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Ten Things to Consider Before Hiring a Real Estate Agent

Filed under Real Estate Agents

By StartLocal Editorial Team · Updated 26 October 2026

Whether you're buying or selling a home, having the perfect real estate agent is a must to avoid headaches. Unfortunately, hiring a bad agent is worse than not having one at all. Here are ten things to consider that will help you find a good agent, one who will help take the stress out of your real estate transactions.

  • Take Your Time: Don't pick the first agent you find in the phone directory, or the agent with the most sale signs stuck in yards around your hometown. Ask around, interview agents, and take your time. The agent represents you, so don't rush the selection process.
  • Experience Sells: Just as you want an experienced person building your home, you want the person with the most experience selling your home. You want someone who works full time selling homes and representing clients to ensure you get an agent on top of the market. You also want someone experienced with your type of home. An agent who only deals with high-end models may not be able to represent your starter home to its fullest extent.
  • Look for Education: It's getting easier and easier to get a real estate licence these days, and more people are jumping into the field with the current booming house market. To ensure you get a great agent, look for an agent with additional education or degrees that show he/she has studied hard to become the best in their field. Check that the agent is licensed in your state or territory, and ask about any further qualifications they hold.
  • Trade Associations: Look for a real estate agent who belongs to their state’s Real Estate Institute, part of the Real Estate Institute of Australia. Members agree to a code of conduct that includes honesty and fair dealing. This membership will give your agent an inside track on the market and listings.
  • References are a Must: Ask for a list of satisfied clients and make sure you call them. You'll want to find out how satisfied they were with the agent's communication skills, willingness to answer questions, and negotiation skills.
  • Organization Skills: You'll want to know what methods your real estate agent uses to keep track of listings and to look up new ones. The Internet offers a whole new realm of house listings never dreamed of ten years ago. You'll want a agent who is highly organised, on top of the market, and able to use the latest technology.
  • Don't Go for Cheap: A real estate agent who takes the lowest cut on commission probably isn't one you're going to want. But you would end up with more money if your agent takes a smaller commission, right? Not necessarily. An agent works on commission, and advertising is typically taken out of his commission fee. A cheaper commission may get you little more than a sign on the lawn of your home. An agent earning a cheaper commission may not be as motivated to find you a home quickly if you require more assistance.
  • Exclusiveness is a Must: Avoid a agent who acts for both the buyer and the seller on a home, as your best interests aren't going to be taken into consideration. You want someone to represent you and your needs without conflict of interest.
  • Be Clear on Fees: In Australia, sellers usually pay the agent a commission on sale plus agreed marketing costs. Get every fee in writing before you sign the agency agreement.

Spread the Word: When you do find that perfect agent, pay him/her the favour of giving his/her name to potential clients.

Australian sources