How to Choose a Real Estate Agent in Melbourne

Choosing a real estate agent in Melbourne starts with a practical question: who can explain a convincing plan for your particular property? A polished presentation is useful, but you also need to understand how the agent will position your home, respond to buyers and keep you informed.

Use the checklist below when comparing agencies for a house, townhouse or apartment. Give each agent the same brief, including your preferred timing, the property's current condition and any access constraints. That makes their recommendations easier to compare.

1. Ask how the sales evidence relates to your property

A suburb-wide average can hide important differences between homes. Ask the agent to walk you through recent sales they consider relevant and explain what makes each comparison useful. For example, a renovated home with parking may attract a different response from an unrenovated home on the same street.

Keep a simple comparison sheet with the property address, sale date, property type and the features that differ from yours. Ask which differences strengthen the comparison and which weaken it. You want an explanation you can follow, rather than a collection of impressive sale prices.

Consumer Affairs Victoria advises sellers not to choose an agent solely because they provide the highest estimated selling price. Its guide to selling with an estate agent also recommends discussing comparable local sales and obtaining written quotes.

2. If you are selling an apartment, test the agent's building knowledge

When choosing an apartment real estate agent in Melbourne, ask how they would describe your property beyond the bedroom count. Floor level, natural light, layout, balcony usability, parking and storage can all shape the questions buyers ask.

For a Melbourne CBD apartment, ask how the agent would distinguish your home from other available apartments in the building and nearby. Which features deserve better photography or a clearer floor plan? What questions are buyers likely to raise at an inspection?

Ask how the agent will work with you and your conveyancer to obtain accurate answers about owners corporation information. An agent should have a clear process for handling questions, rather than guessing about fees, planned works or building matters.

3. Compare the marketing plan line by line

Ask for a proposed campaign calendar showing what happens before launch, during inspections and when feedback will be reviewed. Each activity should have a purpose. Photography should explain the home's strengths; the floor plan should help buyers understand the layout; the listing should answer practical questions clearly.

Request an itemised budget separating the agency fee from advertising and other proposed costs. Ask what is included, what is optional, whether quoted amounts include GST, when payment is due and what costs could remain if the property does not sell. If two proposals have different totals, compare the actual services before deciding which offers better value.

4. Meet the person who will manage your campaign

The person presenting the proposal may not handle every inspection or buyer enquiry. Ask who your day-to-day contact will be, who covers absences and who follows up interested buyers.

Agree on a useful reporting format. A weekly update might distinguish enquiries, inspections, repeat visits and offers, then explain what those signals suggest for the next week. Raw visitor numbers are less helpful without context. Ask how feedback will be recorded and how quickly you will hear about an issue that needs your decision.

5. Understand the proposed sale method and agreement

Ask why the agent recommends auction or private sale for your circumstances. A useful answer should relate to your property, likely buyers and timing. Also ask what the next step would be if the initial campaign does not produce an acceptable offer.

Before signing, read the sales authority carefully. Consumer Affairs Victoria explains that it is a legally binding contract and that there is no cooling-off period after signing. Clarify the authority period, commission arrangements and agreed marketing expenses. Seek independent advice if you are unsure about a term.

Eight questions to take to an agent meeting

1. Which recent sales are most relevant to my property, and why?
2. What would you highlight about this home to prospective buyers?
3. What preparation would you prioritise before photography?
4. Why do you recommend this sale method and campaign timing?
5. What are the itemised costs and payment dates?
6. Who handles inspections, follow-up and negotiations?
7. What information will I receive each week?
8. When will we review the campaign and discuss any changes?

Discuss your Melbourne property with CAN Estate Agents

Bring your questions and preferred timeline to a conversation with our team. You can request a property appraisal, meet the CAN Estate Agents team or contact us to discuss your next step.

This is a general seller's checklist. For current Victorian consumer guidance, refer to Consumer Affairs Victoria; obtain independent advice about your own agreement where needed.