Your home is most likely to be your most valuable asset, which is why when it comes to buying or selling it is no surprise that most people enlist the help of a professional Real Estate Salesperson to take care of the sale. When choosing a Real Estate Agency it is important to do your homework first so that you choose not only a company but a salesperson that you trust to work hard to get you the best result possible.
Boutique vs Mainstream
There are arguments both ways for which type of Real Estate Agency is better. Boutique agencies will argue that they are able to be more flexible and therefore can be more accommodating to your needs as a vendor. They will most likely argue that a mainstream company is too rigid and inflexible and not able to offer you the personal service they can. If you talk to a mainstream company they are likely to argue that because of their size it will be more beneficial to you as a vendor, especially when it comes to getting good deals when it comes to marketing and will argue that their mere existence is proof that they know what they are doing and are extremely successful.
Probably more important than the company is the Salesperson. Finding a salesperson that is the right fit for you is the most important factor. So how do you know what to expect if it is your first time selling a property? What should you expect from the Salesperson and in turn the company they work for? Recently in New Zealand the Real Estate Agents Authority (REAA) was set up to regulate the industry and make sure that all companies and Salespeople behave in an ethical way and always put their clients first. The REAA have released a booklet which is a guide to Real Estate Agency Agreements which explains what should or shouldn't be included in a listing form. There is also a second booklet which explains the ins and outs of a sale and purchase form. If in doubt at any stage you should consult a lawyer.
In conclusion there is no right or wrong answer when it comes to choosing a Real Estate Agency to sell your property. If you do not have a preferred Salesperson, check out who is successful in your area. Do the open home circuit to see how they treat you as a potential buyer, then ask to meet those you short list, asking for their views on selling your home, check references and select the one who fits'.