Selling a home is an emotional and financial milestone and one of the biggest decisions many of us will make. Selecting a real estate agent who grasps both the market and your personal objectives is important, whether you’re selling a family home, an investment, or a beloved apartment.
So, how do you go about choosing a real estate agent who will genuinely act in your best interests? Let’s break it down into six simple steps that will help guide your decision.
1. Do Your Research
Before you hand over the keys, spend some time researching agents who work in your suburb. Look at their current listings, sales history, and how they present their properties online.
At MyPlace Estate Agents, we always encourage property owners to ask for examples of recent sales in their area, including final sale prices, campaign lengths, and feedback from other clients.
2. Look for Local Knowledge
Understanding a suburb’s unique characteristics is key to real estate, not just the figures. The right agent should be able to tell you what families love about Botany, what types of buyers are flocking to Zetland, or how prices are trending in Alexandria.
Are they enthusiastic about the area? Do they bring energy to the transaction?
3. Observe Them in Action
You wouldn’t hire someone without seeing them do the job first, so consider attending a few open homes run by your shortlisted agents. Watch how they present a property, how they interact with potential buyers, and whether they’re focused on both service and results.
Great agents don’t just open doors, they know how to connect with buyers emotionally, answer questions confidently, and present each home as a place, not just a price.
4. Ask Smart Questions
Choosing a real estate agent should feel like entering a partnership. Ask about their marketing strategy, recent results, and how they handle buyer negotiations. A good agent will walk you through the “why” behind their approach, not just the “what.”
John Cunningham, REINSW Deputy President, reminds sellers: “A result doesn’t just happen without giving good advice and having a good experience.” So don’t be afraid to dig deep into what shaped those outcomes.
5. Set Clear Benchmarks
Transparency is everything. Your chosen agent should be able to outline how they plan to market the property, what platforms they’ll use, how often they’ll report back, and what a successful result looks like.
At MyPlace, we take the time to align with your goals from the start. That way, there are no surprises, just progress and shared confidence at every stage.
6. Choose Trust Over Tactics
Lastly, ask yourself: “Do I feel comfortable with this person selling my home?”. Because the truth is, selling property is a team effort. You’ll be relying on your agent for advice, updates, and guidance through a high-stakes process.
If something feels off, trust your instincts. The best agent isn’t always the one offering the lowest commission, it’s the one offering the highest level of service, care, and consistency.
Choosing a real estate agent is one of the most important decisions you’ll make during your property journey. When it’s done right, you’re not just listing a property, you’re stepping into a partnership built on trust, expertise, and a shared goal for the best result.
Want to know what that experience feels like? Contact us at MyPlace Estate Agents today to speak with our experienced team. We’re here to help you feel confident, informed, and supported every step of the way.
P.S. If you are in the early stages of thinking about whether selling is right for you, don’t forget to jump on our proprietary 3 minute assessment tool to uncover your readiness score and receive a bespoke pdf tailored to your score.