When it comes to selling one of your most valuable assets, your home, it makes sense to take time in choosing a real estate agent that is qualified and knowledgeable and has the right tools and strategies at their disposal.
When speaking with sales consultants, don’t be afraid to ask the right questions to make sure you trust your consultant and to make sure you’re confident they have the experience to sell your home quickly and for the best price.
Here are some things to consider:
Is your salesperson qualified?
To sell real estate in South Africa, you need to be a qualified sales consultant, and that means you need to hold the proper valid licence.
In South Africa, the Real Estate Agents Authority issues real estate licences to sales consultants and ensures they undergo continuous professional development as well as monitoring registered agents to maintain a high standard of professionalism.
In South Africa, sales consultants in each city must register as a real estate salesperson after the successful completion of a Certificate of Registration Program.
It is a valid question to ask your sales consultant if they hold the proper licence.
Is your salesperson experienced?
Experienced sales consultants don’t just know all there is to know about selling real estate, they also know about your local market, average house and unit prices, what kinds of homes and even features are popular with buyers, key negotiation strategies, and how to effectively market your home.
That’s why it’s key to sit down with a prospective sales person and ask detailed questions about your market, how much homes have sold for in the area, and what they’ll be doing to market your property.
An experienced sales consultant should be able to take you through all of this in great detail and answer any questions you might have.
Are you choosing a real estate agent that is focused on you?
It’s about people. Successfully buying and selling real estate is so often about understanding human needs and aspirations. That’s why the real estate office you choose to sell your home through should ensure their people not only receive in-depth professional training but are also committed to creating meaningful and genuine personal relationships.
Alongside trust, honesty and integrity, it’s important for a sales consultant to have an intimate knowledge of their local markets and current property trends. This should be combined with a solid work ethic and well-developed negotiation skills.
Is your salesperson able to achieve the right result?
Achieving the quick sale of your property for the right price can depend on more than your sales consultant alone. A consultant needs the right tools at their disposal and the support to use them effectively.
Your sales consultant should have a full range of marketing, research and technological tools available to them at all times, that will enable them to achieve the right result for your property.
Choosing a sales consultant to sell your property is an important task. Treat it like you would a job interview. This person needs to be professional, trustworthy, reliable, and approachable, and you need to be confident they have the ability, knowledge and tools to achieve the result you’re looking for.
Get a guarantee in writing
The next step is to make sure you are given a guarantee in writing. At Harcourts, you will receive Our Promise in writing as soon as you agree to list your property with us. Our Promise is our commitment to you that we will deliver:
- A written marketing plan and calendar
- Post inspection feedback
- Regular written marketing reports
- Marketing review meetings
- All offers presented in writing
Consider it a total commitment to working together to make the whole experience easier, less stressful and far more rewarding.
Looking for a Harcourts sales consultant in your local area? Visit www.harcourts.co.za and go to Find Offices/People to find one nearest you.