Talk with more than one licensed salesperson before you sign an agency agreement. Ask each person what they would do for your specific property, who will handle enquiries and viewings, how they will report back, and what their proposal will cost. A useful comparison goes beyond the highest suggested sale price or lowest fee.
Use the REA public register to check a salesperson’s active licence and any complaints upheld in the last three years. Ask about recent sales of properties genuinely comparable with yours, their role in those sales and experience with your property type. Review published Marshland team profiles, sold examples and dated awards where shown, then ask any candidate how they would apply that experience to your home.
Before an agency agreement, the salesperson must provide a written appraisal reflecting current market conditions and supported by comparable sales where possible. Ask which completed sales they used, how your home differs in condition, land, layout or location, and what range the evidence supports. An appraisal is an estimate of likely sale price, not a guarantee or a registered valuation. Our home-worth guide explains the questions to ask.
Discuss whether advertised price, negotiation, deadline, tender or auction is suitable for your property and timetable. Ask what photography, online advertising, open homes and buyer follow-up are proposed, which costs are optional, and what you would owe if the property does not sell. A clear proposal should explain the reasons for the method and budget, not offer the same campaign to every seller. Compare sale methods at Settled.
Ask for the commission formula, a written estimate in dollars, when payment is due, marketing expenses, the agency term and how it ends. Sole and general agency agreements have different cancellation rules; there is no universal open-ended cancellation option. Check any existing agreement before signing another because two commissions can become payable in some circumstances. The salesperson must give you the REA agency agreement guide and time to seek independent legal advice. Read Settled’s agency agreement guide.
Tell the salesperson your timing, property features, sale goals and preferred communication schedule, and disclose what you know about defects so they can meet their obligations to buyers. To compare a proposal from this office, request a Marshland property appraisal or call 03 323 4350. You can discuss the plan and take legal advice before deciding whether to sign.