21/01/2017
One of three!
There are many ways and reasons for choosing a particular estate agent...If I really knew how the average person thought in this regard I would be a multi millionaire and the largest estate agent in the World.
The truth here is there seems to be no rhym or reason...
Some look for other signs in the area, some plumb for convience choosing the most local, some go for the large corporate that have 100s of branches, others now days experiment with the cheap online service tempted by a bit of DIY.
They get excited by talk of finding a "London Buyer" by the agent that tells them he or she will get £20,000 more then it is worth due to their exceptional negotiation skills. Some will decide to sign up based on being told about a database of thousands waiting for one just like theirs. Or because the agent has something they are interested in buying. Who honestly knows why? I have even heard a client say she chose the agent based on the car he drove and the smell of his aftershave! Each to his or her own. My suggestion would be like most important decisions in life, and let's face it they don't come much bigger than selling and buying your home...that you take a bit more time and do a little more homework before taking that leap of faith, invite three agents around to view and value your property. Choose a local, a national and an online if you are that way inclined.
All I would stress is that one of them is me, of course!
Let them talk you through the benefits of their particular company, their marketing strategy, presentation ideas and of course give you the suggested price. Please remember that you will find out how good your agent really is after you have sold.....
Sounds a bit odd but it is so true.
Is the person in front of you ex perienced? Do they seem trustworthy? knowledgeable? are they going to be your contact throughout the process or will they be handing you on to other departments? Will they be showing your house? Will they be giving you feedback from the viewings, will they be negotiating the offers and checking fully the positions of the buyers before presenting it to you? Will they be chasing your solicitor and updating you personally, will they work with you offering advice if the house does not sell as quickly as you all thought, will they offer more then just a price reduction if it fails to attract large numbers. Will they chop and change photos, decriptions continually searching for the key to success. Or will they promise the earth, list your property sign you up to a never ending contract and move on to the next bigger listing.
Ask the questions, do your research and don't fall for all the sales nonsense. The honest truth are that most agents are the same in their attitude, marketing reach, strategy, sales pitch, the Internet is the biggest exposure your property will ever get...nearly every property will be on Rightmove, it is the biggest and the most important by far...Zoopla, prime location and on the market are really just fillers, most double up because every agent will be on Rightmove and if they are not please do not touch them. The difference then is what ?everything above and more, personality, sencerity, empathy, professionalism and trust...will they do what they say or are they just paying lip service to get your listing. Are they reactive waiting for a call or are they proactive with all the other channels. What is their USP? Do they even have one. Once they have valued your property will they call you every day pushing you along? Or will they leave it with you to diliberate and decide in your own good time?
There is a lot to think about.
All I would ask is that if you are considering selling or just interested in finding out the value of yours and the current market conditions, make me one of your three.
With a great choice of products designed for both your budget and lifestyle and an approach that you may just find just a little different then I would be very grateful of the opportunity to pitch against the rest and secure your custom. You may be very pleased you called.