30 Essential Questions to Ask a Real Estate Agent When Selling Your Home in Australia
Selling your home is one of the biggest financial transactions you’ll ever make. Finding the right real estate agent to guide you through this process is crucial for getting the best possible price with minimal stress. The most effective way to find your ideal agent is by asking the right questions during your initial interviews. This comprehensive guide provides 30 essential questions to ask a real estate agent when selling your property in Australia, helping you make an informed decision about who will represent your valuable asset.
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Why Asking the Right Questions Matters
When you interview potential real estate agents, asking targeted questions helps you understand their experience, marketing approach, and communication style. The right questions to ask a real estate agent will reveal their local market knowledge, negotiation skills, and overall compatibility with your needs. Understanding what a real estate agent actually does is crucial before you start interviewing them. By thoroughly vetting agents before signing a contract, you can avoid misunderstandings and ensure your property sale goes smoothly.
Considering selling your property? It’s wise to choose the right real estate agent. While Realestate.com.au offers a valuable list of 9 key questions to ask prospective agents, we’ve compiled a more general list to help you, as a potential seller, identify what truly matters most to you in the selection process.
Equip yourself with the right questions! Find our customizable top 10 to ask a real estate agent at the end of this article, or get the comprehensive 30-question version in a downloadable Word document.
Essential Questions To Ask A Real Estate Agent About Experience and Credentials
Before entrusting someone with the sale of your home, you need to verify their experience and qualifications. These questions to ask a real estate agent will help you assess their expertise.
1. How long have you been selling properties in this specific area?
Local experience matters tremendously in real estate. An agent who knows your neighbourhood well understands its unique selling points, typical buyer demographics, and realistic price points. According to the Real Estate Institute of Australia, agents with over 5 years of experience in a specific area typically achieve sale prices 4-7% higher than those new to the market.
PRO TIP: Focus on local experience rather than just years in the industry. An agent with 15 years of experience in another region may be less effective than someone with 5 years of focused experience in your specific suburb.
2. What’s your license status and are you a member of any professional organizations?
In Australia, real estate agents must be licensed to operate legally. Ask to see their license and check if they’re members of professional bodies like the Real Estate Institute of Australia (REIA) or their state’s real estate institute. These memberships often indicate a commitment to ongoing education and ethical standards.
3. How many properties similar to mine have you sold in the past 12 months?
Recent, relevant experience selling properties like yours is invaluable. An agent who regularly sells homes similar to yours will better understand your property’s market position and potential buyer pool. According to essential questions to ask experienced real estate agents, those who specialize in specific property types consistently achieve better results than generalists.
4. Can you provide references from your three most recent clients?
Speaking with recent clients gives you insight into what working with this agent is really like. Ask these references about communication, reliability, and whether the agent achieved the expected sale price.
5. What’s your average days on market compared to the area average?
This question reveals how quickly the agent typically sells properties compared to local averages. According to CoreLogic data, the Australian average is currently 30 days, but this varies significantly by location and property type.
Critical Questions to Ask A Real Estate Agent About Selling Strategy
The strategy your agent employs will directly impact your sale outcome. These questions to ask a real estate agent will help you understand their approach.
6. What selling method would you recommend for my property and why?
Whether auction, private treaty, or expressions of interest, each selling method has advantages and disadvantages. A good agent will explain why a particular method suits your property and market conditions. According to Domain’s data, auctions in hot markets can achieve 10-15% higher prices, while private treaties may work better in slower markets.
7. What price range do you believe my property will sell for, and how did you determine this?
Ask for a detailed comparative market analysis (CMA) showing how they arrived at the suggested price range. Be wary of agents who provide significantly higher estimates than others without solid justification—they may be using one of the most common deceptive tactics agents employ to “buy” your listing, only to push for price reductions later through a process called “conditioning.”
CAUTION: Overpricing can be a deliberate strategy by some agents to win your business. If an agent’s estimate is substantially higher than others, ask them to justify it with concrete market data and comparable sales.
8. What improvements or repairs would you recommend to maximize my property’s value?
Strategic improvements can significantly boost your sale price. The Housing Industry Association reports that kitchen renovations typically return 1.5-2 times their cost in Australia, while professional painting can yield a 5-10x return on investment.
9. How would you handle a situation where the property isn’t attracting offers?
No agent can guarantee a quick sale. Ask about their contingency plans if your property sits on the market longer than expected. Do they adjust marketing, recommend price changes, or suggest improvements?
10. What’s your approach to negotiating with buyers?
Negotiation skills can mean thousands of dollars difference in your final sale price. Ask for specific examples of how they’ve successfully negotiated deals for previous clients. It’s also important to understand whether real estate agents can disclose offers to other buyers, as this knowledge can affect your negotiation strategy.
Essential Marketing Questions To Ask A Real Estate Agent
Effective marketing ensures your property reaches the right buyers. These questions to ask a real estate agent will help you evaluate their marketing capabilities.
According to questions to ask about real estate agent marketing strategies, properties with comprehensive marketing plans sell for an average of 5-8% more than those with minimal marketing exposure. Professional marketing isn’t just about attracting buyers—it’s about attracting the right buyers who will pay premium prices.
11. What would your complete marketing plan for my property include?
Ask for a detailed written marketing plan including online listings, professional photography, floor plans, social media promotion, print advertising, and open house strategy. According to REA Group, properties with professional photography receive 118% more online views.
PRO TIP: Request sample marketing materials from previous campaigns to assess quality. The best agents will have impressive portfolios showcasing how they’ve marketed similar properties.
12. Which real estate portals will my property be listed on?
In Australia, realestate.com.au and Domain are essential platforms, but additional portals can increase exposure. Check what level of listing they recommend on these platforms—premium placements can increase views by up to 300%.
13. Do you use social media and targeted online advertising?
Digital marketing has revolutionized property sales. Ask how they use platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Google to target potential buyers. Data from Meta shows that targeted real estate ads reach 7x more potential buyers than standard listings.
14. Will you create video content or virtual tours for my property?
According to REA’s research, listings with videos receive 403% more inquiries than those without. Virtual tours became essential during COVID restrictions and remain popular with interstate and international buyers.
15. How will you market my property’s unique features to the right buyer demographic?
Every property has unique selling points. A good agent will identify these features and emphasize them to the right audience in their marketing materials.
Financial Questions to Ask a Real Estate Agent
Understanding all costs involved is essential before signing with an agent. These questions to ask a real estate agent will clarify the financial aspects.
16. What is your commission structure, and are you willing to negotiate?
Commission rates in Australia typically range from 1.6% to 3.5% depending on location and property value. Ask if they use a tiered structure where they earn a higher percentage for achieving above a certain price point—this can align their interests with yours.
17. Are there any additional fees beyond your commission?
Some agents charge separately for marketing, photography, or administrative costs. Get a clear breakdown of all potential expenses in writing.
18. When are marketing costs paid, and are they refundable if my property doesn’t sell?
Most marketing costs are paid upfront and are non-refundable, even if your property doesn’t sell. Understand these terms before committing.
19. Do you offer a satisfaction guarantee or easy exit from the listing agreement?
Some agents offer guarantees or flexible contract terms. Ask about the conditions for terminating the agreement if you’re not satisfied with their service.
20. How will you help me understand the financial implications of different offers?
A good agent should clearly explain how different offers impact your bottom line after accounting for mortgage payout, taxes, and moving costs.
Communication and Service Questions To Ask A Real Estate Agent
Clear, consistent communication is essential for a smooth selling process. These questions to ask a real estate agent will help assess their communication style.
21. How frequently will you provide updates, and through what channels?
Set clear expectations about communication frequency and preferred methods. A responsive agent should provide regular updates even when there’s no significant news. Poor communication is the biggest complaint about real estate agents, so establishing clear expectations upfront is essential.
PRO TIP: Request weekly written reports in addition to phone calls or text messages. Having documentation of market feedback and inspection results creates accountability and helps with decision-making.
22. Who will be my main point of contact throughout the selling process?
Some agents hand off clients to assistants after signing. Clarify who will handle your sale day-to-day and who will conduct open houses and inspections.
23. How do you handle after-hours inquiries about my property?
Serious buyers often make inquiries outside business hours. Ask how the agent manages evening and weekend communications.
24. What support do you provide during the settlement period?
The work isn’t over when you accept an offer. A good agent will help coordinate with conveyancers, handle pre-settlement inspections, and troubleshoot any issues that arise before completion.
25. How will you help me prepare for open houses and inspections?
Ask what guidance they provide for preparing your home for viewings and whether they’ll be present for all inspections.
Legal and Ethical Questions To Ask A Real Estate Agent
Protecting your interests requires understanding the legal aspects of your agreement. These questions to ask a real estate agent will help clarify the contractual relationship.
26. What is the proposed length of the listing agreement?
In Australia, exclusive agency agreements typically run for 30-90 days. Be cautious about longer terms without performance clauses or exit options.
27. How do you handle multiple offers and potential conflicts of interest?
This is particularly important if the agent might represent both you and a buyer (dual agency). Ask how they ensure all parties are treated fairly while still advocating for your best interests.
28. What disclosure obligations do I have as a seller in this state/territory?
Disclosure requirements vary across Australian states and territories. A knowledgeable agent should explain your local obligations and help you prepare the necessary documentation. The important questions to ask real estate agents about legal requirements provide comprehensive guidelines on legal requirements for property sales, which vary significantly by location.
29. How do you ensure compliance with anti-discrimination laws in marketing and showings?
Australian fair housing laws prohibit discrimination. Your agent should explain how they ensure their marketing and showing practices comply with these regulations.
30. What happens if there’s a dispute between us during the selling process?
Ask about their dispute resolution process and whether they’re covered by professional indemnity insurance.
BONUS QUESTIONS To Ask A Real Estate Agent
What Sets You Apart From Other Agents?
This question gives the agent a chance to highlight what makes them unique, whether it’s their negotiation skills, marketing expertise, or track record of success in the area. A good agent will differentiate themselves from others.
What Is Your Strategy for Negotiating Offers?
Negotiation skills are crucial for getting the best price for your property. Ask the agent how they approach multiple offers, counteroffers, and closing negotiations. A good agent should have a clear strategy to handle offers professionally.
What Should I Do to Prepare My Home for Sale?
A professional agent will give you advice on how to prepare your home for sale, whether it’s through repairs, decluttering, or staging. Ask for a list of recommended improvements to maximize your home’s appeal to buyers.
FAQ – Questions To Ask A Real Estate Agent
How many real estate agents should I interview before making a decision?
Most property experts recommend interviewing at least three agents to compare approaches, personalities, and fee structures. This gives you a good basis for comparison without becoming overwhelming.
Can I negotiate the agent's commission rate?
Yes, commission rates are generally negotiable in Australia. However, be cautious about choosing an agent solely based on a low commission rate—the difference between a good and average agent can far exceed the commission savings.
Is it better to choose a large agency or an independent agent?
Both have advantages. Large agencies may offer more extensive marketing resources and team support, while independent agents might provide more personalized service. Focus on the individual agent's track record rather than the size of their company.
Should I choose an agent who specializes in my type of property?
Whenever possible, yes. An agent who regularly deals with properties similar to yours will have better buyer connections and market knowledge specific to your property type.
How important are online reviews when choosing an agent?
Online reviews can provide valuable insights, but they should be one factor among many. Look for patterns in reviews rather than focusing on a single glowing or negative review, and ask the agent to explain any concerning feedback.
Can I list with multiple agents simultaneously?
In Australia, you can use an open listing arrangement where multiple agents can market your property, but most premium agents will require an exclusive agency agreement for a set period. Open listings typically result in less marketing investment from each agent.
Choosing The Right Real Estate Agent
Choosing the right real estate agent is perhaps the most critical decision you’ll make when selling your home. By asking these 30 questions to ask a real estate agent, you’ll gain valuable insights into each agent’s experience, approach, and suitability for your specific situation. Understanding what a real estate agent actually does and being aware of common deceptive tactics will help you make an informed choice. Take your time with this decision—the right agent can make the difference between a stressful, prolonged sale and a smooth, profitable transaction.
Remember to trust your instincts as well. Beyond qualifications and strategies, you need an agent you feel comfortable working with during what can be an emotional process. The ideal agent combines professional expertise with personal compatibility to create a positive selling experience.
Finally, once you’ve selected your agent, maintain open communication throughout the selling process. The best agent-seller relationships are partnerships built on trust, transparency, and shared goals.
Authority Guidance for Sellers
For more detailed information on engaging professionals when selling property in South Australia, check out SA.GOV.AU’s official guide to selling a property. This resource offers valuable insights into the legalities and best practices for selling real estate in Australia.
Additional Resource for Your Convenience
In the heat of the moment, you might forget to ask some important questions. To help you with this, we’ve prepared a downloadable and editable Word document with what we believe the top 10 questions. You can add your own questions to ensure you cover everything. Once downloaded, the document is fully editable, allowing you to personalize it for your needs.
Download your editable top 10 questions to ask a real estate agent document here: Editable Questions Document
Or For the Full 30 Questions To Ask A Real Estate Agent Mentioned Above – Download The Document Here
Conclusion
Asking these questions will help you find a real estate agent who meets your needs and understands the local market. Selling your home is a big decision, and partnering with the right agent will make the process smoother and more successful.
For any additional questions or real estate guidance, feel free to visit our real estate services page to learn how we can help with your property needs or talk to us in person by phoning 0493 539 067.
Download and Print The Top 10 Questions To Ask A Real Estate Agent: Download Editable Questions Document
Or For the Full 30 Questions To Ask A Real Estate Agent Mentioned Above – Download The Document Here
