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Why Sellers Shouldn’t Choose the Agent with the Highest Appraisal: Michael Tomadakis on Evidence

September 21, 2026

When planning to sell your property, choosing the right real estate agent can significantly influence the outcome of your sale. Although opting for the agent who quotes the highest appraisal might seem tempting, evidence suggests it often leads to less optimal results. Michael Tomadakis, an experienced advisor in Melbourne’s inner-north at Collings, stresses the importance of basing decisions on evidence rather than mere optimism.

Understanding the Risks of the Highest Appraisal

Michael emphasizes that while high appraisals may seem promising, they need to be grounded in real data such as recent comparable sales and concrete buyer feedback. Agents who fail to support their appraisals with factual evidence often see their listings languish on the market, eventually resorting to painful price reductions which may result in lower offers from potential buyers.

Evidence Over Appraisal: A Strategic Approach

According to Michael, sellers should always request detailed sales evidence from agents, along with documented logs of buyer activity and comprehensive marketing plans. This approach helps in making informed decisions, ensuring that the selling strategy is not built merely on lofty appraisals, but on well-documented evidence.

Choosing an agent should go beyond picking the one with the most attractive number. You need a professional who puts your interests first, understands market realities, and can provide honest communication about risks and realistic timelines for adjustments. Michael advises homeowners to ask for agents’ proven track records and assess how well they have communicated statistics and sales expectations in the past.

Why Evidence Is Key in Real Estate

Michael’s core advice for sellers is explicit: if an agent cannot back up their appraisal with solid facts, it should be dismissed as speculation. This method prevents the common pitfalls of entering the market with unjustified high hopes, leading to more pragmatic and successful sales results.

Are you prepared for a transparent, analytics-driven sale? Contact Collings for guidance grounded in proven success instead of guesswork: Access the Collings property portal today to make a well-informed decision about your property’s future.

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