How to choose a real estate agent in Perth

Selling your home isn’t exactly something you do every other weekend, right up there with assembling flat-pack furniture or deciding what to watch on Netflix. It’s a big deal, and choosing the right person to guide you through it can make all the difference.

At Semple Property Group, we’re a Perth real estate agency based in South Lake, and we’ve seen firsthand how the right agent can turn a stressful situation into a smooth, well-managed sale. On the flip side, the wrong fit can leave you second-guessing everything they’re pitching towards you.

If you’ve been wondering how to choose a real estate agent without feeling overwhelmed, you’re in the right place. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what to look for, what to avoid, and how to find an agent who genuinely understands your goals, your property, and your local market.

Why your choice of agent can make or break your sale

When it comes to the sale of your home, your real estate agent isn’t just there to pop up a listing and organise the odd open for inspection. They play a huge role in how your entire property sale unfolds.

A good real estate agent will:

• Help you achieve a stronger sale price by positioning your property correctly and creating competition among buyers
• Reduce time on the market with a clear strategy that attracts attention from the right people early on
• Bring in quality buyers, not just foot traffic at your open for inspection
• Negotiate confidently on your behalf to secure better terms and outcomes
• Guide you through the selling process with clear communication, so you feel comfortable every step of the way

On the flip side, the wrong agent can lead to missed opportunities, lower offers, and a much more stressful experience than it needs to be.

Choosing the right real estate agent can have a direct impact on your final result, and how smooth the entire experience feels from start to finish.

The importance of local knowledge in Perth

Not all real estate is local, but in our opinion, it should be.

When you’re selling your property, having an agent with strong local knowledge can make a noticeable difference to how your home is priced, presented, and ultimately received by buyers. Every suburb has its own rhythm, from buyer demand and demographics through to what features people value most in a home.

An agent with a deep understanding of the local market knows what’s working right now, what buyers are actively looking for, and how to position your property to stand out in your local area. And that kind of insight isn’t something you can fake or pull from a generic report.

Across Perth’s southern suburbs, no two areas are exactly the same. Some pockets attract growing families, others appeal more to downsizers or singles, and each comes with its own buyer expectations and price drivers.

That’s why working with a team that genuinely understands the local area can give your property a clear edge, helping it connect with the right buyers from the moment it hits the market.

What to look for when comparing agents

Sales results in your area

Strong sales results are one of the clearest indicators of performance. Look for agents who have consistently sold a similar type of property in your local area, and achieved solid outcomes in the current local market.

Marketing strategy

How your property is presented can directly impact buyer interest. High-quality photos, strong online exposure, and a well-run open for inspection all play a role in attracting the right attention.

Communication style

You’ll be working closely together throughout the selling process, so it’s important you feel comfortable. Clear, consistent communication can make everything feel more manageable, especially during busy campaign periods.

Reviews and testimonials

Past client experiences can give you a good sense of what it’s really like to work with an agent. Look for patterns around service, communication, and overall satisfaction.

Experience with your property type

Every property is different. Whether it’s a family home, investment, or something more unique, working with someone who understands your type of property helps ensure it’s marketed in the right way.

Questions to ask before you list your home

Once you’ve narrowed down your options, it’s worth digging a little deeper before committing. The answers you get here can give you a much clearer picture of how each agent approaches the sale of your home, and what your experience is likely to look like.

Here are some key questions to keep in mind:

1. What’s your strategy for selling my property?

• Every home is different, so the approach should be too. You want to understand how they plan to position, promote, and manage your property sale from start to finish.

2. What are your recent sales results in my local area?

• This gives insight into their track record and how well they perform in your specific local market, not just Perth in general.

3. How do you determine the asking price?

• A strong answer should be backed by comparable sales, current buyer demand, and a clear understanding of the local area.

4. What does your marketing plan include?

• From professional photography to online exposure and open for inspection strategy, this can have a direct impact on buyer interest.

5. How will you communicate with me throughout the selling process?

• Regular updates, buyer feedback, and clear next steps all help you feel comfortable and in control.

6. Who will I be dealing with day-to-day?

• In some agencies, the person you meet isn’t always the one managing your sale. It’s worth knowing who your main point of contact will be.

7. What are your fees and what do they cover?

• Transparency here matters. Understanding the full cost upfront helps avoid any confusion later on.

8. What happens if my property doesn’t sell straight away?

• This gives you insight into their contingency plan and how they adapt if the initial strategy needs adjusting.

Taking the time to find an agent who aligns with your expectations, communication style, and goals can make the entire selling process feel far more straightforward from the start.

Why communication and transparency matter

Selling your property comes with a lot of moving parts, and without clear communication, things can quickly start to feel uncertain.

A smooth selling process relies on regular updates, honest feedback, and knowing exactly where things stand at any given time. From buyer interest after each open for inspection through to offer negotiations, consistent communication helps you feel comfortable and confident in the decisions you’re making.

Transparency matters also just as much. Clear expectations around pricing, timelines, and next steps mean fewer surprises and a more straightforward experience overall.

This is where the right agent really stands out. Instead of chasing updates or wondering what’s happening behind the scenes, you’re kept in the loop from day one. It’s a simple thing, but it can make a big difference in how manageable the entire process feels.

Red flags to look out for

It’s also worth knowing there are a few signs that can point to the wrong fit early on.

Here are some red flags to keep an eye on:

• Overpromising on price
  • If an appraisal sounds noticeably higher than others without clear data to back it up, it could be a tactic to win your listing rather than reflect the true local market.
• Lack of recent sales results
  • If they can’t demonstrate strong, relevant sales results in your local area or with a similar type of property, it may be a sign of limited experience.
• Vague or generic marketing plans
  • Every property sale should have a tailored approach. A one-size-fits-all strategy can limit your home’s appeal.
• Poor communication early on
  • Slow replies, unclear answers, or a lack of follow-up before you’ve even signed on can be a sign of what’s to come during the selling process.
• Pushy or overly sales-driven approach
  • You should feel comfortable, informed, and supported, not pressured into making quick decisions.
• No clear process or structure
  • A good agent should be able to clearly explain how they manage a property sale from start to finish.

Spotting these early can save you a lot of stress later and help you move forward with confidence.

Take your time and choose carefully

Choosing the right real estate agent in Perth is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when selling your property. Taking the time to compare, ask the right questions, and find someone who genuinely understands your goals can make a big difference to both your result and your overall experience.

At Semple Property Group, this is exactly what we focus on. As a family-run Perth real estate agency based in South Lake, we combine strong local knowledge with a people-first approach, keeping communication clear, honest, and consistent from start to finish.

If you’re thinking about selling your home or simply want to understand where your property sits in the current local market, a great place to start is with a clear, no-pressure appraisal.

Book your free property appraisal in Perth today and get a clear picture of your next move.

FAQs: Choosing a real estate agent in Perth

How many real estate agents should I speak to before choosing one?

It’s a good idea to speak with at least two or three agents. This gives you a clearer sense of different approaches, pricing strategies, and who you feel most comfortable working with.

What should I look for in a good real estate agent?

Look for strong sales results in your local area, clear communication, and experience with your type of property. A good real estate agent should also have a solid understanding of the local market and a clear selling process.

Do I need a local agent to sell my home?

Working with someone who has local knowledge can make a big difference. An agent with a strong understanding of the local area will know buyer demand, pricing trends, and how to position your property effectively.

How much do real estate agents charge in Perth?

Fees can vary depending on the agent and the level of service provided. It’s important to understand what’s included, from marketing costs to commission, so you have a clear picture from the start.

How do I know if I’ve found the right agent?

You should feel comfortable, informed, and confident in their approach. The right agent will communicate clearly, provide honest advice, and guide you through the process without pressure.