Your home is generally your biggest asset, so when it comes to selling, it’s vital you choose the right agent. Here are the Top 5 things to look for.
Success in selling homes like yours
When choosing an estate agent, it’s important that they’ve got solid experience in selling homes like yours and really understand the local property market. Ask them to show you what they’ve recently sold, their % of price achieved vs asking price and how long the properties took to sell. How good is their database?
How good is their service?
Any agent can tell you they’re the best, but what do their customers think? Take a look at their reviews, how many do they have and how well their service is rated. Is service at the heart of everything they do? Do they have a local office and how well were you looked after when you visited them?
How experienced is their team?
How well do they know your area and what’s sold nearby? Are they au fait with school catchment areas and what’s happening locally that could affect the price of your home? Choosing an agent with an in-depth knowledge of your area and the properties within it means any valuation you receive will be realistic and accurate, giving you the very best chance of selling.
How well would they market your home?
With over 80% of property searches starting online, a virtual tour, great imagery and an accurate floorplan are all vital assets in marketing your property to buyers and ensuring it stands out from the crowd. Homes with a virtual tour attract far more detailed views from potential buyers searching on Rightmove and Zoopla, which in turn generates more interest - more demand to view your property not only means you can sell quicker, but it should also help to get you the best possible price.
Are they on all the major portals? Can they offer you a prime Featured Property position at the top of the search results page? Would your home be given a Premium Listing at no extra charge?
What’s their website like? Is it responsive? How well do they use social media to promote property and how large is their following?
There’s often a big difference between what is included in agents’ packages and what they can offer in terms of professional marketing, so these points are well worth checking.
What sets them apart from other agents?
Ultimately, you want to have trust in the agent and feel that your moving goals are fully understood by the team selling your home. Is the company well regarded by the property industry and have they won any awards recently? Are they committed to training and developing their team? What’s their involvement with the local community and do they support local charities? These things will give you some indication of the care and attention you can expect from the agent and their team.
