How do I build a good working relationship with my real estate agent?

How to Build a Good Relationship With Your Real Estate Agent
The vendor-agent relationship significantly affects sale outcomes.
Here is how to make it productive from day one.

Be clear about your priorities from the start
Your agent needs to understand what matters most to you: is it the price achieved, the timeline, the certainty of conditions, or a combination? Are there specific constraints: you need to be out by a certain date, you cannot accept a sale subject to the buyer selling their existing property? Setting these priorities clearly at the start allows your agent to structure their strategy around your actual needs rather than guessing.

Be honest about your price expectations
If your initial price expectation is significantly above what the market evidence suggests, say so, and ask your agent to help you understand why the evidence sits where it does. A productive relationship involves honest conversation about pricing, even when it is uncomfortable. An agent who agrees with everything you say is not serving your interests. An agent who engages honestly and explains their position with evidence is.

Respond promptly to communications
A sale campaign moves quickly and in a well-functioning market, opportunities can be time-sensitive. Respond to your agent’s calls and messages promptly, particularly during open home periods and when offers are in play.
Delayed responses during critical moments can cost you buyers or deals.

Trust the process, not just the outcome
A well-run sale campaign does not always produce offers in the first week. Allow the process to work: the open homes generate feedback, the feedback informs strategy adjustments, the adjustments improve the outcome. Resist the urge to make panic-driven changes based on one week of limited activity. Discuss concerns with your agent before acting on them.

Give specific, constructive feedback
If you are not getting what you need from your agent - communication frequency, quality of open home reporting, marketing specifics - say so directly and specifically. ‘I would like a written open home summary emailed to me within 24 hours of each open home’ is more useful than ‘you’re not keeping me informed.’
​Specific feedback can be acted on; vague dissatisfaction cannot.

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Paul Sumich is a Bream Bay-based real estate agent with Ray White who publishes honest, practical guidance across the Bream Bay and Northland property market. His background includes a Sales Manager role overseeing multiple offices, and extensive experience in the Whangarei and Northland residential market. He currently lives in One Tree Point. Find more at paulsumich.co.nz/blog.