Selecting the right estate agent to market and sell your home can make a mammoth difference not only to the price, but also to the overall experience.
Estate agents have a rather poor reputation especially in the UK and America where they are almost figures of ridicule. This is partially true for the commission hunting sharks that seem to have little regard for their clients requirements and basically want to earn a quick buck.
So is this reputation fair to level at every estate agent or realtor? The answer of course is definitely not, a good realtor should be a boon to selling or buying a property.
First Steps
Before selecting your agent or realtor do some market research yourself, this is applicable if you are buying or selling.
Find out the true market value of the property you are selling or hoping to buy. There are numerous ways this can be achieved and one of the very best is to physically trawl through the area that you are interested in.
Nothing beats local information, and if you are on the street it is amazing what valuable information you can glean. You can also search relevant websites and local papers.
Grab as much information you can and arm yourself with the facts before your hunt to find your agent. You will be amazed at the difference in attitude of your facilitator if he knows you are on the ball.
Selecting Your Agent
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Look for a company with experience and a high profile in your area
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Check how they present and market other properties
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Consider posing as a buyer, find out how they treat you. And whether they really have your best interests at heart
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Ask if they physically accompany all viewings
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Ensure you a clear about all costs; fee covers, marketing etc.
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Only use a qualified agent, regulated by the appropriate bodies
Once you have made a shortlist of potential agents then qualify them. This can be done by many methods but you should be thorough. Do not just pick the one who assures you the best price in return for your property, the assessment may be unrealistic and it will never sell.
By the same token, be careful of the agents who will just unload your property at a heavily discounted price just to earn some fast commission.
Use a checklist to make your final choice:
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Ask family and friends if they know anybody that has used the agent before
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Try to stay local to your intended area
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Make sure the agent has experience in selling your type of property
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Go into the agent and pretend to be buying or selling a property, see how they react to your enquiry
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Check their website
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What is their viewing policy?
After all the research and a choice has been made then consistently review your relationship with your agent.
What is your gut feeling? Do you get on with them and trust them with your most valuable asset? Don’t forget you will be spending a great deal of time with them.
Remember to check the legal documents carefully, if you don’t understand something make sure you ask. If you have any doubts whatsoever do not under any circumstances sign the contract.
Be clear what’s included in the price and get absolutely everything in writing so there can be no doubt what was verbally agreed.
Finally ensure you have an independant conveyancer that you can trust and will give you separate legal advice through the whole process.
With all this done you can be confident that your property move is in the right hands and you can enjoy the comfort somebody you really trust is acting for your best interests.
Selecting the right property that suits your exact requirements couldn't be easier when you deal with Seaboard Properties.
Whether you are looking to buy a house or a condo or are happier looking for a rental, contact our friendly team today!