Stop Choosing Agents Based On Cheap Fees
Most people are wrong about agent fees. People believe agents do the same job. They pick the lowest fee. They believe they are smart. If one charges less and the other is higher, they pick Agent A. They think they saved $5,000. But this is false economy. The low fee agent costs you the most at settlement. Why? Because they sell your home for less. The lost value is much more than the saving in fees.
Think about it. If they give up their own income, how can they defend your house price? They won't. They give in straight away. When a buyer offers low, they advise: "You should sell." They want the quick sale. They don't fight. A pro fights for every dollar. We are professionals.
I watch vendors in gawler real estate lose $20,000 or $30,000 for a small discount. It is tragic. You sell your home once. You want the top dollar. The fee is an investment. If I get you a premium, and the fee is slightly higher, you are $15,000 better off. That is the net result. Look at the net, not what you pay.
The Difference Between Cost And Value
Know the gap between price and result. A Kia and a Ferrari are worlds apart. Real estate agents gawler are no different. Some are order takers. They upload photos and hope. That is zero skill. Why pay for that?.
A professional markets proactively. We call buyers. We manage the look. We write compelling ads. Crucially: we deal. When a buyer says "$600,000 is my limit", the amateur accepts. The skilled agent knows they have more. The gap pays the fee 4 times over. That is performance.
Budget brokers need quantity. They need bulk sales to make a living. They rush to negotiate properly. You are a transaction. I focus on quality. So I can dedicate time for you. I charge correctly to do the job properly. Avoid the churner.
The Skill Set That Matters Most
Negotiation is not arguing. It is influence. Knowing tactics and when to shut up. Understanding signals. Building pressure. A master pushes the price against themselves. We use the market to elevate value.
It takes practice to get right. It is valuable. You are hiring an agent for this skill. Not for the sticker. You hire us to talk cash. If they are scared, money evaporates. They will suggest you drop your price because they can't get the buyer up. Easier to lower price than to lift a buyer. Bad agents lower price. Pros increase offers.
Interview question: "Tell me a story how you negotiated." Hear what they say. If they just say "I got an offer and they accepted," worry. You want to hear "I rejected the first offer." That is the winner. I love the deal. That is my promise.
Marketing Budgets: Who Pays For What?
You might hear "advertising included." Great deal? Wrong. Nothing is free. If marketing is "free", they spend the minimum. You get the small ad. You get iPhone photos. Basic board. Because they are paying. They minimize cost.
For the best result, you need the best. Highlight ad. Video. 3D tours. Social media ads. It isn't cheap. It reaches more people. More buyers = more competition. Demand equals value. Cutting ad spend and miss one buyer, the result drops. Poor return.
I advise investing in marketing. We do it right. We spend what is needed to get the result. It is your asset. Light it up. Don't be invisible to save a few dollars. Marketing works.
Beware Of Over-Quoting Agents
A dirty tactic of bad agents is over-quoting. They promise you will get a huge price when reality is lower. They do this to win the job. You hire them believing the lie. Once listed, it doesn't sell. They make excuses. They crunch you down to the real value. And you sell for $600k eventually.
You picked the cheat. The good agent who said $600k was rejected. Don't reward lies. If an agent promises a crazy number, check the data. Show me the sales. No data, it is a lie. I tell the truth. Data leads me. My price might be less, I achieve it. I get more through negotiation, not by lying at the start.
Be aware. Real estate is full of sharks. Choose honesty. Pick the agent reality, not what you want to hear. That is the guide who gets results at the top.
Questions You Must Ask Before Signing
In the appraisal, ask these questions:
1. Explain negotiation.
2. Can you show me your track record?.
3. What if we get gawler lifestyle property two bids?.
4. Why is your fee higher/lower?.
5. How will you find buyers?.
What they say shows their skill. If they stumble, don't hire them. If they are sharp, sign them. If they cut commission as soon as you ask, reject them. If they fold, they will cost you.
Grill me. I love the interview. I am prepared. I am confident. Pick me. Not on price, but because I am the best. And the best pays for itself ultimately.