We as agents often joke that vendors, when deciding to sell want to know only 2 things: “What price can I sell for and how much is your fee?” Apologies to those of you that believe these two questions are important, but they are not nor should the answer to them ever form the basis of choosing one agent over another.

“My fee is FREE till we get your house SOLD”

Most who ask these questions are for the one-off sale of their residential property and many would-be sellers begin their search for the right agent based solely on the agent’s fee. Sometimes before introductions are made and names exchanged, the caller asks, “What is your fee?” This is a poorly timed question.

So who’s the cheapest agent? The 2% agent, the 3% agent, or the 4% agent?…

“The CHEAPEST agent is the one who gets you the highest price”

Intending sellers ought to contact an agent and begin with finding out about their marketing and services. Ask for a market appraisal which, when completed, ought to include (amongst other things) a likely market price, comprehensive details of what services the agency offers, an innovative marketing strategy and a fee proposal.

“There’s a reason why a BMW costs more than a Holden or Ford” 

When negotiating a selling fee, it is wise to have first chosen your preferred agent. That way, your decision to choose an agent is based on your impressions of their professionalism, conduct, experience, marketing plans and abilities. It is a clichéd parallel perhaps but you wouldn’t choose the cheapest doctor if you knew them to not be as proficient as one marginally more expensive. The outcome of buying decisions based on cost alone is usually a poor one; a result equal to its value – low.

Promoting A Listing In The Newspaper Is Almost Like Trying To Find Where’s Wally 

Most Darwin Real Estate agents, faced with the prospect of listing a quality property and working with genuine sellers will be happy to negotiate a fair fee. Importantly, the manner in which the agent negotiates their fee and provides marketing implementation provides an insight into their skills as a marketer and negotiator; an important trait when negotiating your property’s sale.

Would-be sellers ought to discuss fees with their agent in an honest and candid manner but remember that the agent’s job is to market the home to achieve a sale in the shortest possible time for the highest price the market will bear and an attractive remuneration is a powerful incentive to maintain your agent’s focus

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