Image: Instagram via @dleannelewis
Selling your home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make, and the right real estate agent can mean the difference between a smooth, successful sale and a stressful experience. A great agent doesn’t just understand the market – they know how to connect with buyers, build trust and showcase your property in a way that maximises its appeal and value. But with so many agents vying for your listing, how do you separate the true professionals from the rest?
D’Leanne Lewis, Principal at Laing & Simmons Double Bay and star of Luxe Listings Sydney, has built her career on delivering standout results in a competitive market. With decades of experience, she knows exactly what to look for when choosing an agent – and just as importantly, what to avoid. Here, she shares her top tips, as shared in a recent social media reel, to help you find the right person to represent your home with confidence.
How do I pick a real estate agent?
Three tips from industry leader D’Leanne Lewis for choosing an agent to represent the sale of your home.
1. See them in action before you sign
First off, it’s crucial to do your homework about the agent. According to D’Leanne, “Go to the open home, see how they are interacting with your buyers. See what information they give your buyers. Act like a buyer and you will see how that agent treats you. That’s how that agent is going to be treating your buyers.” By stepping into the shoes of a potential buyer, you can observe firsthand how the agent presents the property and handles inquiries. This insight can give you a solid idea of how they’ll represent you and your home during the sale.
2. Numbers don’t lie – but agents might
Next, cross-check their facts and figures. While it’s easy to be swayed by an agent’s promises or flashy statistics, D’Leanne reminds us to be cautious: “Make sure they’ve done their homework and they’re not just pulling figures out of the sky to try to get you to sign. Do your own due diligence. I think that is one of the most important things. That goes to the agent you can trust, they would have done that because they’re a professional.” Make sure your agent has the knowledge and resources to back up their valuation and marketing plan. By doing your own research, you’re not just relying on their expertise—you’re ensuring that everything adds up.
3. If it feels wrong, it probably is
Finally, trust your instincts. It might sound simple, but it’s one of the most powerful tools at your disposal. D’Leanne emphasizes, “I think the most important thing is to trust your instincts. If you feel that the agent that’s sitting in front of you can represent you and you can trust them to sell your home which is the biggest financial asset that you have, tax free hopefully. Then if you feel you can trust them, then your buyer’s going to trust them too.” Your gut feeling is often a reflection of your subconscious picking up on key cues. If you feel at ease with the agent, chances are buyers will feel the same way.
By taking the time to observe, verify and trust your instincts, you’ll be in a stronger position to find an agent who not only understands the market but also aligns with your goals, ensuring a smoother and more successful sale.
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