Choosing the right estate agent. What you need to know.
Most estate agents are honest and try their best. But we all know sometimes the property industry isn’t perfect.
If you are selling your property, you must choose your agent with extreme care.
You need to know that the agent you choose really knows their stuff. And will act in your best interests – after all, it is your property that they will be selling.
In order to trade as an estate agent, you do not need any formal qualification. However there are licensing schemes. So you should look for an agent that is a member of the National Association of Estate Agents or the Ombudsman for Estate Agents.
There are ways you can help yourself make this important decision.
Firstly, find out as much as you can about prices for comparable types of property in the area, using the details in agents’ windows, newspaper advertisements and the internet. Armed with this information, do some mystery shopping. Go into your locals agents. Do the negotiators seem friendly, approachable and presentable? Do they specialise in particular types of property? Do they appear to be talking sense about values?
We’re confident at Greene&Co that we know what we’re doing. Our award of Estate agency of the Year was given for our integrity, honesty, hard work and exceptional service.
But we would still always recommend you get 2-3 valuations and then choose what you consider the most reliable. Never reveal any of the other figures when you are in the process of having a valuation. This way, you can be sure that you are getting an honest opinion.
In making your final decision, the valuation should be only one of the factors which makes up your mind. You should not necessarily choose the agent who gave you the highest valuation – if unrealistic; this will impede the sale of your home. Nor should it necessarily be the most amenable agent.
It is essential to look for reputation, customer feedback and the company ethos, to find an agent who will go out of their way to work hard for you.