Selling your home is one of the biggest financial decisions you'll make, so choosing the right real estate salesperson is just as important as deciding when to sell. The right salesperson will help you navigate the process with confidence, develop a tailored marketing strategy and work hard to achieve the best possible result.

But with so many salespeople to choose from, how do you know who's the right fit?

Here are some key things to consider when selecting a real estate salesperson.

Look beyond the number of sales

While experience and recent sales are important, they don't tell the whole story. A great salesperson should also be an excellent communicator, skilled negotiator and someone you genuinely feel comfortable working with.

After all, you'll likely be in regular contact throughout the selling process, so choosing someone you trust and connect with can make the experience much more enjoyable.

Ask about their local knowledge

Every suburb, neighbourhood and even street has its own unique market.

A salesperson with strong local knowledge can provide valuable insight into:

  • Current buyer demand
  • Recent comparable sales
  • Pricing trends
  • The types of buyers looking in your area
  • Features that appeal most to local purchasers

Their understanding of the local market will help position your property effectively from the start.

Read reviews and testimonials

One of the best ways to learn about a salesperson is through the experiences of past clients.

Look for reviews that mention:

  • Communication throughout the process
  • Professionalism
  • Honest advice
  • Marketing expertise
  • Negotiation skills
  • Overall satisfaction 

Consistently positive feedback can give you confidence that you're choosing someone who delivers great service.

Ask about their marketing strategy

Every property deserves a tailored marketing plan.

Ask prospective salespeople:

  • How will you market my property?
  • Which online platforms will you use?
  • Is print advertising appropriate?
  • What recommendations do you have specific to my home?

A good salesperson should be able to explain why they recommend certain marketing options and how they will help attract qualified buyers.

Understand their communication style

Clear communication is one of the most important parts of a successful selling experience. Ask how often you'll receive updates and how they prefer to stay in touch. Whether it's regular phone calls, emails or text messages, it's important that your expectations align from the beginning.

Discuss their recommended method of sale

Not every property is suited to the same sales method. An experienced salesperson will explain the advantages of options such as:

  • Auction
  • Deadline Sale
  • Tender
  • Asking Price
  • Negotiation 

They should recommend the approach that best suits your property, local market conditions and your goals, rather than applying the same strategy to every listing.

Don't be afraid to ask questions

Choosing a salesperson is like interviewing someone for an important job.

Some questions you might like to ask include:

  • How long have you been selling real estate?
  • How many properties have you sold in this area?
  • What makes you different from other salespeople?
  • How do you negotiate offers?
  • What challenges do you expect with my property?
  • What is your plan if the property doesn’t sell quickly?

A knowledgeable salesperson will welcome your questions and answer them openly and honestly.

Trust your instincts

Statistics and marketing plans are important, but so is your gut feeling.

Do they listen to your needs?

Do they explain things clearly without using confusing jargon?

Do they seem genuinely invested in helping you achieve the best outcome?

The right salesperson won't pressure you into making decisions. Instead, they'll provide expert guidance, keep you informed and help you make confident choices throughout the process.

Choosing the right partner

Selling a home is about more than simply putting a property on the market. It's about having an experienced professional by your side who understands your goals, communicates openly and works tirelessly to achieve the best possible result.

Take the time to meet with a few salespeople, ask plenty of questions and choose someone you feel confident with to represent your biggest asset.

With the right salesperson, you'll not only maximise your property's potential but also enjoy a smoother, less stressful selling experience from start to finish. If you are looking to sell your property, reach out to one of our helpful EVES salespeople – they will be  more than happy to assist you: eves.co.nz/our-people.