If it’s been awhile since you’ve had to engage the services of a real estate agent, or you’ve never had to do it at all, the process can be rather overwhelming.

When there are so many to choose from, how do you know which one is going to be the right one to sell your rural or lifestyle property? And where do you even begin your search?

Here at PGG Wrightson Real Estate we understand how important it is that whoever sells your property is someone who has the right knowledge to get the result you’re looking for. Which is why our salespeople are the go-to rural and lifestyle experts for their region, and because we have offices right across New Zealand - there’s always an agent who can help.

However, while it definitely requires careful consideration, it can also be relatively straightforward if you have a plan in place. So here’s the steps we recommend to get the best agent on board to help you move forward with the sale of your property:

• Know who’s out there: You probably already know of a few agents around your town or region. Whether it’s through signage, advertising or word-of-mouth, some names will certainly be familiar. But there may also be plenty of agents who aren’t yet on your radar, and it’s important to include them in your search for the right salesperson to sell your property.
  
  Cast the net wide for the first round, to see if there is anyone that could be a good fit that you weren’t aware of.
  
  
• Focus on the rural and lifestyle experts: The next step is to research and identify agents who have relevant experience - so those who are specialists in selling lifestyle or rural properties. This is a niche market and you want someone who has a successful track record in selling similar properties.
  
  You could search online and also ask for recommendations from friends or neighbours. The Real Estate Agent (REA) Find an Agent website is also a helpful resource.
  
  
• Create a shortlist: A great way to create a shortlist of potential agents with the right sales background is to research each company’s website - here you’ll find their individual profiles, recent sales and testimonials from previous clients.
  
  Then it’s recommended that you choose three or four to meet with and move onto the next stage. You’ll want to evaluate their local market knowledge (selling a lifestyle or rural property requires in-depth knowledge of the local market conditions and the unique features and benefits of the area).
  
  And you will also be looking to assess the agents' understanding of the specific location, including nearby amenities, schools, recreational activities, and any zoning or regulatory considerations that may affect the property.
  
  
• Ask the right questions: Once you have your shortlist, it’s a good idea to meet and interview potential agents in person. This will give you an opportunity to discuss your property and get a better handle on their suitability. Have a list of questions to ask them, including:
• Their experience in the real estate industry, and their knowledge of rural and lifestyle property
• Recent property sales in the area, and how they achieved those results
• What is typically included in a marketing plan for listings (and what you can expect from real estate marketing costs in New Zealand)
• How they would position and highlight the lifestyle or rural aspects of your property
• What method of sale would they recommend for your property, and why (listing price, price range or auction)

Pay attention to their communication style, professionalism, and willingness to listen and understand your goals. You also want to understand their capabilities when it comes to utilising appropriate marketing techniques such as high-quality photography, virtual tours, social media, and online platforms that attract potential buyers interested like yours.

• Compare contracts: While commission rates shouldn’t be a make-or-break for each agent, it’s an important part of the decision-making process. Just be wary as it’s rarely about comparing real estate agent fees against each other, as the lowest sales commission rate may not always offer you the best option.
  
  Check all the details of the contact, such as its terms, conditions, duration and whether there are any additional expenses involved. You can always involve a lawyer to review it before signing, particularly if there are any clauses or conditions that you find unclear or concerning.
  
  
• Request referrals and testimonials: Don't hesitate to ask potential agents for references or past client testimonials specifically related to lifestyle or rural property sales. You may wish to contact these references to gain insights into their experiences working with the agent and the agent's effectiveness in marketing and selling similar properties.
  
  
• Go with your gut: While you must make sure to dot all your ‘i’s’ and cross all your ‘t’s’ with the formalities of the process, it’s also important to trust your instincts. You need to choose an agent that you feel comfortable with, and who you feel has understood what you’re looking to achieve from the sale of your rural or lifestyle property.

Remember, selling a lifestyle or rural property requires a specialised approach, and finding the right real estate agent who understands the unique aspects of such properties can greatly increase your chances of a successful sale.

Here at PGG Wrightson Real Estate, we understand that selling your lifestyle or rural property can be a stressful process. Which is why it’s important for you to feel comfortable and confident in our ability to be the best salesperson for the job.

So why not start out with a free property appraisal, connecting you with a local salesperson who can come to wherever you are. Our network of agents live in the same communities they service, meaning you have access to a homegrown expert, who not only lives locally - but deeply understands the uniqueness of your property and its location.

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