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Investing in real estate is a big decision, and unsurprisingly, most Australians want to buy a home, and most live in the cities. With more Australians wanting to buy a home, home competition is getting fierce. If you want to buy a new house in Australia, you’ll need an excellent agent to help you, but what is the best way to choose an Australian real estate agent?

The first thing you need to do when searching for a realtor is to find the best one for your needs. In the case of a full-service agent, they have all the skills necessary to help you buy or sell a house. They may have access to many properties and can provide feedback on which ones would be ideal for you.

Let us look into the best ways to choose an Australian real estate agent.

What is the Best Way to Choose an Australian Real Estate Agent?

1. Research

When choosing an agent, you must research them thoroughly. You should check their website and social media accounts and see if there are any complaints against them. Make sure you know how long they have worked as agents and whether they specialize in buying or selling houses.

You also need to make sure that you get references from previous clients. This will give you insight into the quality of service provided by the agent. Also, it would help if you asked friends and family who they recommend.

Further, checking reviews online can help in your search. Many people leave reviews about agents on sites like Google and Facebook. For instance, Search Party Property has many excellent reviews on its page, as its utmost priority is satisfying its client’s needs.

2. Use Local Knowledge

Another essential factor to consider when choosing an agent is local knowledge. Most agents have access to a database of properties in their area. So, they can tell you about the current market conditions and trends.

This information can help you decide which areas are suitable investments. It can also help you determine which neighborhoods are safe and which are not.

In addition, some agents have access to exclusive listings. These are properties that are only available through the agent. This gives you an advantage over other buyers because you won’t have to pay high prices to secure a property.

3. Ask Questions

Once you have chosen an agent, it is time to ask questions. Ask them about their experience with buying and selling homes. Do not hesitate to ask them anything you might think is relevant. For example, you could ask them if they have ever sold a property at a higher price than the asking price.

If you feel uncomfortable asking these questions, you should consider hiring another agent. There is no harm in doing so. However, remember that you are paying this person to work for you, so you should expect nothing less than top-notch customer service.

4. Check their License

Before signing up with an agent, ensure they hold a license. The Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) requires all agents to hold licenses.

Licensed agents must undergo training and pass exams before being able to represent buyers and sellers. This ensures that they understand the laws governing real estate transactions.

Also, licensed agents must maintain professional standards, as they cannot be involved in unethical practices such as misrepresenting facts or misleading clients.

Further, the AICD regulates the licensing process. Agents must submit documents proving that they meet specific requirements. Once approved, they are issued a license number.

5. The Highest Price is Not Always the Best

When looking for an agent, you should look for someone who knows what they are doing. If you find one, you should hire them. Do not forget to compare their charges with those of others, though.

However, remember that the agent charging the highest price is not always the best. Sometimes, you might find that the agent with the lowest charges offers the best services possible.

So, do not let yourself get caught up in the highest-price hype. Instead, focus on finding the right agent for you. You will save money by doing so.

6. Make Sure They Have Your Back

It is essential to make sure that your agent has your back. When you sign up with an agent, you should be able to contact them anytime you need to. It is very frustrating to deal with an agent who does not answer calls or emails promptly.

Also, it is essential to ensure your agent knows where you stand with the purchase process. Some agents will try to push you through the sale quickly without giving you enough information. However, others will take their time to ensure that everything goes smoothly.

They will let you know if something comes up along the way. They will also notify you if they cannot complete the transaction because of some unforeseen circumstances.

Conclusion

Buying a house isn’t easy. In fact, it takes more effort than most people realize. A good agent will always keep you informed throughout the entire process. Choosing an agent might look like an expense, in long run it will reap you many benefits. That said, we hope these five tips help you to choose the best Australian real estate agent.