Most people choose an agent based on the sale figure they promise. That’s the wrong metric. Here’s what actually matters.
Questions to Ask Before You Sign
- Can you show me written comparable sales from the last 90 days — not the ones you used in your appraisal?
- How many properties did you sell in this suburb last year?
- What’s your average days-on-market figure for this area?
- Will you be at every open home, or will it be handed off to a colleague?
- How do you communicate with vendors — and how often?
Red Flags
Inflated appraisals — if the figure they give you is significantly higher than others you’ve received, it’s usually a strategy to win your listing, not a real price expectation.
Vague language — “strong interest,” “good demand,” “good growth area” — these phrases mean nothing without specifics. Ask for numbers.
No mention of problems — a good agent will tell you what’s wrong with your property and why buyers will push back on price. If they only tell you what you want to hear, they’re not working for you — they’re working to sign you up.
What a Good Agent Actually Does
They challenge your assumptions. They give you data, not opinions. They tell you when you’re being unrealistic. They negotiate hard but honestly. And they make sure you understand the process, not just the outcome.
That’s the NCPC standard. Every time.