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Choosing the right estate agent is crucial for a successful home sale. Here’s how to find the best agent for your needs.
Research and Recommendations
- Seek Recommendations
Ask friends, family, and neighbours for recommendations. Personal experiences can provide valuable insights.
CAUTION: The only caveat with this is remembering how much can change at a company, even in a short period of time. If someone had a good experience but it was several years ago, don’t assume it’ll be exactly the same now!
- Online Reviews
Check online reviews on platforms like Trustpilot and Google. Look for consistent positive feedback.
Don’t be put off if some of the reviews aren’t ‘5 stars’. It’s nearly impossible to get a 100% track record, especially if the company has been in business for more than a year or two.
Interview Multiple Agents
- Ask Key Questions
Interview at least three agents. Ask about their experience, the local market, and their marketing strategies.
TOP TIP: Ensure you ask about their negotiation techniques and sales progression process. Securing you the best offer and helping you through the final, often tense last third of the selling journey is crucial to your mental health wellbeing as well as achieving your property goals!
- Compare Valuations
Different agents may give different valuations. Compare these and ask for the reasoning behind their estimates. Ensure they provide you with real life examples and evidence for the figure they recommend.
CAUTION: Be very careful of signing any long contracts. Some agents will aim to flatter you with a high valuation, have you sign a long contract, and slowly chip away at you for price reductions to the correct price. You’re likely to get a lower offer the longer you’re on the market so this can be a very expensive strategy for a seller.
Evaluate Their Experience
- Local Market Knowledge
Choose an agent who knows your local market well. They’ll understand the nuances of your area and can price your home accurately.
- Track Record
Look at their track record of sales. An agent with a strong history of selling similar properties is likely to be more effective.
Assess Their Marketing Strategy
- Online Presence
An effective online presence is essential. Using the major portals is a given in this day and age. What else do they do to maximise your chances of success? Make sure their social media presence is strong too as most people only move within 9 miles. By having a good local social media presence, they’re more likely to attract the right people for your property.
- Photography and Descriptions
Check their current listings. Are the photos high quality? Are the descriptions engaging and accurate? Do they provide videos or anything extra?
- Consider Their Fees
- Understand the Fee Structure
Agents typically charge a percentage of the sale price. Understand what’s included in their fee and whether there are any additional costs.
- Negotiate
Don’t be afraid to ask. Some agents may be willing to negotiate on their fees or include extras for you.
TOP TIP: Don’t be tempted by the cheapest option – you more often get what you pay for in terms of service and quality of support.
Communication and Support
- Responsiveness
Choose an agent who is responsive and easy to communicate with. This will be important throughout the selling process.
Mystery Shop
You could contact an agent and pretend to be interested in a property they have listed. This will give you a great idea of how potential buyers are treated and then when you come to interview them, you’ll know if they’re giving you flannel or if you really did feel well looked after.
Choosing the right estate agent can make a significant difference in how quickly and successfully your home sells. Take your time to research, interview multiple agents, and consider their experience, marketing strategies, and fees. To find out more about how we do things, just get in touch.
