Finding the Estate Agent for Your Property

Whether you are buying or selling a property, it is important that the agent you will work with is the the most ideal you can ever find out there. While the terms 'best' and 'ideal' are highly subjective, it would not hurt to take these standards consciously as you set yourself out in the market looking for an agent to help you purchase or sell a property.

The top priority you should consider when finding an agent for your property is his or her location. If you are selling a property in Melbourne or in any part in Victoria for that matter, it follows that you need to look for an agent who is working directly with real estate properties in Victoria. They know what properties are available for sale in the area, the buying and selling procedures specific to real estate in Victoria and more.

If you find yourself having a considerably hard time contacting the estate agent you want to hire from his office, consider that a good thing. An agent who is always out in the field and hosting open houses rather than confined in his desk means he has a lot of properties to sell, buy or auction off on behalf of his client. Make sure that you know and have other ways of contacting the agent you want to hire aside from his office number. Know his mobile phone or email address. Or better yet, join an open house that he is hosting. You will most likely see him there.

If you are buying a property, always aim for the top realtor you can find. Why is that? 

1. Top realtors are well-connected. They have their way of knowing properties for sale not advertised and even properties that you do not know are for sale unless you personally know who the owner is. 
2. A top realtor is also great at making negotiations. If you are new to buying a property, you need an experienced negotiator who can give you the most favourable price.  Your realtor can look into the many angles of  the property to haggle the price such as the condition of the home, the neighbourhood, the proximity to commercial areas and other angles that you are most likely to be blind to. 
3. And with the experience a top realtor has, he will be your voice of reason whenever you find yourself falling in love so easily with a property you saw for the first time. They will stay objective for you once you find the property that suits you – appearance-wise and financially-wise.

Take your time in looking for the estate agent who will best represent you when you sell, buy or auction of a property. Get referrals from friends or family members and do your share of interviewing the agent you want to hire. Check the agent's references by calling at least  3 of their most recent clients and check if the agent has indeed been truthful with his credentials and past works. 

If you are buying, work with a buyer's agent who is not the same as the seller's agent. The danger of working with an agent who is representing both the buyer and the seller is whose best interest has the bigger weight. Working with an agent who is exclusively working on your side means all negotiations will be directed towards your favour.