How To Spot Genuine Brisbane Real Estate Agents?

24 October 2024 | Construction, General

Purchasing or selling a home is one of the most important financial transactions you can make. Having the right real estate agent in your corner is crucial. But how do you know if an agent is legit or just faking it?

This post shares insider tips for identifying trustworthy Brisbane real estate agents like Penrose Real Estate.

With hundreds of agents active in the Brisbane property market, separating qualified professionals from fly-by-night amateurs is essential.

Let’s explore strategies for verifying credentials and selecting an authentic agent you can count on.

Look for Licensed Status

All practicing real estate agents must hold formal licensing and registration. Check that a prospective agent has current accreditation with the Queensland Government Office of Fair Trading.

This verifies training and legitimacy. Search the Office of Fair Trading public register to confirm active licensing in the agent’s name. Unlicensed agents are unlawful.

Seek Referrals

Ask family, friends or colleagues for referrals to agents they’ve worked with successfully in Brisbane previously. Word-of-mouth recommendations from satisfied customers carry weight.

But don’t stop there. Ask for specifics about why the agent was recommended – what made them stand out? Feedback from your trusted circle brings added reassurance.

Review Online Ratings

Search independent sites like ProductReview.com.au to see unfiltered customer feedback about agents.

Look for consistent reviews praising an agent’s integrity, market knowledge and responsive service.

Beware fake positive ratings. Check how the agent responds to negative reviews too. Transparency and accountability are positive signs.

Meet in Person

Schedule in-office meetings with prospective agents before committing. Pay attention not just to what they say but how professional and courteous they are in person.

First impressions matter. Look for clear, knowledgeable communication without pushy sales behavior or vagueness. Trust your gut instincts.

Ask About Experience

Find out how long an agent has been in the Brisbane real estate business and what their transaction stats are. Successful full-time agents will share their track record transparently.

Part-timers may not inspire confidence. Longevity and year-over-year sales growth indicate positive momentum you want on your side.

Verify Sales Results

Any agent can make claims about their sales prices but verifying them is key. Review recent sales data for properties they’ve listed to confirm average sales prices achieved.

Agents should evidence claims with verifiable sales reports and references. If not, that’s a red flag.

Look for Local Knowledge

The best agents know their territory intimately and keep closely tuned into local market conditions.

Quiz them on changes and trends in specific Brisbane suburbs to gauge their expertise. Top agents participate actively in their communities too, not just sales.

Request References

Top agents will gladly provide references from past satisfied seller and buyer clients. Follow up with these contacts to hear firsthand accounts of working with the agent.

Speaking directly with an agent’s past clients offers objective insights into their abilities.

Conclusion

Real estate transactions involve high stakes. Do diligent homework before placing your trust in any agent.

Spotting the signs of a true Brisbane professional versus a fake will give your sale or purchase the advantage it deserves.

Author

  • Danielle Stone Profile Pic

    She has been writing professionally for 8 years, with articles published in various print and online publications. She is an avid researcher and strives to bring her readers the most up-to-date information and insights on the topics she covers. Danielle is also an expert on home renovation, interior design and construction, and she loves helping homeowners turn their dreams into realities. When she’s not writing or editing, Danielle enjoys spending time with her family, gardening and exploring nature.

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