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The biggest billboards or the loudest ads dont always translate to the best person for the job. Agents are a critical part of the selling process, and can offer unique insights and experience. They also help shoulder some of the stress helping you focus on what matters most.

Rapport is all important when it comes to you real estate agent, so heres some tips about finding the best agent match for you.

When you select a real estate agent, youre performing a rigorous job interview for a prized position. Youre choosing a stranger for an incredibly important task one that requires trust, expertise, and adapatability. Your expectations should be demanding; youre selling one of your biggest assets.

Agents should have a high degree of professionalism and dedication to their work. They should have a good reputation, and still be committed to impressing you and working hard.

Does the agent you’re investigating appear interested in your property – or is it just another one in a line of many they’re hoping to nab as a listing?

Using popular, successful agents can be great. Theyre obviously pleasing lots of people. But if theyre serving too many clients their attention might be split and you might not get the focus you want or need.

When researching, get a sense of how you fit into the agents big picture, and whether youre likely to fade into the background once you sign on the dotted line.

What should you look for in an agent?

• Ability to meet your actual requirements (not impose their own)

• Clear interest in meeting your needs

• Professional designation and membership of the local, state or national real estate institute

• Positive word or mouth and references from previous clients

• Knowledge of the area in which youre selling your property

• Knowledge of the price bracket youre likely to sell in

• Commitment to frank, realistic dialogue about the market and your situation

How do you research?

Our Find an Agent feature   lets you know which agents are working in your area, and you can start your search there.

Combine this with an extensive online search to explore their website, blog and any reviews or recommendations from clients.

Make a shortlist and meet with them personally.

Put together a list of the questions to ask your shortlist.

Heres some suggested questions once youve made an appointment for a chat with them:

• What is your experience as a real estate agent?

• Are you employed full time or part time as an agent?

• How long have you worked in this particular location?

• How many property sales were you involved with last year?

• Do you normally represent buyers or sellers?

• How many properties do you currently have listed?

• How many prospective buyers approach you?

• What do you perceive your personal strengths are as a real estate agent?

• What do you think our property is worth in the current market and how did you arrive at that figure?

• Which marketing strategy do you suggest is the best one to pursue for our property?

Don’t be alarmed if agents suggest meeting at your house. This gives them the opportunity to conduct an appraisal and get a sense of how they can best serve you. This service should be provided for free and in no way obligates you to engage the agent.

Your agent should provide

•  Access to recent market sales and appraisal data in your area

• Contact with a large number of buyers

• Screening of those buyers to identify qualified leads

• Advice on how best to market and present your home

• Implementation your marketing and advertising strategy

• Advice on the most appropriate method of sale (auction or private treaty)

• Negotiation services between you and buyers

• Ongoing access to a range of advertising and marketing options

• Frank and continued discussion about how well your campaign is tracking, and whether changes are required

• Effective administration of all legal and financial requirements.

Taking the plunge

Once youve decided on your agent, a written agreement should be drawn up. This will contain an estimate of the total fees, charges and expenses you can expect to pay when your property is sold.

Read this agreement carefully and if you are unsure of any aspects, seek legal advice before signing.

Consider how flexible you want the agreement to be and include those provisions where possible. You dont want to be hit with extra fees if you need to make adjustments to your advertising campaign mid-stream.

Best of luck with your search!