We are selling our home of 18 years and going through the process of choosing a real estate agent. The fees seem to be around 1.8% but one agent has offered 1.4% but wants to charge a $9,000 marketing fee. Does the marketing costs sound right ….. I know they put a sign out the front and the property goes on realestate.com.au and domain but does it really cost that much?

Hi Martin,
Do the maths. Work out the commission @ 1.8% and again @ 1.4% + $9,000.
0.4% (difference between 1.4% & 1.8%) is $4,000 per $1m of your home's value.
So, $9,000 = $2,250,000.
If your home is valued above that figure then the lower commission + marketing fee is less costly.
If you home's value is below $2.25m, go with the higher commission rate.
I choose an agent based on their success in the area. How active are they and what have they recently achieved for other clients.
Commission is the motivation for the agent to succeed. They only win if they achieve a good price for you.

Hello Martin,the marketing fee should come with a marketing schedule and breakdown of what has made up the $9000.00.It Could well be a combination of both digital and print media marketing.Print media can be the most expensive of the 2 and can be optional as an inclusion in the campaign.But this will depend on your market place which could cater to print media readers as a necessity.Talk to at least 3 agents about marketing strategies that are best to suit the type of property you are selling and your market place target buyers.The agent and marketing strategy you choose can impact your final result and your sales price.