Property
How Do I Choose The Best Real Estate Agent To Sell My Home?
August 2026
August 2026
How Do I Choose The Best Real Estate Agent To Sell My Home?
If you are thinking about selling this spring, choosing an agent can feel harder than it first appears. You might hear different price estimates, different ideas about auction versus private sale and very different promises about what each agent can achieve. The best place to start is not with the biggest number, but with the quality of the advice behind it.
For homeowners in Berwick, Officer, Beaconsfield, Beaconsfield Upper and surrounding areas of Melbourne’s south-east, we think the most useful comparison is a simple one: does the agent understand your property, can they explain their strategy clearly, and do you feel confident they will communicate well when the campaign is underway?
A useful starting point: meet more than one agent and ask each of them to explain the same things: how they reached their price estimate, which recent comparable sales they relied on, how they would market your home, what it will cost and how they plan to keep you informed.
What should I look for in a great real estate agent?
A good agent should be able to explain their recommendations rather than asking you to accept them on confidence alone. When comparing agents, look at the quality of the thinking behind the pitch.
1. A price estimate supported by comparable sales
Ask each agent how they reached their estimated selling price and which recent comparable properties support it. A good agent should be able to walk you through the evidence in plain English and explain why those sales are relevant to your home.
The estimate is not a guaranteed selling price. That distinction matters. A useful appraisal conversation should leave you with a clearer understanding of where your property sits, what buyers may compare it with and what could influence the result.
2. A marketing plan that makes sense for your property
A marketing proposal should be more than a list of advertising products. Ask what the agent recommends, why they recommend it, what each component costs and how the plan suits your property and likely buyers.
Ask for the marketing plan and costs in writing so you can compare proposals properly. The important thing is to understand what you are paying for, what each part of the campaign is meant to achieve and whether the plan feels appropriate for your property.
3. A clear explanation of the proposed method of sale
Auction and private sale can both be appropriate in different circumstances. Rather than looking for an agent who automatically recommends one method, ask why their proposed approach suits your property, timing and priorities.
A strong answer should help you understand how the campaign would work in practice, including how buyer interest and offers will be handled.
4. Communication that is clear before you sign
Pay attention to how the agent communicates during the appraisal process. Do they answer questions directly? Do they explain unfamiliar terms? Are costs and expectations clear? Do they follow up on what they say they will provide?
You will rely on your agent for buyer feedback, campaign updates and advice as the sale progresses. The way they communicate before winning your business can give you useful insight into how the working relationship may feel.
5. Transparent commission, marketing costs and terms
Ask for costs in writing and make sure you understand both commission and marketing expenses. Commission is negotiable in Victoria, so it is worth being clear about how it is calculated and exactly what is included before you sign.
It is also worth asking exactly what happens if the property does not sell, what expenses remain payable and how the commission is calculated at different possible sale prices.
What questions should I ask agents before choosing one?
Using the same questions with each agent makes comparison easier. Consider asking:
- Which comparable sales support your estimated selling price?
- Why do you recommend auction or private sale for my property?
- What is included in the marketing plan, and what does each item cost?
- How will you communicate buyer feedback and campaign progress to me?
- Who will personally handle inspections, enquiries and negotiations?
- How is your commission calculated?
- What costs could I still pay if the property does not sell?
- How long does the sales authority run?
Compare the whole proposal, not one number. An appraisal figure matters, but so do the evidence behind it, the campaign strategy, costs, communication and the terms you are being asked to sign.
What are the red flags when choosing a real estate agent?
Some warning signs are straightforward. Others are simply reasons to ask more questions before committing.
A very high estimate without convincing evidence
Be cautious if one appraisal is substantially higher than the others and the agent cannot support it with relevant comparable sales. A higher estimate can be appealing, but what matters is whether the agent can show you why they believe it is realistic.
Pressure to sign before you understand the agreement
A sales authority is a legally binding contract, and in Victoria there is no cooling-off period after signing it. Take the time to understand the terms before you commit, especially the authority period, commission and marketing costs.
Vague or unexplained marketing costs
You should be able to see what you are paying for. Ask for a written schedule of advertising and other outgoings, and clarify which costs are payable even if the property does not sell.
Commission that is difficult to understand
If the commission uses percentages, tiers or an incentive structure, ask the agent to show you what the fee would be at several possible sale prices. This can make the financial effect much easier to compare.
A strategy that sounds generic
If the same pitch could apply to almost any home, ask the agent to explain what they would do specifically for your property. The goal is not complexity. It is a strategy with a clear rationale.
Should I choose the cheapest real estate agent?
Not necessarily. Commission and marketing costs are important, but price alone does not tell you what the service or selling strategy will be like.
Compare what each proposal includes, how the agent intends to run the campaign, how well they support their pricing advice and whether you are comfortable with the person who will represent you during negotiations. A lower fee may suit you, but it should be considered alongside the complete service.
What should I check before signing with an agent?
Once you have chosen an agent, read the sales authority carefully. This agreement sets out important details including the method of sale, commission, marketing expenses, estimated selling price and authority period.
Many parts of the sales authority can be negotiated, so make sure any agreed changes are recorded in writing. If you want an extra layer of reassurance, you can also check whether a person is a licensed estate agent or authorised agent’s representative through the Victorian public register.
Before you sign: make sure you understand the authority period, commission, marketing costs, selling method, estimated selling price and any other conditions you have agreed to. If something is unclear, ask for it to be explained and recorded appropriately before committing.
How can I compare agents if I am planning a spring sale?
If spring is when you would like to sell, the weeks beforehand can be useful for having appraisal conversations without feeling that you need to decide immediately. Meet more than one agent and give yourself a consistent way to compare their recommendations.
For sellers around Berwick, Officer, Beaconsfield, Beaconsfield Upper and surrounding suburbs, we suggest focusing the conversation on your own property and circumstances. Ask for the evidence behind the price estimate, the reasoning behind the sales method, the proposed marketing plan and a clear explanation of costs and terms.
The best fit is usually the agent whose advice you understand, whose strategy makes sense to you and whose communication gives you confidence in the process. Selling a home is a significant decision, so it is reasonable to choose the person you feel will guide you clearly, represent your property well and stay steady when decisions need to be made.
Common questions
How many real estate agents should I interview before selling?
There is no required number, but speaking with several agents gives you a better basis for comparison. It can help you see the differences in pricing evidence, strategy, costs and communication style.
Should I pick the agent who gives me the highest appraisal?
No. An estimated selling price is not a guaranteed sale price. Ask the agent to show you the comparable sales and reasoning supporting their estimate, then consider that evidence alongside their marketing plan and overall service.
Are real estate agent commissions negotiable in Victoria?
Yes. Commission is negotiable in Victoria and should be clearly recorded in the sales authority. Advertising and other outgoings can also be discussed before you sign.
Can I change my mind after signing a sales authority?
Do not assume you can. In Victoria, there is no cooling-off period after signing a sales authority, and the authority is legally binding. Make sure you understand the authority period and other terms before signing.
Thinking of making a move?
If you are thinking of a move, our team are here to help. Contact us for all your property needs on 9707 5300.
This article provides general information only and is not legal advice. Requirements can change, so consider obtaining advice that reflects your circumstances.
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Got more questions for us?
Whether you’re buying, selling, leasing or just curious, we’re here to help. Get in touch with our Berwick or Officer branches.
