Choosing the right real estate agent is the single most important decision you'll make when selling your home. The agent you select will determine how your property is presented, how it's marketed, how negotiations are handled, and ultimately what price you achieve. This guide walks you through what to look for and the questions to ask before you sign.
A good real estate agent combines local market knowledge, a proven sales record, strong communication, and a clear marketing strategy. In Brisbane's competitive market, the difference between an average agent and a great one can be tens of thousands of dollars in your final sale price.
Before committing to an agent, assess them across five areas:
1. Local expertise. The agent should know your suburb specifically, not just the broader area. Ask them to name recent comparable sales, typical buyer profiles, and what drives demand in your street.
2. Proven results. Ask for a list of their recent sales in your suburb, days on market and how close results came to the initial asking price matter as much as the sale price.
3. Reviews and referrals. Check Google reviews and ask for contact details of past clients. Pay attention to reviews that mention honesty and how the agent handled challenges.
4. Marketing approach. Ask each agent to walk you through exactly how they would market your property - photography, digital advertising, database reach, open home strategy, and method of sale recommendation.
5. Communication style. They should be direct, proactive, and willing to give you honest feedback even when it's not what you want to hear.
Yes. Getting two or three appraisals is standard practice, not to find the highest price estimate, but to compare how different agents approach your property and how they justify their pricing. Be cautious of agents who significantly overestimate value to win the listing. This is known as 'buying the listing' and typically results in a price reduction down the track.
Agent commission in Queensland is negotiable and typically ranges from 2% to 3% of the sale price plus marketing costs. Don't choose an agent based on a lower commission rate. The difference between a 2% and 2.5% commission on a $900,000 sale is $4,500. The difference between an average result and a great result at that price point could be $50,000 or more.
1. How many properties have you sold in my suburb in the past 12 months?
2. What is your average days on market compared to the suburb average?
3. What method of sale do you recommend for my property, and why?
4. How will you keep me informed throughout the campaign?
5. What happens if my property doesn't sell at auction or within the first few weeks?
6. Can you provide references from recent sellers in my area?
A principal is a licensed real estate agent who owns or manages the office. An agent works under a principal's licence. What matters more than the title is whether the person handling your sale has the experience, local knowledge, and time to give your property the attention it deserves.
Start by searching for agents who specialise in your suburb and have a strong track record of recent sales there. Check Google reviews, ask neighbours who've recently sold for referrals, and request appraisals from two or three agents before deciding. The right agent will be knowledgeable about your local market, transparent about their approach, and willing to give you honest advice about pricing and method of sale.
Local expertise consistently outperforms brand recognition in residential real estate. An agent who knows your suburb's buyer pool, recent comparable sales, and what drives demand in your specific area will typically achieve better results than a brand-name agent without that local depth. Place Estate Agents operates locally across Greater Brisbane and its surrounding regions, combining local suburb knowledge with the backing of Brisbane's most active independent real estate network.
What should I do if I'm unhappy with my agent?
Start with a direct conversation about your concerns. A good agent will respond constructively. If the relationship has broken down entirely, review your agency agreement — there is typically a notice period required to terminate. Your new agent can advise on the process once you've made the decision to move.
How to Prepare your Home for Sale