Why Comparing Agents Matters
Choosing a real estate agent is the first and most important step in selling your property. This may be the biggest financial transaction of your lifetime—and the difference between a good agent and a great one can be tens of thousands of dollars.
The right agent will be motivated, skilled, and have deep local experience. But how do you find them? By comparing agents systematically and knowing exactly what to look for.
Ready to Compare Agents?
Don't leave your biggest financial decision to chance. Compare real estate agents in your area—including their sales history, commission rates, marketing fees, and homeowner reviews—to find the right fit for you.
9 Steps to Choosing the Right Real Estate Agent
1. Review Their Sales History
Start with research. When comparing real estate agents, focus on:
- Number of properties sold – And their sale prices
- Current listings – How many properties are they managing?
- Average days on market – How quickly do they sell?
- Auction clearance rates – If relevant to your area
- Comparable sales – Have they sold properties similar to yours?
What to ask:
"Can you show me recent sales of properties similar to mine—same size, era, and style?"
There's a big difference between selling a modern studio apartment and a five-bedroom family home. You want an agent with experience selling your property type.
Tip: You can compare agent and agency sales histories at LocalAgentFinder, along with commission rates, marketing fees, and homeowner reviews.
2. Test Their Local Knowledge
A deep understanding of the local market is essential. During agent interviews, ask:
- How long have you worked in this area?
- What do you know about nearby schools?
- What's the average demographic of buyers here?
- How are public transport links affecting property values?
- What zoning changes might impact the area?
Why local knowledge matters:
An agent with local expertise will have a database of active buyers before your home even hits the market. If they've recently sold similar properties, their database will include motivated buyers who missed out—buyers who are ready to pay full price for the right property.
3. Understand Their Marketing Strategy
The success of your sale depends on how well your agent advertises your property. A good agent will identify your key buyer demographic and structure their campaign accordingly.
Ask if they'll use:
Going the extra mile:
The best agents also offer:
- After-hours private appointments for busy buyers
- Styling advice to attract more prospective buyers
- Targeted digital advertising to specific demographics
If you're looking to save on marketing costs, discuss which channels to prioritise and which to cut.
4. Compare Commission Rates
Agent commission rates vary significantly depending on:
- State/territory – Rates differ across Australia
- Metropolitan vs regional – Regional areas often have higher rates due to less competition
- Individual agent – Experience and track record affect pricing
The commission trade-off:
Important: Don't choose an agent based on commission alone. A slightly higher commission that delivers a significantly higher sale price is worth it.
You can compare commission rates, marketing fees, and sales history at LocalAgentFinder.
5. Read Homeowner Reviews
Reviews from other sellers give you insight into an agent's:
- Personality and communication style
- Negotiation skills
- Accuracy of valuations
- Team support and responsiveness
- Overall service quality
What to look for in reviews:
- Consistent positive feedback across multiple sales
- Specific mentions of strong negotiation outcomes
- Comments about communication and responsiveness
- Evidence of going above and beyond
LocalAgentFinder collects reviews from homeowners at the end of their selling process—so you get genuine insights into what agents in your area excel at.
6. Book Property Appraisals
Once you've compared agents online, book appraisals with your shortlist. Experts recommend getting 2–3 appraisals to compare.
What happens at an appraisal:
The agent visits your property and provides an estimate of its value based on:
- Their knowledge of the local market
- Recent comparable sales
- Your property's physical features and condition
- Current market conditions
Warning: The agent with the highest valuation isn't always the best choice.
Some agents "buy" listings by overquoting, then pressure you to reduce the price later. Compare their valuation with your own research and other appraisals.
You can book property appraisals through LocalAgentFinder.
7. Interview Your Shortlisted Agents
Use the appraisal visit—or a separate meeting—to interview potential agents. Prepare questions in advance.
Questions to ask:
What you're looking for:
- Clear, confident answers
- Evidence of relevant experience
- A communication style you're comfortable with
- Someone who has your best interests in mind
- Confidence they can achieve a successful sale at the best price
8. Watch How They Interact With Buyers
One of the best ways to assess an agent is to see them in action. Attend open inspections of properties your shortlisted agents are selling.
Observe:
- Did they greet you at the door?
- How do they communicate with attendees?
- Are they proactively highlighting the home's best features?
- Can they answer questions about the property and local area?
- Did you receive follow-up communication after the inspection?
- How effective is their marketing and presentation?
If they tick all these boxes, you may have found the right agent.
9. Agree on a Method of Sale
Before signing with an agent, ensure you're comfortable with the proposed method of sale:
Factors that influence the best method:
- Your location
- Current market conditions
- Property type and price point
- Your timeline and preferences
- Agent's experience with each method
If selling via auction, ask who will be the auctioneer and how much experience they have. Some agencies charge extra for auctioneer services.
What to Expect From a Good Agent
A quality real estate agent will:
- Organise the entire selling process – From listing to settlement
- Set a realistic price – Based on market evidence, not wishful thinking
- Advertise effectively – Professional photography, compelling descriptions, strategic listings
- Hold open homes – And present you with all offers
- Handle negotiations – Working to get you the best price
- Facilitate settlement – Ensuring all legal and financial requirements are met
- Communicate regularly – Keeping you informed throughout
Red Flags to Watch For
Not all agents are equal. Be wary of:
- Overquoting – Unrealistically high valuations to win your listing
- Pressure tactics – Rushing you to sign before you're ready
- Vague answers – Inability to provide specific sales data
- Poor communication – Slow responses, missed calls
- Limited marketing plan – No clear strategy to reach buyers
- No local knowledge – Can't answer basic questions about your area
- Bad reviews – Consistent negative feedback from other sellers
Compare Agents and Make an Informed Decision
The right agent can make a significant difference to your sale price and experience. Take the time to compare properly.
LocalAgentFinder helps you:
- Compare sales history – See how agents perform in your area
- Review commission rates – Understand what you'll pay
- Check marketing fees – Know your total costs upfront
- Read homeowner reviews – Real feedback from real sellers
- Book appraisals – Get valuations from your shortlist
- Access independent advice – Make an informed decision
Why Sellers Choose LocalAgentFinder:
- Free service – No cost, no obligation
- Side-by-side comparison – Evaluate multiple agents at once
- Transparent data – Sales history, fees, and reviews in one place
- Local expertise – Find agents who know your market
- Trusted since 2007 – Connecting Australian homeowners with top agents
Ready to Find the Right Agent?
Compare real estate agents in your area—including their sales history, commission rates, marketing fees, and homeowner reviews—to make an informed decision.
Key Takeaways
- Research sales history – Look for agents who've sold properties like yours
- Test local knowledge – They should know your area inside out
- Understand marketing – Ask exactly how they'll advertise your property
- Compare commission rates – But don't choose on price alone
- Read reviews – Learn from other sellers' experiences
- Get multiple appraisals – 2–3 minimum to compare
- Interview thoroughly – Prepare questions and assess communication style
- Watch them work – Attend their open inspections
- Agree on method of sale – Ensure you're comfortable with the approach