What to look for when choosing an estate agent
When it comes to selling what is likely to be the biggest asset you own, it is important to consider carefully the Estate Agent or Agents that you choose to market your property with. So where do you start?
Research
Start by finding out what Estate Agents are in your area. Local estate agents are likely to know the local area, which will be invaluable when talking to potential buyers.
Is the estate agent located in a prominent area? Your property is likely to get more visibility in a shop window if the estate agency is located on a main road or where there is good footfall.
What is the estate agents online presence like? Many people now search for their next property online. Check out the estate agents own website but also have a look what other website the agent advertises on – Rightmove, Zoopla and Prime Location are three of the market leading property portals.
How well are other properties presented? Does the agent describe the property well? Are there plenty of photographs and what sort of quality are the images? Blurry photos taken on a mobile phone are not going to create the right impression of the property.
Go undercover! A bit sneaky but there is nothing to stop you phoning an estate agent and pretending to be a buyer. How well do they know the property? Would you be happy with their customer service if that were your property they were selling?
Selection Process
Arrange valuations Invite no more than three estate agents to give valuations. Anymore and you risk confusing yourself with multiple valuations.
Do not always choose the cheapest valuation Some estate agents will do anything to get your property on their books. Unrealistically high valuations will do you know favours in the long run. At the end of the day you choose the price your property is marketed at so pick an estate agent that came across well rather than the highest valuation.
Choose between Sole Agency and Multi-Agency. You have to decide how many estate agents you want to use. In particular, should you get one, two or more to work for you? Your decision will affect home much you pay in fees and how much you may ultimately achieve for your property.
It is your property and you want the agent working for you to achieve the best price in a reasonable amount of time, Having several agents involved could mean that the agent may not be working in your best interests as they only receive a fee once they have sold your property. If you choose you agent wisely, one that has good internet presence, good office location and a professionally trained staff then a buyer will be found.
Check the small print before signing. Be careful when authorising an agent. Read the contract small print carefully, as you may find yourself signed up and legally bound for a long period of time.
Finally, check the agent is a member of Property Redress Scheme? All estate agents must belong to one of the Office of Fair Trading approved redress schemes – Homemaker Properties is part of the Ombudsman Services: Property.
Homemaker Properties now offers an estate agency service. To discuss the sale of your property or to arrange a free valuation then please contact our sales team by calling 02476 100390 or e-mailing info@homemakerproperties.com