Real estate myths are being challenged by Ray White Marshland agents Amanda Blair and Monty Parti, who told chrislynchmedia.com that trust, transparency and timing are crucial in today’s property market.

Parti said one of the biggest challenges facing the industry was trust.

“Trusting a real estate agent is very difficult for sellers, but that’s how I get business back, through trust. Over my years in real estate that’s what has worked for me,” he said.

“We are the agents who know the market better. With my experience, I get business back because of my trust, that’s how it works.”

Blair agreed, saying her team’s focus was on reputation, integrity and professionalism.

“We’ve built our reputation on trust, localism, and helping people around the community, and that really matters,” she said.

“It’s not just about open homes or driving around in flash cars. There’s a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes. We’re looking after people’s biggest asset and that requires trust and professionalism.”

When it comes to selling, the pair said there is no single approach that works for every property. Parti said auctions could be effective for homes worth more than a million dollars, while private sales might better suit buyers who feel daunted by auction conditions.

“If you’ve got a property sitting at a million plus, I would definitely take it to auction,” he said.

“But private sales give buyers more confidence to come to an open home, look at the property, and still write an offer. For sellers, it’s always a dilemma, auction or private sale, and it’s our job to guide them with the knowledge of which strategy will get the better price.”

Blair said not all agents could be trusted equally.

“Not all agents are the same. Like any industry, there’s the good, the bad, and the ugly. You have to make sure the agent you choose is going to look after your biggest asset and give you the knowledge behind the sale.”

On the importance of open homes, Parti said they remained essential despite advances in online marketing.

“Without open homes, potential buyers won’t make a decision,” he said.

“Yes, you can see drone footage and 360 degree tours, but if I’m a buyer I want to walk into a property and see how it feels. Open homes are still crucial.”

Asked when the best time to sell is, Blair said while many homeowners preferred spring or summer, the reality was it was always a good time.

“So many vendors wait until spring or summer because they think their house looks awful in winter. But buyers like to see it at its worst, if that makes sense,” she said.

“If you’re buying and selling in the same market, you don’t need to wait for prices to change – what your home gains, the one down the road will gain too.”

“At the moment there’s more confidence with interest rates settling and people are starting to move again, so better times are ahead.”

Both encouraged anyone with questions to reach out to Ray White Marshland for tailored advice.