An article in the AFR this week (27 September) is headlined “Which home selling agent model offers the best value?”

The article then compares the costs and features of various agent- and no-agent-selling options but doesn’t talk about value at all. Two sellers can pay the same amount to sell their homes but get completely different value for their money.

The value of any of these services comes from what the agent does and how they do it, once you’ve agreed to their selling model, whatever it is.

This crucial point is almost always missed in the ongoing debate about who’s got the right selling model.

A seller might get great value from a lower, fixed-price agent because she is hard-working, professional and has good processes in place. And they might get terrible value from a more expensive commission-based agent who is great at selling himself but doesn’t follow through with potential buyers and might use questionable sales tactics.

Or vice versa.

The reality of dealing with any real estate agent is that they all work for themselves.

Sellers who think that they will get a certain level of service and support from a particular real estate brand are dreaming. So, no matter which option you choose when you are selling your property, your outcome will more likely be a function of which individual agent you choose than which selling model you choose.

Another way of looking at it is that a very good agent might have a great business by charging a lower fee that helps him win more listings, while a below average agent might convince some sellers to go with a higher commission model, but those clients walk away from the sale feeling angry and frustrated by their experience.

If you are thinking about selling, go and see how your local agents run their selling campaigns.

Pretend to be an interested buyer and see how they treat you and their vendor. Focus on their process for marketing and selling the property. You’ll quickly get a better sense of the value they offer, and you’ll probably feel a bit more confident in choosing an agent to sell your property. You’ll also see both sides of an agent. The side they present when they are bidding for your business and, the more important side, how they go about selling your property.

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Best Regards,
Michael Ferrier

At EYEON Property Inspections, we help you buy and sell with more confidence.