How to choose the right agent to sell your home
Deciding to sell your property is a big move and which agent you are going to instruct to sell your property is also a crucial decision.
Get it right and the moving process can be simpler, quicker and stress free. Choose badly and it could end up costing you money, time and hassle.
At Leightons we’ve more than 40 years combined experience in selling homes so here are the five fundamental things to consider when choosing an estate agent.
1 – Create a shortlist of local agents
Build a list of agents then start checking them out. Some of the questions to get answers to include: Do they have good reviews on Google? How do they market properties? Where are they based? Are they part of a chain or independently owned? What industry bodies do they belong to? We are members of the National Association of Estate Agents and with my degree in Building Surveying we can offer a lot of well-informed advice.
2 – Pop in and speak to them
Once you’ve done your initial homework it’s a good idea to visit each agent. Pop into their office because this way you’ll see if you can build rapport with them and also how they treat people face to face.
Also there’s no better way to see how the agent will market and sell your property then seeing how they do it for their current vendors. If there is a property that they have on their books that you like then arrange to view it with them. You’ll find out all you need to know. If you like what you see, feel and hear, invite them around to give you a valuation.
3 – Valuation time
When the agent comes around to conduct the valuation use the opportunity to ask them lots of questions – don’t be shy. Ask about how they’ll market your property and make it stand out from the rest, their fees and terms and conditions.
Things to look out for here include: punctuality, professionalism, local area knowledge and if you actually like them. The last point is an important one as you’ll be working closely with them if you instruct them.
4 – Ask for evidence
When an agent says your home is worth X ask he or she why they’ve reached that figure. Also ask them for proof of recent comparable properties they have sold in the area. Don’t just take their figure as being correct because they simply say so!
5 – Decision time
Once you’ve taken everything into account let the winning agent know. This is the beginning of a partnership between you and the agent. To achieve what you both want – for you to sell your home and for them to earn their commission – you will need to work together.
There are a lot of questions you need to ask and at Leightons we are confident that given the opportunity we can answer them all correctly and honestly.
Thanks for reading.
Michael
Thinking of moving? Call the office on 01535 666031, call me direct on 07557 088460 or email me: michael@leightonsestateagency.co.uk for honest, expert and friendly advice.
