Selling, buying or letting – they’re complicated and emotional processes that most people will only go through a handful of times in their lives. Estate agents exist to help people navigate the intricacies of purchase or rental and are experts in pulling together the different strings that are involved. It’s why choosing who to trust to partner with for your sale or rental is so important. Here, Daniel Vasey, Director of Sales at Warren Powell-Richards, explores four things that you should consider before signing a contract with an estate agent.
1. Don’t be dazzled by the biggest number
Understandably, when it comes to sales or lettings, we all want to get the maximum value for our property. And sometimes it can be difficult to hear a number that is lower than what you expected. But ultimately, your property is only worth what other people are willing to pay or let it for.
One of the most common issues we see when receiving instructions from vendors who have had poor experiences with other agents is that their property has been valued way too high. It’s in everybody’s interest for a property to sell for as high a price as possible, but if the valuation is unachievable then it’s only going to stay on the market for longer and likely be subject to price reductions along the way.
When an agent gives you a number, ask them why. What is that number based on? Ask them to back up their valuation with evidence of previous sales on your road – or roads nearby – that support it. If they can’t, then there’s a good chance that the high valuation has been put forward to solely win the instruction.
2. Take a look at the numbers
How do you work out if the estate agent you’ve shortlisted is actually a good estate agent or not? There are three key questions to ask the agent that might help you make a decision:
- What is the average length of time it takes them to sell or let a property?
- What is their success rate in achieving the asking price they launched with?
- Can they provide client testimonials?
On the final point, Google Reviews is increasingly important, so do your research and make sure you’re happy with what people say about them before signing on the dotted line.
3. Is there chemistry?
As with anything in life, people generally buy people. So, choosing an estate agent that you like, trust and with who you can get on with is equally important as to whether or not they’re good at delivering estate agency services. Personally speaking, I would suggest that a large proportion of the instructions I’ve won over the years have been based on the fact that I’ve got on well with the client and they’ve felt confident in the advice I’m providing.
4. The smaller picture
Selling a property is one thing. Selling an area is another. Ideally, the estate agent you choose should be good at both. As we often say, it’s important to be able to sell the lifestyle, not just the house. Why? Because being knowledgeable about the local area can ultimately help achieve a better figure – especially when it comes to prospective buyers from London who want the finer details on local pubs, walks and schools.
A trusted property partner
As a local, knowledgeable and independent estate agency that covers Surrey, Hampshire and West Sussex – and one that sells and lets our clients’ properties quickly, efficiently and always at the best possible price – we’d like to think that our team of estate agents are well-equipped to help you with your next move.
So, why not get in touch to find out how we can help you.
Ready for a spring sale? Contact your local branch of Warren Powell-Richards to arrange a no obligation valuation of your property. Alternatively, find your nearest Warren Powell-Richards office here.
| Alton | Farnham | Godalming | Grayshott | Haslemere |
| 01420 87379 | 01252 715031 | 01483 478200 | 01428 604016 | 01428 656596 |
