A vendor advocate is a professional who works on behalf of a property seller to guide and support them through the home-selling process. Their role is to act as an independent advisor, ensuring the seller’s interests are prioritised. Here’s what a vendor advocate typically does:
Key Responsibilities:
- Selects the Best Real Estate Agent
- Recommends agents based on their expertise, track record, and alignment with the seller’s goals.
- Negotiates the agent’s commission and marketing fees to ensure good value.
- Provides Expert Advice
- Offers unbiased insights on pricing, marketing strategies, and property presentation.
- Helps sellers navigate complex decisions with professional expertise.
- Manages the Process
- Oversees the agent’s performance and ensures marketing campaigns are effective.
- Communicates with agents and other parties to reduce stress for the seller.
- Protects the Seller’s Interests
- Ensures offers are evaluated fairly and guides the seller on negotiating the best price and terms.
- Acts as a buffer between the seller and the agent to minimise pressure.
- Streamlines the Sale
- Coordinates property preparation, including staging, repairs, and decluttering.
- Saves the seller time and effort by handling key aspects of the sale process, such as selecting the right auctioneer for your specific property instead of “whoever is available”.
Vendor advocates are especially helpful for sellers unfamiliar with real estate, dealing with emotional transitions, or wanting to ensure they get the best possible outcome without added stress. They’re like a coach, advisor, and project manager all in one, working solely for the seller’s benefit.