How many agents should I interview before choosing one to sell my Paddington property?

Two to three is the standard recommendation — enough to compare approaches, appraisals, and buyer database claims without being paralysed by choice. The most important variable is not the number of interviews but the quality of your questioning. Two rigorous interviews will tell you more than five superficial ones. Focus on comparable evidence, buyer database specifics, and Paddington auction track record.

Should I choose a local Paddington specialist or a larger Eastern Suburbs agency?

Local specialist knowledge consistently produces better Paddington outcomes — but the local specialist must also have the buyer reach into the Eastern Suburbs and family buyer profile that dominates Paddington demand. The ideal is a boutique agency with deep Paddington-specific market knowledge and a buyer database that extends into the adjacent premium suburbs. This combination outperforms both a purely local single-suburb operator and a large Eastern Suburbs franchise without Paddington specialisation.

What is a reasonable vendor paid advertising budget for a Paddington property?

Vendor paid advertising (VPA) for a Paddington property typically ranges from $8,000–$18,000 depending on the property's price point, campaign duration, and the extent of digital advertising investment. This covers professional photography and video, portal feature listings, digital advertising, signage, and auctioneer fees. Always request a line-by-line marketing cost breakdown before signing — some agencies include significant items in VPA that others include in their commission. Understand what you're paying for.

Can I negotiate the commission rate with a Paddington selling agent?

Commission rates are negotiable in NSW — there is no fixed schedule. Most established agents in the Paddington market will negotiate modestly within their standard range for quality properties. Be cautious about placing too much weight on commission negotiation, however — an agent who significantly reduces their commission to win your listing may be doing so because their other competitive credentials are insufficient to justify their standard rate. The focus should be on selecting the best agent, then negotiating a fair commission for the work involved.

What exclusive agency agreement period should I sign for a Paddington sale?

Sixty to ninety days is standard for a Paddington auction campaign — covering the three to four week campaign period plus time for post-auction negotiation if the property is passed in. Agreements shorter than sixty days create pressure on the agent and may not allow sufficient time to develop the buyer pool properly. Agreements longer than ninety days are rarely in the vendor's interest. Ensure the agreement includes a clear termination provision if the agent materially fails to perform.

How do I know if my Paddington agent is performing well during the campaign?

A performing agent provides weekly written campaign updates including: number of inspections, enquiry sources, buyer feedback themes, identification of likely registered bidders, and any pricing feedback from the market. They respond promptly to vendor enquiries. They proactively reach out with new information rather than waiting to be called. If your agent is not providing this level of communication, ask for it directly — and if it doesn't improve, review your agency agreement for termination provisions.

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