Does local really matter?

The Role of Local Estate Agents in the Traditional Real Estate Landscape

If you were in the market for a new home three decades ago, your initial instinct would likely have been to approach a nearby estate agent. These local professionals held the keys to property information within your area. They could show you homes from their portfolio, and sometimes they would even chauffeur you around in their cars. They'd diligently add your details to their database and keep you informed about new listings in the neighbourhood. In those days, local agents were the custodians of real estate knowledge, connecting eager buyers with available homes.

Transforming the Way Properties are Bought and Sold

The world of real estate has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent decades, largely due to the digital revolution. Gone are the days when prospective homebuyers would wander down their local high street, peering into the windows of traditional estate agencies or scanning the property listings in their neighbourhood newspaper. The emergence of online property platforms, like realestate.com.au, domain.com and homely.com.au, has ushered in a new era in real estate, fundamentally altering how people buy and sell properties.

Prospective buyers can now search for homes within their immediate vicinity and nationwide using their mobile devices. With a few clicks, they can view high-resolution images, read detailed property descriptions, and even take virtual tours from their homes. Modern buyers have the power to identify the property that appeals to them and then reach out to the agent representing that property, eliminating the need to seek out a local agent as their initial point of contact.

Whether the property is located just around the corner or on the other side of town, the geographical distance between the buyer and the property no longer holds the weight it once did. In this digital age, what matters most to the buyer is the property itself and its potential to become their new home.

Challenging the Notion of 'Local" Expertise

Today, the motivation behind selecting a local agent often stems from convention and common but outdated perceptions. Many home sellers are led to believe that local agents possess unique insights about the area and can provide buyers with valuable information on schools, transportation, dining options, and shopping centres. However, in today's digital age, most buyers have already researched their desired neighbourhood extensively. A quick online search yields information about these local amenities. Buyers now turn to agents primarily for property-specific details that they may not have access to, such as the property's history, condition, and unique features. As such, a local agent is no longer necessary when selling your home.

Why Do Agents Still Emphasize Being Local?

From time to time, we are asked by sellers if being local truly matters. Our response is that "local" primarily matters to the "local agent" intent on preserving their territory.

Promoting the local agent is one example of agents being more focused on their interests than yours. This is because an agent who focuses on local sales has substantial advantages. This strategy often works well for 'local agents', as having a strong presence in one geographical area can naturally attract more business.

When a local agent accumulates more property listings in a specific area, it sends a powerful message to the community and potential home sellers. It reinforces the notion that the agent with the most boards is the agent of choice. A common saying in the real estate industry is "Boards bring boards". Unfortunately, home sellers put their confidence in the agency that appears to dominate the area, not who gets the best results. This is to the home seller's detriment.

Choose an Agent Based on Trust, Not Proximity

What truly matters is your choice of an agent with the skills, expertise, and professionalism to secure your home's highest and best offer. Your decision should not be focused on the proximity of an agent to your property. Instead, it should be rooted in trust. This is excellent news for home sellers who seek access to the best agents in the field without being limited by geographical constraints. A crucial litmus test for this is to inquire about agents' sales processes during your interviews. Prioritize an agent's competence and unwavering dedication to securing a successful sale in today's ever-evolving real estate landscape.

Understanding that a competent agent can deliver exceptional service regardless of location is vital.

While many agents emphasize their local expertise to bolster their business, we've chosen a different path. Our sole objective has always been to meet our clients wherever they need us most. Whether it's across town or across the state, we are here to serve you, committed to delivering unparalleled service and expertise wherever your real estate journey leads, no matter where you are.