Why you need the services of a good estate agent

Selling or buying property involves a substantial financial investment and a lot of paperwork.

If you were looking at a legal question of the same value, you would hire a lawyer. If it were a tax problem, you would hire a chartered accountant. For a property sale, you need the professional assistance of an estate agent.

Not just any agent will do. This is someone you will be working closely with to ensure your sale or purchase is successful and hassle-free. You need an agent who will work with you, sitting in your corner, ready to offer practical advice and local market knowledge to maximise this significant life event.

A good estate agent will have connections in the market that benefit both the buyer and seller.

Agents work with all of the incendiary services in the real estate transaction process, and can refer you to these contacts when necessary.

If you have a problem or need a service, your agent is there to help.

Agents also apply experience in price negotiations; assist in evaluating the pros and cons of an offer and help with the legal paperwork required.

Particularly when selling a property, you want local knowledge and experience matched with relevant skills and the best available tools to sell your property, be it regionally, nationally or internationally: someone who has your best interest at heart, and not only has a suite of high quality marketing materials at their disposal, but also knows the most effective way of using them.

Throughout the sale process, your agent will be by your side, offering advice, strategies and tools to ensure that you find your buyer. If you don’t trust your agent, this process is likely to be a difficult one, fraught with difficult decisions.

So what should you look for?

Firstly, seek an agent that can prove themselves – both the quality of their service, and the range of marketing tools at their fingertips to deliver a sale.

Training and accreditation is important in ensuring your agent has up-to-date knowledge of property laws and processes. Make sure also that your agent knows your market – local knowledge is invaluable.

An agent can give informed opinions about a property’s value, the neighborhood and similar properties.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, trust your instincts.

Go with someone you feel comfortable with, develop a good working relationship, and let them guide you through the selling process. It can be that simple.