Interviewing the estate agent

It is important to interview multiple estate agents before making a decision about whom you want to work with.

Selling a home is one of the most financially impactful decisions of most people’s lives, so you’ll want to ensure that the agent you choose to work with not only has a good reputation and an extensive knowledge base about residential properties, but also someone that aligns to your thinking and needs.

We asked some of South Africa’s agents and agency heads to provide three questions that sellers should be asking estate agents during an interview.

Chris Tyson, founder and CEO of Tyson Properties

1. What other homes in the area have sold recently (or are currently on sale) and at what prices that are similar?
2. What will your marketing strategy be?
3. How do you manage your show days?

Duane Butler, manager for Seeff Randburg

1. What is your experience selling properties in my area?
2. How do you plan to market my property?
3. What is your approach to pricing my property?

Dr Andrew Golding, Chief Executive of the Pam Golding Property group

1. What is your knowledge of, and experience in the market?
2. Tell me about recent comparable sales you have concluded, how long did it take to sell them, and what was the selling to listing price?
3. What is your marketing proposal for my property and the process you will follow?

Gerhard van der Linde, MD for Seeff Pretoria East

1. Tell me about you and your company. What level of success do you achieve and how will you go about marketing my property?
2. What are the benefits for me of awarding an exclusive sole mandate to you? Is it not true that the more agents who are working on my property, the better the chances are of selling it?
3. How do you establish the market value of my property. Should we not list it higher and hope for an offer closer to what we expect?

David Jacobs, Regional Sales Manager for the Rawson Property Group

What is your qualification, track record and experience selling property, especially in my neighbourhood? Can you supply references or testimonials from some of your clients so I can get feedback on the sales journey and how it was working with you? 3. How do you plan to market and position my property to sell in this market?

Tiaan Pretorius, manager for Seeff Centurion

1. Are you legally compliant, and able to look after the interest of all the parties involved?
2. How did you calculate the marketing price?
3. What is currently happening in the market right now?

Adrian Goslett, Regional Director & CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa

1. How did you arrive at the suggested listing price?
2. What are the costs involved in selling my home?
3. What do you need from me to make this sale happen?

Once you have answers, it is also good to check out any online presence of the agents you are considering. Having a professional with whom you can connect will make your life easier and the sales journey far more successful.