There is so much to consider when choosing a real estate agent to sell your property. There are many agents to choose from and it can be confusing when you try to compare different commission rates, marketing plans, personalities and selling price recommendations. Some would argue that the most important factor is to choose an agent who is active in your local area. An agent’s local knowledge and expertise will often sell a home faster for the best price possible.

Here are just some of the advantages of using a local agent:

Know the Suburb Well

An agent who is selling homes in your suburb or a neighbouring suburb should know all there is to know about the area. Buyers can ask all sorts of questions from the local bus route, the number of primary schools, the high school boundary, local shopping centre expansion plans or road changes. An agent who can talk with authority about the suburb will be able to give the prospective buyer more information and hold a conversation for longer.

Value of the Home

If an agent has sold the house across the road, the one down the street and over the back fence there is a good chance they know what price point to market the home. An out of area agent can look up the selling prices of the homes but they won’t have been through previously sold houses to know how they really compare to the current listing.

Testimonials

When you use a local agent you can ask to see all their testimonials from past clients who also sold in the area. Reading testimonials can give a seller the peace of mind and confidence that their chosen agent will achieve the best possible outcome.

Database of Prospective Buyers

An agent with other listings in the suburb will meet buyers at other home opens. A buyer will often say that the property they are viewing isn’t quite right because they are looking for a particular feature or size. A good agent will take a note of this and if your property is a match, they can make contact with the prospects and invite them to view before the house is even advertised.

If you would like to find who the Naked Edge Real Estate local area specialist agent is for your area, check out our Suburb Profiles. And for more tips on making a decision on your real estate agent, download our comprehensive, free guide – How to Choose the Right Agent, found on our Blog.