Picking the right estate agent is a critical decision, one that could potentially cost you tens of thousands of pounds in lost sales proceeds when selling a property. With so many agents to choose from, it’s important to vet estate agents you work with. Here’s a rundown.
1. Find Local Agents
- Use platforms like GetAgent to list all the estate agents in your area. This gives you an overview of who’s working locally.
2. Check Google Reviews
- Look up Google reviews for each estate agent. Pay attention to:
- Number of reviews: More reviews mean more experience.
- Quality of reviews: Recent reviews are the most important because they reflect how the agent is performing now.
- What people are saying: Are customers happy with their service?
3. Shortlist the Best Agents
- Pick the agents with the best reviews and ratings. Focus on their responsiveness, reputation and experience.
4. Request Valuations and Fees
Call your shortlist of agents and ask for:
- A property valuation: How much do they think your property is worth?
- Fee quotations: How much do they charge to sell your home?
5. Trust Your Instincts
- After getting the valuations and fees, go with the agent who feels right for you. Don’t just pick the one with the highest valuation or the lowest fee.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
1. Choosing the Highest Valuation
- Don’t pick the agent who offers the highest valuation: Some agents overvalue properties to win your business, only to lower the price later.
- What can happen:
- Your property might sit on the market for too long, and buyers will get suspicious.
- Listings that stay on the market too long get pushed down on property websites, meaning fewer people will see your home.
- Buyers may think you’re desperate to sell and offer a lower price.
How to avoid this:
- Set a realistic price by checking similar homes on property websites (e.g., Rightmove, Zoopla).
- Compare the valuations from different agents and aim for an average price.
2. Choosing the Cheapest Agent
- Don’t always pick the agent with the lowest fee: While lower fees sound good, cheaper agents might not put in as much effort or provide great service.
- Sometimes paying a little more for an agent who works harder can lead to a quicker sale.
3. Be Careful with Flat-Rate Agents
- Be cautious with flat-rate agents: These agents often charge an upfront fee and may not be as motivated to sell your home because they’ve already been paid.
4. Negotiate Fees
- Agent fees are negotiable. If one agent offers a high fee, ask them to match a lower fee from another agent.
5. Don’t Use the Agent’s Solicitor
- Find your own solicitor: Even if the agent recommends one, it’s often faster and cheaper to hire your own solicitor.
Additional Tips:
- Responsiveness: An estate agent who returns calls promptly, especially after missing a call, is likely to be more proactive in managing interested buyers.
- Service is Key: Don’t just focus on the fee; the quality of the service matters more. A good agent will help you sell faster and at a better price.
By following these steps, you’ll be able to pick an estate agent who’s best suited to sell your property and get you the results you want.
If you would like assistance in estimating the value of your property or choosing an estate agent. Contact us!