Selling your home is one of the biggest financial transactions you are ever likely to make. So you need to be confident that the agent you choose can not only get you the right buyer and is able to guide you confidently through the process.
Maybe you are selling the family home where you have raised your children, and it’s time to move to something bigger. Perhaps you are a first time buyer or it’s a buy to let or inherited home that you simply no longer require.
Whatever your reason for deciding to sell, lots of agents will be keen to secure your business. So, how do you know which is going to be the best fit for you and your home?
Here are some points to think about to help you decide:
Before you speak to an agent make sure you have a clear idea of what your plans are. Make sure you are clear on why you are selling and have a look at several agents websites and social media pages.
How good is their website? Is it professional looking, can you navigate it easily and has it got all the main information you want to know? Are you impressed by the look of their listings?
Are they a member of a professional body? Agents who are members are bound to work at the highest professional stand adhere to a code of conduct. This isn’t to say that agents who aren’t a member don’t work to the same level, this allows you to make an informed decision – it’s always good to gather lots of information.
Are their homes listed on the best portals: Rightmove, Zoopla OnTheMarket? The more popular sites an agent lists your home on, the more prospective buyers will be reached.
Does the agent use social media to market properties? Have a look at their FaceBook page, is it interesting? Do they post videos, and coming soon clips? Some agents are able to sell properties before they hit the portals via their social media sites. Have a look at the news feed. Have they had homes similar to yours on there? This will give you a good idea on how the agent will market your home to prospective buyers.
When talking with an agent think about:
Is the agent knowledgeable? Can they give you a market update? A good agent will be able to give you a market update for your area. They should also be able to advise on the number of enquires and give you an idea of how long your home will take to sell.
How much would you market our home for? You’ll probably already have your own idea from looking online, see how confident the agent is and discuss things further.
Does the agent have an existing client database or a particular potential buyer in mind? This will show you how engaged the agent is with it’s buyers and in keeping sellers informed.
What are your fees? Make sure you are clear on pricing and marketing as additional costs. A good agent will give you value for money, so don’t be tempted to go for the agent with the lowest price.
What happens if you are not happy with the service? As long as you’ve done your research and have chosen carefully, you shouldn’t have any issues, but it’s always a good idea to check on things such as:
What’s the minimum contract period, and how much notice do you need to give?
Once you have found two or three agents that you are sure can do the job, based on all the above, ask yourself Which agent feels right?
When you have got queries, which of them are you most confident will be able to provide you with the information and support you through the moving house process? Who would you like to work with? Choosing the agent that fits you best should make it a smooth process for you along with a successful sale.
If you would like to talk through your selling plans with us, we are members of the NAEA, offer outstanding service and our team combine expert market knowledge, years of experience with local knowledge. Together we can provide you with a true picture of what your home is worth and can help you find your dream home. We would love to help. Call us on 01257 451673