How to Choose the Best Agent for Your Property Sale

Selling a property is a major financial decision, and choosing the right real estate agent can make all the difference. The right agent will not only help you secure the best price but also ensure a smooth and hassle-free process. With so many real estate professionals in South Africa, how do you pick the one who is best suited to sell your home? Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make the right choice.

1. Look for Local Market Expertise

Real estate is all about location, and an agent with in-depth knowledge of your suburb is invaluable. A local agent understands market trends, property values, and buyer preferences in your area. They are also likely to have a network of potential buyers ready to view your property.

2. Check Professional Credentials

In South Africa, real estate agents (or property practitioners) must be registered with the Property Practitioners Regulatory Authority (PPRA) and hold a valid Fidelity Fund Certificate (FFC). This certification ensures that the agent is legally allowed to operate and adheres to professional standards. Always verify an agent’s credentials before signing any agreements.

3. Review Their Track Record

An agent’s past performance is a strong indicator of their ability to sell your home successfully. Ask about their recent sales in your area, how long their listings typically stay on the market, and whether they have experience selling properties similar to yours. Request references from past clients to get insights into their professionalism, negotiation skills, and service quality.

4. Assess Their Marketing Strategy

A top-performing agent will have a well-defined marketing plan tailored to your property. Ask them how they plan to advertise your home, including:

• High-quality photography and videography
• Online listings on major property portals like Property24 and Private Property
• Social media promotions and targeted ads
• Professional staging and open house events

A good agent should also provide a comparative market analysis (CMA) to help you price your property competitively.

5. Communication is Key

Selling a property involves multiple steps, and you’ll want an agent who keeps you informed throughout the process. Choose someone who is responsive, transparent, and proactive in providing updates. The last thing you want is to be left in the dark about offers, buyer interest, or potential hurdles.

6. Understand Their Commission Structure

Real estate agents typically work on a commission basis, with fees ranging from 5% to 7.5% of the sale price. While it may be tempting to go with the agent offering the lowest commission, remember that experience, marketing reach, and negotiation skills often justify higher fees. Clarify what services are included in their commission to ensure you’re getting value for money.

7. Build a Good Rapport

You’ll be working closely with your agent for several weeks or even months, so it’s important to choose someone you trust and feel comfortable with. A good relationship with your agent will make the process more enjoyable and efficient.

8. Ask the Right Questions if the agent is not registered on Best Agent.

Before committing to an agent, ask them these essential questions:

• How many properties have you sold in this area? 
• What is your marketing strategy for my home?
• How will you communicate with me throughout the process?
• Can you provide references from past sellers?
• What makes you different from other agents?

9. Go to bestagent.co.za 

Search the area you live in, firstly you will find all the agents in your Town ranked by how many properties they’ve sold and the reviews they have received from their clients.

Then get more specific by filtering to the suburb you live in. Now you will find the agents ranked in your suburb. Remember this list is by default set to the last 365 days, if you want more up-to-date information filter by days.

Now choose the best agent for you from this list, remember the questions you need to be able to answer for yourself, you can see how many properties each agent has sold in your area, the average selling price, also the reviews they received from their clients. You can get even more detailed information by viewing the agent’s profile. See what kind of properties they specialize in. What do clients have to say about their communication skills, contract knowledge and valuation accuracy.

Conclusion

Choosing the right real estate agent can be the difference between a smooth, profitable sale and a stressful, drawn-out process. Using the verified information Best Agent provides you can make informed decisions, you don’t have to take a chance anymore. With the right professional by your side, you’ll be well on your way to a successful property sale in South Africa.