What information do I need to ask an Agent, when Buying or Selling a Property?

Buying or selling a property on the Northern Beaches can be one of the biggest financial transactions you will make in your lifetime, potentially bringing with it stress and anxiety about making all the right decisions. One of which being who you choose to be your buying or selling agent.

We implore you, do not underestimate the impact this decision will have. Not only will your agent help mitigate the stress of the process but they will have an impact on the financial outcome. Therefore it is imperative to do your research and ask the right questions before engaging. 

To assist we’ve compiled a list of questions you should be asking any agent before choosing the right one for you. 

How long have you been an agent in the Northern Beaches? 

Although experience doesn’t necessarily equate to quality, it still is a good indicator of how well they are likely to manage the project. They are also more likely to have a better knowledge of the local area and amenities.

In an average year, how many homes do you help buyers purchase? / How many homes do you close?  

On average, a seasoned agent should be selling approximately 10 homes per year. If they are confident in their answer or their answer is too low or suspiciously high this may be a red flag. 

Are you a full-time Northern Beaches agent or a part-time? 

Full-time agents will naturally be able to devote more time to the buying/selling process. Not only this, but they should be more contactable as their working hours span longer hours.

What experience do you have? 

You wouldn’t get a job without your potential employer knowing your experience, the same can be said for your prospective agent. Ask the question, it’s essential. More experience will generally mean they have a better rapport with people, and the know-how to negotiate and ask the right questions. More experience, better for you. 

What Northern Beaches properties have you recently sold/bought? 

This will provide an insight into whether they have the right capabilities to know how to talk with prospective buyers in your market. Selling a rural house for 500k versus selling a 5 million dollar home in Manly are two very different processes. You want someone who knows how to sell to your audience. 

How much do you know about the local area? 

This is both highly useful to you if you are buying or selling. For buyers, your agent should be able to give you good property insights into the Northern Beaches, into previous and current house prices, local amenities and the pros and cons of any given area. For a seller, they should be able to accurately inform potential buyers about the properties and the intrinsic details of the location. For instance, where the Manly local parks are, children sports clubs, Northern Beaches yoga studios, you name it, you never know what potential buyers might ask, and what could be the sell-in. 

How active are you in the Northern Beaches community? 

This question will be particularly decisive if you’re selling, as contacts are key. Networking is an overlooked aspect in selling and you should never underestimate the power of connections.

Do you primarily buy Northern Beaches property, or sell Northern Beaches Property?  

Whilst there are benefits in dealing with someone who specialises in one or the other, having someone who both buys and sells could provide some useful insight from both perspectives. Nonetheless, it is insightful to ask the question. 

Do you have any reference I could call? 

As mentioned before you are essentially hiring someone, so treat your interaction like an interview. They should be able to provide you with recent references you can call or email. 

Looking to buy or sell a property in the Northern Beaches? Clarke & Humel agents love answering all your questions. Please do not hesitate to touch base with us on