Last Updated on April 22, 2025 by gawlereastadmin
The Real Role: What Does a Real Estate Agent Do? – Save Time & Stress.
The Essential Guide to Understanding Your Property Partner
Thinking about selling your home or diving into the property market? You might be wondering what does a real estate agent do. Is it worth the commission, or could you tackle it solo?
Ready to Experience the Difference?
If you’re ready to work with a real estate agent who puts your interests first, contact Gawler East Real Estate today:
Phone: 0493 539 067
Email: enquiries@gawlereastrealestate.au
Address: 1 Lewis Avenue, Gawler East, South Australia 5118
Still weighing your options? Continue reading to discover how our expertise can transform your property journey.
The Real Estate Agent: Your Property Concierge
At its core, a real estate agent is your personal property concierge—a licensed professional who navigates the complex waters of real estate transactions so you don’t have to. They’re the answer to the common question: what does a real estate agent do?
According to research from Highnote.io, real estate agents wear multiple hats daily, from market analysts and negotiators to legal compliance officers and marketing specialists—roles that require extensive training and local expertise to master effectively.
Comparison Table: DIY Selling vs. Professional Real Estate Agent
| Aspect | DIY Selling | Professional Real Estate Agent |
| Sale Price | Typically 5-15% lower than market value | Maximized through strategic pricing and negotiation |
| Time Investment | 30-40 hours of personal time | 5-10 hours of your time, with agent handling the rest |
| Marketing Reach | Limited to personal networks and basic online listings | Professional photography, premium listings, and targeted campaigns |
| Negotiation Leverage | Emotional involvement can weaken position | Strategic approach based on market knowledge and buyer psychology |
| Legal Protection | Full personal responsibility for compliance errors | Professional oversight to ensure legal and regulatory compliance |
| Buyer Screening | Limited ability to assess serious buyers | Pre-qualification of prospects to focus on legitimate offers |
| Stress Level | High, with responsibility for all aspects | Moderate, with professional guidance through challenges |
| Access to Network | Limited to personal connections | Extensive professional network of buyers, inspectors, and service providers |
What Makes a Great Real Estate Agent?
The difference between an average agent and an exceptional one often comes down to three critical factors:
- Local Market Knowledge: They don’t just know property values—they understand neighborhood trends, school ratings, development plans, and community dynamics. In Gawler, where the median property value has reached $633K with a strong 38.2% annual growth in median sale prices, this local expertise is invaluable.
- Negotiation Expertise: A skilled agent can secure thousands more for your property through strategic negotiation. Recent data from Raine & Horne indicates that properties sold through agents with advanced negotiation training achieved 5-7% higher sale prices compared to market averages. In Gawler’s competitive market, where homes sell in an average of just 26 days, expert negotiation can make a significant difference.
- Communication Skills: Your agent should translate real estate jargon into plain English while keeping you informed at every stage of the process.
Quick Guide: 5 Essential Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Real Estate Agent
- What is your experience selling homes in this specific area?
- How will you determine the right listing price for my property?
- What marketing strategies will you use to promote my home?
- What sets you apart from other real estate agents?
- How will you communicate with me throughout the selling process?
Want the complete list of 10 critical questions? You can visit the blog article here or Download our free, editable question document that includes additional questions about negotiation strategies, references, commission structure, and more. This downloadable resource helps ensure you select the right agent for your specific needs.
Core Responsibilities of a Real Estate Agent
When you engage a real estate agent, here’s what should be included in their service package. Understanding what does a real estate agent do means knowing the full value they offer both sellers and buyers.
For Sellers:
- Comprehensive market analysis to accurately price your property
- Strategic marketing plans including professional photography, compelling listings, and targeted advertising
- Property preparation advice to maximize appeal
- Coordinating inspections and open houses
- Skillful negotiation with potential buyers
- Managing paperwork and ensuring legal compliance
- Guiding you through settlement
For Buyers:
- Property search based on your specific criteria
- Arranging viewings and providing objective feedback
- Due diligence on potential properties
- Negotiating purchase terms
- Facilitating building and pest inspections
- Coordinating with finance providers and conveyancers
- Supporting you through to settlement
According to REIWA’s comprehensive guidelines on professional standards, agents must adhere to strict ethical guidelines and legal requirements in their practice, ensuring that transactions proceed with integrity and transparency.
Why Choose Gawler East Real Estate
At Gawler East Real Estate, we don’t just tick the boxes—we redefine what exceptional service means. With over 25 years of corporate deal-making experience, our principal Andrew McKiggan brings unparalleled negotiation skills to every transaction.
Our approach centers on three core promises:
- Total Transparency: No hidden fees, no surprise costs—just clear communication about what you’re paying for and why.
- Local Expertise: We don’t just work in Gawler and surrounding areas—we live here, we shop here, we raise our families here. Our intimate knowledge of the local market translates to more accurate pricing and targeted marketing.
- Client-Centered Service: Your goals become our mission, whether you’re selling your family home or purchasing your first investment property.
Pro Tip: Concerned about being locked into a contract with an agent who isn’t delivering? You have options. Learn about your rights in our guide: Can I Change Real Estate Agents When Selling My House?
Australian Real Estate Qualifications: The Foundation of Trust
In Australia, being a real estate agent isn’t just about having a gift of gab and a nice suit—it’s a regulated profession requiring specific qualifications and ongoing education. If you’re wondering what does a real estate agent do to earn your trust and business, start with their education and licensing. Before entrusting someone with what might be your largest asset, it’s worth understanding what makes them qualified for the job.
To practice legally in South Australia, real estate agents must complete nationally recognized training through registered providers and obtain the appropriate licenses. Still wondering what does a real estate agent do with all this training? This includes completing Certificate IV in Real Estate Practice (CPP41419) and registering with Consumer and Business Services (CBS).
This rigorous qualification process ensures that every agent you work with has demonstrated competency in:
- Property appraisal and valuation
- Understanding legal and compliance frameworks
- Ethical practice guidelines
- Contract preparation and execution
- Marketing techniques and property promotion
Pro Tip: When selecting an agent, don’t just ask if they’re licensed—ask about their continuing education and professional development. The real estate landscape evolves rapidly, and the best agents stay ahead of trends and legislation changes. Learn about the most asked questions to a real estate agent to help guide your selection process.
The Emotional Advantage: What Does a Real Estate Agent Do to Stay Objective?
One of the most undervalued aspects of working with a real estate agent is their emotional distance from your property. This objectivity plays a key role in answering the question what does a real estate agent do that owners often can’t do themselves. While you see the home where your children took their first steps, potential buyers are calculating square footage and renovation costs.
According to detailed research from Broadland Estates on agent effectiveness, emotional detachment allows agents to:
- Set Realistic Price Points: They can look objectively at comparable sales data without being influenced by sentimental value.
- Receive Criticism Constructively: When a potential buyer points out flaws, agents can address concerns pragmatically rather than defensively.
- Negotiate Strategically: They can pursue the best outcome without being swayed by emotional reactions during tense negotiations.
- Make Data-Driven Decisions: From timing the market to accepting offers, agents rely on facts rather than feelings.
This emotional buffer often translates directly to financial gain. Properties sold by owners typically fetch 5-15% less than those sold by agents, largely because emotional attachment can cloud judgment during critical decision points.
Case Study: The Gawler East Advantage
Property: 4-bedroom home in Gawler East Initial Owner Valuation: $610,000 Gawler East Real Estate Assessment: $655,000 Final Sale Price: $678,500 Days on Market: 18 (compared to area average of 26) Return on Marketing Investment: 11:1
Through strategic marketing, targeted buyer qualification, and expert negotiation, our team secured a sale price $68,500 above the owner’s initial expectations. The professional photography and premium listing placement attracted three competitive offers within the first two weeks of listing.
The Art of Negotiation: What Does a Real Estate Agent Do to Maximize Your Return?
Negotiation isn’t an innate talent—it’s a skill developed through training and experience. At Gawler East Real Estate, Andrew McKiggan brings over 25 years of corporate deal-making expertise to the table, employing sophisticated negotiation techniques that amateur sellers simply cannot match.
Effective real estate negotiation involves:
- Understanding Buyer Psychology: Knowing when to push and when to concede based on buyer signals and motivations.
- Creating Competitive Environments: Strategically managing multiple interested parties to drive up offers.
- Leveraging Market Knowledge: Using recent comparable sales and market trends as negotiation tools.
- Maintaining Professional Distance: Preventing emotional responses from derailing promising deals.
This skill set isn’t theoretical—it translates to tangible results. Our clients consistently report achieving sale prices that exceed their expectations, often recouping the agent commission several times over through expert negotiation alone.
If you’ve ever asked, “what does a real estate agent do beyond showing houses?”—this is it. They orchestrate every element of the deal, from strategy to execution, with one goal: maximizing your return.
Common Seller Fears and How Agents Address Them
Selling a home ranks among life’s most stressful experiences. Here’s how professional agents like those at Gawler East Real Estate transform common fears into success stories:
Fear: “My home won’t sell for what it’s worth.”
Agent Solution: Comprehensive market analysis and strategic pricing based on recent comparable sales, property condition, and market trends. **This is a prime example of what does a real estate agent do—**they turn fear into a clear, fact-based strategy tailored to your property’s strengths and market context.
Fear: “I’ll be pressured into accepting a low offer.”
Agent Solution: Creating a buffer between emotional sellers and strategic buyers. Developing a negotiation strategy before listing and setting clear price thresholds based on market realities rather than pressure tactics.
Fear: “The process will be overwhelming and confusing.”
Agent Solution: Step-by-step guidance through each stage of the selling process. Regular communication and updates, with all complex paperwork handled by experienced professionals who understand legal requirements.
Fear: “I’ll waste money on ineffective marketing.”
Agent Solution: Targeted marketing plans customized to your property’s unique selling points and likely buyer demographics. Professional photography, compelling property descriptions, and strategic placement on major real estate platforms and social media.
Pro Tip: Understanding common complaints about real estate agents can help you avoid potential pitfalls. Review our article on what is the biggest complaint about real estate agents to ensure you select a professional who prioritizes communication and transparency.
How Andrew from Gawler East Real Estate Delivers Value
Andrew McKiggan doesn’t just meet the standard real estate agent qualifications—he exceeds them. If you’re still asking what does a real estate agent do, Andrew’s results speak for themselves, bringing a unique combination of corporate negotiation experience, local market knowledge, and client-centered service to every transaction.
His approach addresses the specific pain points many sellers experience:
- Confusion over Marketing Costs? Andrew provides detailed, transparent breakdowns of all costs upfront, explaining exactly what you’re paying for and why.
- Worried about Transparency? You’ll receive regular updates throughout the sales process, with clear explanations of strategies and outcomes.
- Frustrated by Poor Communication? Andrew maintains responsive communication through your preferred channels—whether that’s phone calls, emails, or text messages.
- Concerned about Presentation? Only premium-quality photography, compelling listings, and targeted advertising campaigns make the cut for Gawler East Real Estate properties.
This commitment to excellence extends beyond Gawler to surrounding areas including Munno Para, Angle Vale, Hewett, Willaston, and Evanston, with customized approaches for each unique market.
Actionable Tips for Working With Your Real Estate Agent
Finding the right agent is just the first step—creating an effective partnership requires effort from both sides. Once you’ve found the right fit, you’ll never need to ask what does a real estate agent do again because their results will show you. Here are proven strategies to maximize your agent relationship and achieve optimal results:
Before Listing Your Property
- Prepare a Property Information Package: Collect documents related to your property, including recent renovations, warranties, utility bills, and maintenance records. This helps your agent accurately represent your home’s value.
- Define Your Communication Preferences: Let your agent know how and when you prefer to be contacted. Weekly updates? Daily calls? Text messages? Setting these expectations early prevents frustration later.
- Be Honest About Your Timeline and Motivation: If you need to sell quickly due to a job relocation or financial situation, share this with your agent. They can adjust strategies based on your urgency.
- Discuss Improvement Priorities: Ask your agent which improvements will offer the best return on investment. Sometimes a $500 bathroom refresh yields better results than a $5,000 kitchen upgrade.
- Set Realistic Price Expectations: The market determines your home’s value, not your mortgage balance or renovation costs. Trust your agent’s comparative market analysis even if it challenges your assumptions.
During the Sales Process
- Stay Flexible for Showings: The more accessible your property, the more potential buyers will see it. Consider temporarily relocating pets during the sales period to facilitate last-minute viewings.
- Trust the Professional Staging Advice: Your personal decorating style might not appeal to the broadest market. Follow your agent’s recommendations, even if it means temporarily storing beloved items.
- Avoid Attending Open Houses: Your presence can make buyers uncomfortable and less likely to express their genuine reactions. Give them space to imagine the home as their own.
- Filter Feedback Objectively: When your agent shares buyer feedback, resist taking criticisms personally. Use the information constructively to make adjustments that could improve saleability.
- Maintain Property Condition: Keep your home in showing-ready condition throughout the listing period. First impressions matter tremendously in real estate transactions.
Pro Tip: The relationship between agent and seller works best when built on mutual respect and clear expectations. Visit our comprehensive real estate services page to learn more about establishing productive agent partnerships.
Frequently Asked Questions About Real Estate Agents
How do real estate agent commissions work?
Real estate commissions in Australia typically range from 1.6% to 3.5% of the sale price, depending on location, property value, and services included. At Gawler East Real Estate, we offer transparent commission structures with no hidden fees.
The commission model incentivizes agents to achieve the highest possible sale price, as their compensation increases proportionally. This alignment of interests benefits sellers, as research from Entry Education shows that professional agents typically secure sale prices well above the commission difference compared to private sales.
What’s the difference between a real estate agent and a real estate sales representative?
In South Australia, a real estate sales representative works under the supervision of a licensed agent and has completed the necessary training requirements. A full real estate agent holds additional qualifications and can operate their own agency. Both must adhere to industry regulations and ethical standards when representing clients.
How long does it typically take to sell a property?
The average selling time varies by location, property type, price point, and market conditions. Currently, properties in the Gawler area spend an average of 26 days on market when priced correctly and marketed effectively. Your agent should provide a realistic timeline based on current local trends during your initial consultation.
Can I sell my house while purchasing another one?
Yes, and a skilled agent can coordinate these transactions to minimize stress and financial strain. Strategies might include contingency clauses, bridge financing, or rent-back arrangements. At Gawler East Real Estate, we excel at managing these complex scenarios to ensure smooth transitions between properties.
What if my home doesn’t sell?
If your property doesn’t attract offers within the expected timeframe, a professional agent will reassess the strategy. This might involve adjusting the price, enhancing marketing efforts, staging improvements, or addressing issues revealed through buyer feedback. Andrew McKiggan provides honest reassessments and clear recommendations if your listing performance falls below expectations.
Your Next Steps: Partner with Gawler East Real Estate
Ready to experience the difference a professional real estate agent can make? Here’s how to get started with Gawler East Real Estate:
- Request a Free Property Appraisal: Understand your property’s true market value with our detailed, data-backed analysis. No obligation, just valuable information to inform your decisions.
- Schedule a Consultation: Meet with Andrew to discuss your specific needs, timeline, and goals. Develop a customized strategy to maximize your property’s potential.
- Review Our Marketing Plan: See exactly how we’ll showcase your property to attract qualified buyers and generate competitive offers.
- Begin Your Success Story: Join the growing list of satisfied clients who’ve achieved exceptional results through our professional guidance.
Don’t leave your most valuable asset to chance. Contact Gawler East Real Estate today:
Phone: 0493 539 067
Email: enquiries@gawlereastrealestate.au
Address: 1 Lewis Avenue, Gawler East, South Australia 5118
Visit our comprehensive real estate services page to learn more about our approach and how we consistently exceed client expectations.
Whether you’re ready to list now or just exploring your options, we’re here to provide the expert guidance and support you deserve. Your property goals are our priority, and we’re committed to helping you achieve them with confidence, clarity, and exceptional results.
