The breathtaking views and village-like atmosphere of the communities throughout the Mornington Peninsula make it a wonderful place to live. It's one of the hottest property markets in Australia, especially as city buyers chase a sea change down the coast. If you have property on the Mornington Peninsula and are thinking of selling, never has there been a better time.

Why everyone is moving to the Mornington Peninsula

To get the best deal, you must choose the best real estate agent for the job.

To help you out, we look at some of the most important tips for selecting a real estate agent on the Mornington Peninsula. Let’s get to it.

What to Consider in a Real Estate Agent on the Mornington Peninsula

The Agent Should Have In-Depth Knowledge of the Mornington Peninsula Property Market

A real estate agent should make it as simple as possible to conclude the sale without any hitches. If you choose the wrong agent, it’ll make the process much harder than it should be.

So you need to do thorough research. Browse the internet and visit agents’ offices, if you can, to find out some critical information like:

• Do they have a valid real estate licence?
• How long has the real estate agent been operating on the Mornington Peninsula?
• How well do they know your specific neighbourhood?
• What is their success rate for similar properties like yours?

An agent with more experience will know more about the process than a fresh player in the industry. On the other hand, new agents may be more enthusiastic and eager to find you a buyer.

It’s best to choose an agent with strong connections on the Mornington Peninsula as they are likely to have a database of buyers who are looking to buy a property like yours.

The Agent Should Have Strong Interpersonal and Communication Skills

Selling your home isn’t an easy decision to make. It helps if you find an agent who can calm your fears and talk you through the process.

Go for one who makes you feel comfortable. You should be free to ask everything you need to know without apprehension.

Get in touch with different agents about your intention to sell and see how they respond to your multitude of questions.

You can also attend a few open for inspections they host around the Mornington Peninsula to see how they relate to buyers. Check out if the agent is friendly and how well they indulge questions from buyers.

Pro tip: When it comes to evaluating how well you’ll work and communicate with an agent, go with your gut. Even if the agent comes highly recommended, if they don’t sit well with you, make a different choice.

How Does The Agent Intend To Advertise Your Property

Many agents have a standard formula for advertising properties for sale and typically when you sign with an agent, payment for the advertising fees are required upfront.

In Melbourne the average cost of advertising fees is anywhere from $5,000 - $8,000 plus, and in some instances it can even be in excess of $15,000!

Property advertising fees can be a major roadblock to selling your house, so that's why it's important to select an agent that gives you options.

In today's market, look for an agent that has a comprehensive and well-rounded strategy that includes both off-market and on-market property sales.

If your agent uses an off-market listing platform like Listing Loop, you can still sell your house for a premium. Specifically:

• You won’t have to pay for upfront advertising costs.
• The off-market listing gives you access to serious buyers who are often willing to pay extra to close the deal faster and stave off the competition.
• You avoid leaving a trail on search engines, which means you can easily adjust your price upwards should market conditions change.

Bottom line, choose an agent who uses Listing Loop’s off-market property platform to increase your chances of scoring a fast and lucrative deal.

The Agent Should Charge a Reasonable Fee

Ask a few real estate agents and do some background research to ensure you pay a fair price. Here are some of the most common ways they charge for their services.

• Up to 5% of the selling price usually covers their commission.
• In some cases, the agent will only charge you when the sale is completed.
• Agents may also use a tier-based system to charge a fixed percentage below a certain amount and increase the charges for higher amounts.

For example, for the property pictured below, you may be charged 2% if the agent sells the property at $1.9 million, after which the rate goes up.

Regardless of how an agent charges, remember that rates aren't always set in stone. You can negotiate with the agent to secure a rate that’ll make both of you happy.

Also, make sure that all the agreed fees are clearly stipulated in the agency agreement to avoid any clashes when closing the deal.

Checklist for Finding a Real Estate Agent on the Mornington Peninsula

The table below summarises some of the key questions you should ask when you get in touch with real estate agents.

Choosing a Mornington Peninsula Real Estate Agent

Now that you know what to look for, it’s time to find the best agent for your needs. You can start by asking for referrals from friends, family or colleagues who have sold their properties previously.

Alternatively, browse the internet and make a shortlist of prospective agents. Then compare them based on how well they answer your questions and the vibe they give off.

So, go ahead and select the best Mornington Peninsula agents to win you the best deal.

Give yourself an advantage. Choose an agent that incorporates a pre and off-market strategy through Australia’s leading marketplace Listing Loop.

We're here to help

We're always happy to help with all the dramas and stressors of house buying and selling.

And if you're particularly tired of house-hunting, we've even partnered with buyer advocates who can check out homes for you and organise sales assessments and negotiations.

Our off-market and pre-market marketplace gives you VIP access to properties so you can get in first.

Just sign up at Listing Loop or download our app.