Spring into selling: How to choose the right agent

You’ve made the big decision to sell your property. Now it’s time to tackle another crucial decision: choosing the right real estate agent.

Selecting the agent to sell your most valuable asset is one of the biggest decisions in your sales journey. You want to make sure they know your suburb, your target buyer, and are committed to getting you the best return.

In the second edition of our Spring into Selling series, we look at the strategies for finding the right agent.

Start your search on reiwa.com AgentFinder

When beginning your search for a real estate agent, it's crucial to rely on reputable sources.

reiwa.com offers a free tool, AgentFinder, which is your directory to every agent certified with the Real Estate Institute of WA, who lists their properties on reiwa.com.

Unlike platforms that prioritise agents who pay for leads, AgentFinder ensures you have access to a comprehensive list of real estate professionals actively serving your area with no strings attached.

Simply enter your suburb to find active agents, listed by volume of properties sold. You can go into each agent’s profile and dig a little deeper into how they might be the best fit for you, including:

• Sales metrics. Consider factors such as median days on market and current or recently sold listings to measure performance of different agents in your area. Hint: Each agent’s profile will feature a suburb breakdown (pictured below) to show the locations in which they are most active.

• Recent awards and accolades. reiwa.com also acknowledges top-performing professionals by volume and/or value of sales through monthly individual awards and annual accolades. Review the recent 2023-24 reiwa.com Award winners to identify agents who consistently deliver outstanding results in their local area. Winning agents will also feature their award logos on their AgentFinder profile, so you can easily distinguish who the top agents are in your area. These awards are solely based on REIWA’s verified records of sold and leased properties by each agent and agency.

• REIWA Accreditation. Look out for agents who hold relevant accreditations as part of their REIWA membership. REIWA Accreditation is the highest level of professional recognition a real estate agent can achieve in WA. It indicates a senior, specialised expert, who has gone above and beyond the minimum training required by the government, to elevate their knowledge and skills in their chosen field.
• Community REInvest sponsorship. Agents involved in REIWA’s philanthropic program Community REInvest, will have the logo displayed on their AgentFinder profile, showing their dedication to supporting those in need in WA.

Invite agents for an appraisal

Once you've identified a list of potential agents, it's time to invite them for an appraisal of your property.

During these meetings, pay close attention to their approach and communication style. The key points they should discuss include:

• Knowledge of your suburb. It’s important your agent knows your local market. Ask your agent about recent sales and listings in your area, as well as any recent trends, to find out what they know about your suburb and the target buyer. In an exclusive interview, Block faves Ronnie and Georgia shared the reason they chose their agent was their knowledge of the area. “He knew every house in our area,” said Ronnie. “He could tell us the sales history of the area off the top of his head.”
• Pricing strategy. Ask them to explain how they arrived at their suggested listing price. A competent agent should provide a well-researched and data-driven analysis of your property's market value.
• Marketing plan. Enquire about their marketing strategy. A comprehensive marketing plan is essential to reach a wide audience of potential buyers. They should outline and explain their approach to online listings, open houses, promotional materials, and social media marketing.

Don’t pick the cheapest agent

One common mistake sellers make is selecting an agent solely based on their fees.

While cost is an element, it should not be the primary factor behind your decision. Your agent should possess excellent communication skills, a deep understanding of your suburb or local area, and a commitment to your success.

Investing in an agent who can secure a higher selling price or a faster sale can ultimately save you money and stress in the long run.

Always use a REIWA member

For added peace of mind, opt for an agent who is a registered member of REIWA. Members have access to exclusive industry insights, advice from industry experts on the REIWA Information Services line, and can become recognised among the best in their field with REIWA Accreditation.

REIWA members are highly trusted, according to a 2022 independent survey of the WA general public. The survey revealed that REIWA received a reputation score of 4.9, whereas the wider real estate industry scored only 2.7.

The training and professional development members undertake, their commitment to the community and highest professional standards are just some of the reasons REIWA members are highly regarded among the most trusted in their field.

Trust your instincts

In the end, after considering all these factors, choose an agent who you feel a connection with and trust. You will be working closely with them throughout the sales process, and a strong working relationship can make the experience smoother and more enjoyable.