When selling your home, you want to choose the right estate agent. Here are some things to think about when choosing your estate agent.
Local
A good local estate agent will know the market in your local area very well. They will also have a good set of connections in the local area which can make a big impact how long it takes to sell your property.
Multiple agents or Just One
You need to think about whether you are going to use one Estate Agent or multiple agents. Listing your property with every estate agent on the high street will get your property more exposure and potentially more viewers through the door, but then you would have to pay out more on fees. This is the main reason why people will choose just one agent. However, it may take longer by just using one agent.
Can you recommend someone
Why not ask your conveyancing lawyer to see if they can recommend a good local agent? This can save time trying to find a good agent.
Valuations
Make sure you consider what the realistic price for your property is; take in to account the condition, location and area of your property. Don’t get fooled by agents suggesting high valuations as you might find yourself disappointed months later when your property still hasn’t sold, the estate agent could be concerned that you will not place the property on the market with them if they suggest a lower price as you as a seller are likely to prefer a higher valuation even is this is unrealistic. You can also check actual sold house prices on both Rightmove and Zoopla. It is the land registry “sold” figures that you need to consider rather than the headline marketing price of other local properties. You as the seller, can set the price for the property. You can say to the agent exactly how much you want to sell it for and how much you may be prepared to negotiate by.
Fees
All Estate Agents will have different terms and conditions; their fees will also cover different things. It’s common for Agents to charge from .75% up to 3% (excluding VAT) of the agreed sale price. Fee are normally negotiable, and a good Agent will be happy to talk through their fees and find a fee that you are happy with.
Beware of agents that offer incredibly low fees. It would be worthwhile looking through their terms and conditions to see what is included, sometimes you can find that agents with low fees may not include, for example, accompanied viewings, professional photographs and floorplans.
This article is intended for general information purposes only and shall not be deemed to be, or constitute legal advice. Newnham & Jordan Solicitors cannot accept responsibility for any loss as a result of acts or omissions taken in respect of this article or any external articles it may refer or link to.
