The Sunshine Coast Seller’s Guide to Choosing the Right Real Estate Agent

 

Selling your home is a big decision—often one of the biggest financial transactions you’ll make in your life. So, it goes without saying that choosing the right real estate agent to guide you through the process is a decision that shouldn’t be taken lightly.

At Martinuzzi Property Group, I’ve built my business around one simple mission: to help people live more fully, find more meaning, and experience more joy on their property journey. That means going beyond the transaction to deliver a service that’s personal, supportive, and stress-free. Having helped hundreds of clients across the Sunshine Coast, I know that no two sellers—or properties—are the same. Each story is unique, and that’s why your agent should be too.

But here’s the thing—it doesn’t have to be complicated.

Most sellers, when looking for an agent, ask two main questions:

1. What are the fees?

2. What does the marketing look like?

These are absolutely valid questions. After all, you’re paying for a service and want to ensure you’re getting good value. But in today’s property landscape, there’s more to choosing the right agent than just price and photos. A great agent is more than a facilitator—they’re a service provider, a communicator, and a trusted advisor.

And personally, when I pay for a service, I expect good service—and I’m happy to pay for it too.

Real Estate is a Service Industry—So Service Matters

We’re in the business of service. It’s not just about uploading a few photos and opening the doors for inspections. A high-quality agent will take the time to truly understand your goals—not just the sale price you want to achieve, but your broader life plans. Are you upsizing, downsizing, relocating? What does life look like after the sale?

A great agent will help you get there—and they’ll do it by genuinely caring, listening, and crafting a tailored strategy.

From my experience, the agents who last the longest—and who build the strongest reputations—are the ones who prioritise client care. They’re customer-focused, service-driven, and results-oriented. That’s what truly makes the difference.

Let me put it this way: imagine filling up your car at a petrol station. In Australia, it’s self-service and pretty transactional. But when I lived in Japan, the experience was something else. You’d pull in and be met by two attendants who would fill your tank, clean your dash, check your oil, and even offer you a thank-you gift like a box of tissues. That’s service—and you’re happy to pay for it.

The same principle applies when selling your home. Do you want a no-frills, DIY experience—or do you want someone who takes care of everything with care, skill, and precision?

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The Key Things to Look for in an Agent

1. Fee Structure

Understand exactly what you’re paying for. Cheap doesn’t always mean good value, and premium fees don’t always guarantee better service. Ask what’s included and whether it aligns with your expectations.

Most agents offer a structured commission fee (e.g. 2.75% including GST), but there are other models worth considering—like a tiered structure, which is more performance-based. That means if the agent achieves a higher price for your property, their fee may adjust accordingly. It’s worth having the conversation.

2. Marketing Plan

Marketing is more than uploading photos to a real estate portal. It’s about capturing attention and connecting emotionally with buyers.

I have a background in marketing, I’ve hosted a podcast for over a decade, and I’ve been in real estate for more than 10 years. So trust me—marketing matters.

A great marketing plan doesn’t just show off a property; it engages buyers in a way that excites them and gets them to take action. It’s not just about meeting practical needs—it’s about creating emotional connection.

Look for agents who offer:

• High-quality professional photography

• Floorplans

• Video walkthroughs

• Social media promotion

• Database outreach

• Virtual tours

Every buyer interacts differently. One may need a floorplan to decide. Another won’t even inspect without a video. So the more comprehensive the marketing, the broader the reach—and the better your chance at achieving a strong result.

3. Communication

This one is huge. You want an agent who keeps you informed—ideally daily.

Many sellers feel uncertain or left in the dark. And I get that. I personally don’t enjoy working with service providers who leave me guessing. A great agent will communicate clearly and regularly—even if there’s nothing major happening that day. It’s about removing doubt and building trust.

4. Negotiation Skills

You’re not just paying an agent to list your property—you’re paying them to negotiate a great outcome.

That includes knowing how to present offers, handle objections, and find a middle ground that leaves both parties satisfied. An agent should be representing you—not the buyer.

Some agents may quote you a high price to win your listing, then use pressure tactics to get you to accept a lower offer. That’s not how I work. While I believe buyers deserve respect and transparency (after all, it’s a huge decision for them too), my priority is always to secure the best result for my seller. That often means revisiting buyers multiple times to improve their offers until we get something that truly works for everyone. Even after securing a pleasing price for our client we still want the experience for everyone involved to be a pleasing one.

5. Experience and Proven Track Record

Experience matters. Ask to see past sales, client testimonials, and examples of similar properties the agent has sold.

Luckily, digital platforms make this easy. Check out Google reviews, look up profiles on RateMyAgent, and read the testimonials carefully. What do they say about communication? Service? Results? You might find one or two less-than-perfect reviews—that’s normal—but if the overwhelming feedback is positive, that’s a good sign.

6. Personal Connection

You’ll be working with this agent closely—sometimes for weeks or even months. So trust your gut.

Do you feel comfortable with them? Do they seem trustworthy and aligned with your goals? A strong, genuine connection will make the process more enjoyable—and often, more successful too.

In Summary

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to choosing the right real estate agent—but there is a right fit for you.

Focus on what matters most:

✔️ Value

✔️ Service

✔️ Communication

✔️ Results

Ask questions. Have conversations. And most importantly, choose someone who sees you—not just your property.

At Martinuzzi Property Group, we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional service tailored to your goals. With strategic marketing, clear communication, and strong negotiation, we’ll guide you from where you are to where you want to be. I aim to bring hospitality into real estate, because while service is related to how well you do things, hospitaltliy is how you make people feel and for me this is the most important aspect of what we do!

Thinking of selling? Let’s have a chat—I’d love to help you take the next step. You can schedule a free consultation here. 

If you are in buying or selling mode I’ve also created this free resource – Sunshine Coast Home Sellers and Buyers Guide. 

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