FAQ.

We sell a range of properties – from houses, units, and townhouses to blocks of flats and occasional land or commercial properties. Whether it’s an entry-level home, a unique investment property, or a premium residence for the top 1% of buyers, our team handles it all, both in our own backyard in the Bayside or wherever our clients bring us (within our licensed areas).
Each of our agents has their own strengths, some known for being able to sell the “unsellable,” others investor-prone properties, and everyone the humble family home.

Fees vary widely between agencies based on an agent’s skillset, years in the industry, and track record for achieving results – whether below, at, or above market value. Factors like working hours (9 – 5 vs. round-the-clock commitment), buyer management systems, hands-on approach to property preparation, personal buyer database size, and marketing reach also influence costs. While every agent can sell something for nothing, achieving a premium sale price often requires an agent with a proven record and a strong process.

Sometimes, it’s not just about what an agent charges, but what it could cost if you choose the wrong agent to sell your home.

This is primarily due to the limited number of nationwide advertising platforms with broad reach. Major real estate portals, for instance, hold a near monopoly, enabling them to set high prices for the exposure that other channels simply can’t match. Beyond this major expense, the rest of the marketing budget covers smaller but essential services like professional photos, signage, and floor plans, each adding value to your listing. These costs go directly to third-party suppliers, with no rebates or kickbacks to agencies.

We are always open to conjuncting with other agencies if they have the ideal buyer for the property, as this benefits our clients. However, we only work under an Exclusive Agency Agreement. At ethico, we believe in doing things right, which means maintaining control over the entire sales process to provide a seamless experience for our clients. We also believe that joint listings can harm a property’s reputation, often resulting in a lower sale price.

We collect personal details to ensure the safety of the property, its occupants, our staff, and yourself in the event of an accident during your visit. This information also allows us to follow up with you after the viewing to gauge your interest and present alternative properties if the one you viewed isn’t suitable. Without this information, we reserve the right to decline entry.

If you’ve found a property you want to buy but can’t get hold of the agent, we understand the frustration! ethico agents pride themselves on a 100% success rate for responding to buyer inquiries in a timely manner. If you’re dealing with another agency, try texting or emailing the agent to express your strong interest. If the agent remains unresponsive, and the property has a secondary agent listed, reach out to them. If that doesn’t work, you can contact the principal or reception for assistance. As a last resort, consider door-knocking the property – owners who’ve listed their home are usually open to conversation. Alternatively, feel free to contact any of ethico’s agents, and we’ll happily assist in making contact on your behalf!

Rest assured that all real estate agents are legally obligated* to present any offers they receive to the seller, unless the property is listed under an auction campaign and the offer is not unconditional. In such cases, the offer would not meet the vendor’s campaign requirements, and it doesn’t need to be presented.

While agents are ethically bound to communicate transparently with buyers about the status of their offers, there is no legal requirement in Queensland for agents to provide formal proof that an offer has been presented. Be cautious of agents who refuse to present offers, as this does not align with ethical real estate practices.

At ethico, we focus on what we do best – helping people buy and sell properties with exceptional service and expertise. While we are fully licensed and knowledgeable in property management, managing tenants is not our core strength. Instead, we partner with trusted external companies who specialize in this area and have a proven track record. We’re happy to connect you with these experts and facilitate any queries you may have.

To become an ethico estate agent, you must embrace our philosophy of prioritizing people over profit and embody traditional values. Ethico is not a fit for stereotypical real estate agents or those seeking to build a high-volume business. We believe in quality over quantity and engage only agents who are local, align with our values, and are dedicated to improving our community.

For us, home should create a connection between people and place. We view our village as a home, understanding what really matters. That’s why we’ve crafted a series of quarterly events as our way of giving back to the community and ensuring we don’t lose the rare village lifestyle amongst the hustle and bustle of where the world is headed.

We care deeply about what carries our name, remembering that the things we do and the ways we behave have a lasting impact on our communities and our customers. We want ethico’s influence to be a positive one. Always.