How to find the best real estate agent in your suburb

Finding the right real estate agent to sell or lease your property is a critical part of your real estate journey.

The right agent for you will put your housing needs first, while attaining a wealth of real estate knowledge and skills that will benefit you.

Here are five tips for finding the right real estate agent for you in your area.

1. Do your research

Before you begin searching for a real estate agent, it helps to attain some of your own knowledge so you are aware of the current market conditions. Familiarise yourself with similar properties in the area and research how your property is likely to perform. Of course, this is where a real estate agent will be able to help, but doing a little bit of research will do no harm.

If you want to be extra thorough, research local agents in the area so you can compare their track record and choose one you think is more likely to achieve your goals.

2. reiwa.com AgentFinder

With our AgentFinder search portal on reiwa.com, you can search for the best real estate agents who are local to you.

With complete transparency, you can browse profiles of WA agents highlighting their experience, current listings and recent selling or leasing statistics. You can search by suburb, agent or agency and compare data of listings, awards and much more.

You don't have to settle for an agent you are not sure about. Make the most of these features so you can be sure you've selected a good agent with a strong track record.

For more information about reiwa.com AgentFinder, see "Pinpoint the right local real estate agent".

3. Look locally

Start your search as close to home as possible. Talk to friends, family and neighbours for recommendations on agents they may know in the area or have used before. When you meet with a potential agent, ask them about their knowledge of the area - this is just as important as the agent's ability to sell or lease your property.

Do they know the local schools, zoning, bus routes, future developments etc? This knowledge will act as leverage and bring a little bit of extra energy to your home opens.

4. Don't always settle for the first agent you meet

Most real estate agents will have a strategy ready to sell your home, so it's good to meet with a few agents so you can set your benchmark early and see which agent is most likely to meet these.

It's okay not to always settle for the first agent you meet, expand your options so you can be sure you've done enough research.

5. Go with your instinct

Your real estate agent is going to represent you and your property, so you want to choose an agent that you can develop a personal relationship with.

At the end of the day, it's a two way street and the only way to achieve a fast successful sale, or tenant for your property, is by having a good relationship with your agent.

Are you selling your home? Here are seven marketing tips for your home open.

To begin your search for a local REIWA agent, visit reiwa.com AgentFinder.