09 September 2025
Selling your home is a big step, and who you choose to guide you through it can make all the difference. A great agent won’t just list your property and hope for the best. They’ll know how to price it right, market it smartly, and negotiate with confidence to get you the best possible result in the shortest time.
But with so many options out there, how do you know who’s the real deal?
David Jacobs, Regional Manager at the Rawson Property Group, shares his advice on what to look for in a top-performing real estate agent, and how to avoid the common pitfalls that could leave your property sitting on the market.
1. Think beyond the obvious
Sure, every agent has a smile on their business card and a pitch about how they’re “local experts”. But selling your home quickly and profitably takes more than a glossy pamphlet. It takes strategy, savvy, and a little something we like to call emotional intelligence.
“Selling a property isn’t just about square metres and ceiling heights,” says David Jacobs. “It’s about understanding people – both the seller and the potential buyer. The right agent will know how to tell your home’s story in a way that connects.”
In other words? You want someone who’s as good with people as they are with property.
2. Ask what’s really in their toolkit
The market has changed, and the best agents are evolving with it. A good marketing plan now includes everything from professional photography and video walkthroughs to smart social media targeting and data-backed pricing strategies.
Jacobs puts it plainly: “It’s not enough to stick a listing online and wait. Agents need to be proactive,
using every tool at their disposal to drive qualified buyers to your door, fast.”
So, when you’re choosing your agent, don’t just ask if they market. Ask how. Ask for examples. And yes, ask how many views their last listing got on Instagram – it matters more than you might think.
3. Make sure they’re honest (especially when it hurts)
Everyone wants to hear that their home is worth a fortune. But inflating the asking price to win your listing? That’s a fast track to weeks (or months) of market limbo, price reductions, and missed opportunities.
“A great agent will tell you what you need to hear, not just what you want to hear,” says Jacobs. “They’ll back it up with data – things like comparable sales, local trends, and current buyer behaviour.”
So, if an agent’s price sounds too good to be true, get a second opinion. Or better yet, ask to see their track record. How many homes have they sold in your area, and how close to asking price did those sales land?
4. Test their hustle
Want to know how hard an agent is going to work to sell your home? Watch how hard they work to earn your business.
Do they show up on time to your first meeting? Come prepared with research? Offer smart suggestions about staging or presentation? Follow up quickly after your initial chat?
“An agent’s work ethic is usually pretty obvious from the get-go,” says Jacobs. “You want someone who’s responsive, informed, and solutions-focused, not someone who only calls you back three days later with a generic answer.”
5. Go with your gut (but get some backup)
At the end of the day, you want to like the person you’re working with. You’re going to be sharing a lot – about your home, your finances, even your reasons for moving. So yes, your gut feeling matters.
That said, don’t skip the homework. Check their credentials. Look at reviews. Ask for client references. And make sure they’re part of a reputable brand or agency – one with systems, support, and a proven track record.
“Working with a recognised brand like Rawson means your agent is backed by an experienced team, leading tech tools, and built-in quality control,” says Jacobs. “It’s peace of mind for you, and a big boost to your sale’s success.”
The bottom line?
Choosing the right agent isn’t about finding the flashiest business card or the loudest voice at a show day. It’s about finding someone who knows your market, gets your goals, and has the hustle to make them happen, fast.
So go ahead. Interview a few agents. Ask the tough questions. Trust your instincts. And when you find “the one”, you’ll know. Because selling your home will suddenly feel a whole lot easier.
