Couldn't Sell Before?

Shane Broekman is the Sales Manager for LJ Hooker Forest and has been selling residential property in the local area for over 12 years.

If you have a questions for Shane, you can contact him via;

ph: 0404 044 280 e: shaneb@ljhff.com.au

Couldn't Sell Before? There is nothing worse than going to market with

an agent at a certain price and all you hear for the next 6 weeks is why you should reduce your asking, when it was that agent who told you the original price guide. I'll agree the market was down until March this year, but as a real estate professional it is our job to advise owners on the likely sale range before you go to market, not once you have the listing.

I'm happy to report I have sold every property that I have taken to market during the downturn which started in October 2017 and I don't intend on changing that. As a local resident myself I don't see each listing as the next pay cheque, I see it as an opportunity to help other locals sell for more and the real win for me is when I am then recommended to that clients' friends and family, yet I still see agents overpricing to entice owners to sell.

If you have been on the market in the last 12 to 18 months and didn't sell, now might be the perfect time to try again. We are only 6-8 weeks away from the busy Spring market and the media is certainly more positive since the election and relaxed assessment rates imposed on the lenders. Stock levels are low and buyer demand is high, so it might be worth trying another agent, another strategy and a fresh approach.

Just because one agent couldn't achieve your desired goals, doesn't mean another can't, but I do believe you must do your research first by asking friends, neighbours, community groups and also compare agents on the many real estate websites available at hand.

Finding An Agent is not as easy as you would think. It can be extremely

difficult trying to establish which agent has your best interest at heart and who can negotiate the optimal final outcome. However there are a few questions you should ask the learn about each agent.

1. How do you negotiate? A question most agents wont be able to answer with

confidence. Most agents can't tell you how they handle multiple buyers and almost every agent will struggle to demonstrate how they encourage buyers to increase their offer. Think how you would feel if you were the buyer, would you trust that agent? 2. What is the lowest fee you can offer me? There is only one agent that can

be the cheapest agent in the area and you have to wonder why. An agent that is willing to drop their fee to encourage you to sign up is a 'discount specialist' and will likely follow this trait through when it comes time to discuss the price of your home with buyers.

3. Do you have a sale process? Forget about the price the agent will tell you and focus

on how they are going to get you the best price. Without a process the price is just a hook to get you in. Is their process clear, concise and proven? don't settle for wafflers.

Stats & Figures

Specific to Belrose, Davidson & Frenchs Forest

135 houses have sold between 1st January and 31st July 2019 compared to 163 in 2018.

78% is the average clearance rate at the moment. Buyer confidence is up.

0.47% Is the rate cut most banks passed on since the RBA reduced the cash rate in June.

Although it is important to listen to what the media has to say about the Sydney market, it's more important to know what our local area is doing when you're thinking of selling.

As an area expert, I track the local market to ensure I can give my owners honest and realistic information that will ensure they sell for the right price, at the right time and without spending a long time on the market.

It's so easy for an agent to tell you a price you want to hear (better known as buying your listing) but have they explained to you the best method of sale and what process they will engage to ensure a sale outcome you deserve?