Estate Agents; A Seller's Guide
- By Thomas Pretty
- Published 06/15/2009
- Selling
- Unrated
Choosing estate agents can be one of the most difficult parts of selling your property. There is a myriad of different considerations that need to be made. Finding a good estate agent is essential; those that are out there are highly professional with detailed knowledge of the industry and the property market more generally. The purpose of this article is to present some top tips to sellers.
The first tip is to utilise estate agents that have glowing recommendations from friends and family. It is worth trying to find an agent that has a high level of experience and an intimate understanding of the market and buyer's feelings.
Once you have seen a number of estate agents it is time to interview the shortlisted candidates. This is important as it will allow you to get a feel for each agent's style and character. Remember that if you do not feel comfortable with a particular agent, then it is unlikely any buyers will either.
Ultimately choosing an agent that you trust is the objective. Looking for characteristics such as enthusiasm, creativity and dedication is always advisable; as is finding an agent that can answer any questions knowledgably and ably. If one of the estate agents from the shortlist can fulfil these criteria it may well be worth utilising their services.
In terms of specific technicalities it is important for any estate agents to have a multitude of different advertisement techniques at their disposal. Today property is advertised not only in shop windows and in local newspapers, the internet is an immensely popular way for buyers to find homes and hence if an agent is ignorant of this new technology, it is unlikely that their marketing services will be totally effective.
Fees are naturally an important consideration when choosing between estate agents. It is worth remembering that higher fees do not necessarily relate to better services. It is also worth bearing in mind that negotiation is possible, particularly with smaller local companies rather than national agencies. Don't not negotiate too hard however, if you are not paying enough the services offered may be substandard.
As with any legal wrangling it is essential to study the contract carefully. In most cases a contract will be either restrictive or flexible; naturally the latter is preferable although having a sole selling agreement can be beneficial, especially when it comes to finding cheaper rates.
While this article has been brief it has hoped provide the reader with valuable information that will make the process of choosing estate agents much simpler. With the correct approach it should be possible to find the perfect agent for your needs.
The first tip is to utilise estate agents that have glowing recommendations from friends and family. It is worth trying to find an agent that has a high level of experience and an intimate understanding of the market and buyer's feelings.
Once you have seen a number of estate agents it is time to interview the shortlisted candidates. This is important as it will allow you to get a feel for each agent's style and character. Remember that if you do not feel comfortable with a particular agent, then it is unlikely any buyers will either.
Ultimately choosing an agent that you trust is the objective. Looking for characteristics such as enthusiasm, creativity and dedication is always advisable; as is finding an agent that can answer any questions knowledgably and ably. If one of the estate agents from the shortlist can fulfil these criteria it may well be worth utilising their services.
In terms of specific technicalities it is important for any estate agents to have a multitude of different advertisement techniques at their disposal. Today property is advertised not only in shop windows and in local newspapers, the internet is an immensely popular way for buyers to find homes and hence if an agent is ignorant of this new technology, it is unlikely that their marketing services will be totally effective.
Fees are naturally an important consideration when choosing between estate agents. It is worth remembering that higher fees do not necessarily relate to better services. It is also worth bearing in mind that negotiation is possible, particularly with smaller local companies rather than national agencies. Don't not negotiate too hard however, if you are not paying enough the services offered may be substandard.
As with any legal wrangling it is essential to study the contract carefully. In most cases a contract will be either restrictive or flexible; naturally the latter is preferable although having a sole selling agreement can be beneficial, especially when it comes to finding cheaper rates.
While this article has been brief it has hoped provide the reader with valuable information that will make the process of choosing estate agents much simpler. With the correct approach it should be possible to find the perfect agent for your needs.
Thomas Pretty
Real estate expert Thomas Pretty gives consumer advice surrounding the issue of choosing estate agents and how the correct choice can make selling property simple and stress free.
View all articles by Thomas Pretty