Hi G_threepwood

Questions….

Do you know what the recent apartments in the area have sold for?

Have you been completing any research in the area to see if there is a demand for your GF's type of apartment?

From memory Melbourne has cooled off property value wise by .06%. I would also assume that this would mean that there is not a high demand from buyers?

Are you a sales person secularly? Do you have experience with real estate selling?

If you have not "researched" and do not know the answers above, I stronger suggest that you do so immediately!

You state that the apartment is student accommodation?

* Is this a high rise purpose built for students? 

* Or is it an apartment situated close to university?

This will also "dramatically" affect your chances of a sale or not.

I ask because student accommodation demand has dropped with

* High Aussie Dollar

* New working visa rules

* New student visa rules

* Bad press over the past 2 years – students heading for Canada and New Zealand

1. Research, research and more research

2. Decide if it's worth selling if the market is depressed

3. Interview agents (Do not sell yourself) to see

* What interest do you have in your books right now for people wanting to buy?

* What experience do you have

* How many properties have you sold in the past three months

* What is your personal opinion of the real estate market right now (negative response….forget the agent! Next)

* How would you market this apartment

* What would be your strategy ( if the agent says "auction"…..continue with great care!)

You want an agent 

1. Positive

2. Has been selling apartments the past three months

3. Has lots of buyers on their books NOW

4. Local experience 

Hope this is of help