which real estate agent

Hi LuLu, did you find an agent for Richmond? There will be plenty of options for you to choose from, but ultimately the following criteria should help you select the right one.

1. Market share. Look at which agents seem to dominate the market. Select the top 3 agents in terms of representation in your area and invite them to submit a market report and assessment of your property.
2. Interview the agents. Ask them to explain where they see your property sitting. Recommendations they might make in terms of marketing the property. How much does their agency market themselves and properties before they start charging for additional marketing of the property. Tactics they suggest to strategically improve your chances of not only selling your property, but maximising value. This might include a suggestion you might not want to hear, in terms of presentation of the property (removing clutter) and / or potentially even waiting for conditions to improve (if there are obvious signs of the market shifing in your favour within 6-months or less). A lot of agents just want to sign you up. You want to sign one up that is going to work in your best interests.
3. Fees. You might thinks fees should be number one on your agenda, but for me they come down the list. I actually offer incentives for the agent to reach certain milestones after which I might offer a financial kicker, direct into the agent's pocket as a gift (not a secret commission). Sometimes it pays to pay more. Remember, any incentive you offer an agent is only a % of the extra value they have achieved for you. You want their fees to be competitive against the overall market, but not necessarily the cheapest. You do get what you pay for.
4. Attitude. How personal is their service. Attend some open for inspections and see how they operate. Call and ask questions and see how proactive they are at responding and / or being helpful. Not your direct market, but I can give you a great example of two very different agencies in the inner North. Go and visit open for inspections in each of Brunswick and Coburg markets. Nelson Alexander are the dominant agent and for good reason. They do not massively under-quote properties (which earns respect of purchasers in the market who are therefore more inclined to trust and treat with them) and are quick to provide answers or get back to you with a response if they do not know on the spot. Barry Plant Brunswick office however are the complete opposite. Staff are not friendly and come across as arrogant and unhelpful. Don't expect them to answer or return phone calls quickly either. I actually gave up trying to get answers on a couple of properties I was potentially interested in as investments due to the way they treated me. If I was buying a home through them and was more anxious (buying a home is more stressful than buying an investment) then I don't know how I would have coped with their poor service.

I think it is important to remember that Real Estate agents are actually in the people industry. It all comes back to customer service and how they make you feel, both as a seller and a purchaser. They need to make you feel confident and remove as much anxiety as they can, which in most instances can be achieved through being friendly and prompt. Nelson Alexander in Brunswick are a great example of how to do this properly. Barry Plant are the perfect example of how not to do it. Funnily enough, the Barry Plant office in Coburg is like dealing with a completely different company. Like Nelson Alexander, they understand how to treat people.

If you haven't selected an agent already, would be interested to see how you go. Am interested in entering Richmond market possibly mid to late next year. Good luck.

MM

Great Reply MM - couldn't have said it better

Yep, I second that great response MeanMachine