It goes without saying that sellers are checking out their prospective agent via the open home experience.
And why not? This is a brilliant way to make an informed decision. Feel free to use this list to ascertain the level of professionalism of your prospective agent.
- Is the agent at the open home? This might seem like a dumb question, but some agents take on so many listings, they can’t possibly cover an entire Saturday of open homes. This leads to a junior sales assistant from the office being at the all-important openon their own, meeting and greeting prospective buyers but probably unable to answer most questions. Make sure the agent you list with attends all open homes.
- The look and feel of the open home. Is the entry well signed? Are you greeted warmly? Are your questions answered at the open or in a phone call later that day? Is the home well presented? Has the agent cluttered the beautiful stone kitchen benchtop with their paraphernalia? (The answer to this one should be no.)
- What’s the look and feel of the agent’s brochure like? Is the paper flimsy or luxurious? How about the graphic design? Does it incorporate a qr code link so that you can see the property online and easily make an offer? Does it have a floor plan with measurements?Has the agent explained how to easily submit your Offer or Expression of Interest online?
- If you’re a neighbour, you may have been let know of the open home in advance via a courtesy note regarding extra traffic coming to the street. You might have been invited to a sneak peek as well.
- Finally, is the agent’s sign-in process made smooth via the use of self-check-in technology such as a qr code? Or is it old-fashioned hand-written or manually typed in by the agent process (slowing everyone who’s trying to get into the home?)
And one bonus point: your prospective agent (not their junior sales associate) should follow you up with a phone call by Monday, no later.
