your outcome.

Take your time. Interview multiple agents. Ask the hard questions. The right agent will welcome your scrutiny — because they know they can deliver.

Your home is probably your biggest asset. Don’t trust it to just anyone with a real estate license and a smooth pitch. You deserve better than that.

And hey, if an agent gets defensive when you ask these questions? That tells you everything you need to know.

Stay smart out there.

— Bryce