An agent's five key skills that help secure the best result

GUEST OBSERVATION

When it comes to selling your property, you want to ensure the agent you have entrusted is able to successfully fulfil the job at hand.

A real estate agent’s definitive role is to get the best possible result at sale for their client. However how each agent undertakes this process can vary from agency to agency. Selecting the right agent plays a crucial role in driving the result and who you chose to sell your most expensive asset could alter the outcome dramatically.

• Successfully selling - To gain optimum results an agent needs to go over and above the basics and demonstrate exceptional sales and interpersonal skills. After all, the client’s interaction with the agency is not just about the sale but about the overall experience.
  
  
• An ethical approach - It goes without saying that a real estate agent should act ethically at all times. Buyers are very astute and know when an agent is misleading them. Acting unethically will see potential buyers lose interest in the property and refrain from putting their best offer forward. Not an ideal scenario for the vendor looking to bring as many buyers to the table as possible.
  
  
• Knowledge is power – For an agent to be able to secure the best result for the vendor they should posses a great deal of expertise in the local area, by knowing what has sold and what is on the market. This product knowledge will help in quoting a realistic reserve for the property which will attract the most prospective buyers. A good agent will manage the vendor’s expectations of what is a realistic result and then endeavour to achieve this.
  
  
• Experience – An experienced real estate agent should be able to read buyers and know what to say and do to get them attracted in the property. As different situations arise, the agent should have the skill set to act upon issues and ensure both buyers and sellers are happy and confident to work with the agency.
  
  
• Finding a buyer - Ultimately the vendor wants to sell their property for the best possible price and for this to happen the agent must bring as many enthusiastic and voracious buyers to the fore. To do this, an agent should not only have a bespoke marketing campaign in place but also create competition by proactively targeting interested parties from the company’s database who fit the brief and demographic. This will in due course create competition for a property and secure the highest price.

By sourcing a competent and trustworthy agent, vendors can feel confident that their agent is working hard to drive the end result. 

Paul Bond is a lifelong resident of the Bayside suburbs and director of Hodges Sandringham.