Choosing the Right Real Estate Agent

How do I negotiate a better commission with my real estate agent in Melbourne in 2026?

Negotiating a better commission involves balancing the percentage rate against the agent’s ability to drive a higher final sale price. In metropolitan Melbourne, rates generally range from 1.6% to 2.5% (OpenAgent, WhichRealEstateAgent), but the priority should be the net return to the vendor after all fees are paid. Commission in Victoria is not capped or

What’s the best way to verify an agent’s sales claims before appointing them in 2026?

Verify an agent’s claims by cross-referencing their sold listings on realestate.com.au and domain.com.au to check days on market and whether properties sold at or above the guide. Interview at least three agents, requesting written CMAs and evidence of comparable sales in your suburb from the last 6–12 months. Claims of record-breaking results are common during

Two agents, two very different appraisals — how do I decide in Melbourne in 2026?

Decide by verifying which agent has sold comparable properties in your suburb within the last 6–12 months and reviewing their actual results on realestate.com.au and domain.com.au. Compare written Comparative Market Analyses (CMA) from at least three agents, focusing on their evidence for the price range and the logic behind their recommended sale method. Discrepancies in

What red flags should I watch for when interviewing agents in Melbourne in 2026?

Key red flags include response times exceeding 24 hours, a lack of comparable sales in your suburb within the last 6–12 months, and non-itemised advertising costs. You should also be wary of price guides that do not reflect the reserve or agents who cannot provide a written Comparative Market Analysis (CMA). Many vendors mistake a

What does an exclusive agency agreement mean in Victoria in 2026?

An exclusive agency agreement is a legal contract where a vendor appoints one agent to sell their property for a set period, typically 60–90 days in Melbourne. The agreement must itemise all Vendor Paid Advertising (VPA) costs and state the commission amount alongside an equivalent dollar figure. Vendors have a 3-day cooling-off period after signing

What’s the real difference between a local agent and one who covers all of Melbourne in 2026?

The key difference between a local agent and one covering all of Melbourne lies in their area-specific knowledge and network. Local agents, like those at Fletchers, specialize in specific areas such as Melbourne’s eastern suburbs, the Mornington Peninsula, and the Bellarine Peninsula, offering deeper understanding of local market trends and buyer preferences. This specialization can

How do I check an agent’s real track record before appointing them in 2026?

Verify an agent’s track record by confirming they have sold comparable properties in your suburb within the last 6–12 months using data from realestate.com.au and domain.com.au. Evaluate their performance based on days on market, price reductions, and whether properties sold at or above the guide. Interview at least three agents to compare written Comparative Market

What should I look for in an agent’s marketing plan in Melbourne in 2026?

A robust 2026 marketing plan must include itemised vendor-paid advertising (VPA) costs ranging from $6,500 to $12,000, clear portal strategies for realestate.com.au and domain.com.au, and evidence of comparable sales within the last 6–12 months. It should explicitly detail how the agent will generate competition despite dampened buyer urgency caused by early 2026 RBA rate hikes

What separates a good agent from a great one in Melbourne in 2026?

A great agent is distinguished by a proven track record of selling comparable properties in the specific suburb within the last 6–12 months and a response time of under 24 hours. They provide a data-backed rationale for the sale method and ensure price guides accurately reflect the reserve to comply with Victorian underquoting laws. Selecting

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