How to choose the right estate agent….

How to choose the right estate agent….

One of the biggest decisions to consider when it’s time to sell your home, is which agent to choose. Choosing the right agent makes a difference not only to the price you receive for your property but also to the experience.

First things first, think about what you want from an Estate Agent.

Do you want a call centre agent, or a traditional local estate agency representing your property ?

It’s worth noting that call centre agencies generally charge an upfront fee and don’t have physical offices for you to visit should something go wrong.

Traditional Estate Agents such as Alan Batt offer a comprehensive and personal sales service with a view to achieving the very best price for your property.

With a local traditional Estate Agent you will also receive a fully experienced negotiating service which all call centre agents don’t have.

When using a traditional agent, you’re not just a number or another online user, you are a valued client forever.

Next you’re going to need to make a short list of estate agents.

Ask for family and friends for recommendations.

Take a look at who’s selling the most properties around your area.

Which agent has the most For Sale boards and more importantly the most Sold boards in your area. 

Look online at which agents have the best websites in the area, and which agents advertise on both Rightmove AND Zoopla.

Select two or three to provide you with a market appraisal.

What to look out for on valuation day.

When the agent arrives make sure that you take note of their politeness, enthusiasm and appearance.

During the valuation assess their professionalism and knowledge of the local area.

Remember the way the agent treats you will give you an indication of the quality of service you and your potential buyers will receive.

Don’t be surprised if the valuations are different.

Ideally all agents should come up with a similar figure for your property.  However in reality this may not be the case.

If there is a wide discrepancy between the valuations ask the Estate Agents concerned to justify their advice with comparable evidence of similar sales they have achieved.

What makes them different ?

Don’t be afraid to ask the agent a lot of questions

Ask them how they would go about selling and marketing your property and why they should they be instructed instead of another agent.

It’s also worth asking them if they have a current marketing list and what the process is once the sale has been agreed.

A good agent will want to know about your circumstances and why you’re deciding to make the move so be honest with them and upfront about why you’re selling.

Everyone has different requirements and a good agent will want to tailor their services to deal with them.

How much does this all cost ?

Make sure you are clear regarding their charges.

Your agent is duty bound to tell the costs including VAT.

Are there any additional costs for things like photography and floorplans ?

What fee would have to be paid should the property be taken off the market ?

A good agent will be happy to explain all the details and won’t hide any of the costs.

Can you work with this agent?

It’s important to ask yourself whether you can work as a team with this agent so your chosen agent needs to be someone who you can connect with and enjoy a working relationship.

As a Chartered Valuation Surveyor with over 30 years experience of valuing properties in the local area, Alan knows Qualified Valuation Advice is key to achieving the best possible price.

To arrange a free, without obligation, valuation please complete and submit the form on http://bit.ly/1R0s1Sd or call our Wigan office on 01942 233999 or Standish on 01257 581222.

If you want to discuss any Sales or Lettings issues in our local property market just email on the Ask Alan section of our new website. http://bit.ly/1JMmIWA