Do Some Sellers Get the Estate Agents They Deserve?
When you’re looking for an estate agent to sell your home, you have every right to demand the highest standard of service.
But it’s wise to be wary of agents who promise too much.
Let’s explain why.
Your home deserves to be properly valued
Every estate agent has a duty to help you get the best price for your property.
But asking an unrealistic amount for it is counterproductive.
An overvaluation may reduce buyer interest in your property and discourage buyers from making strong offers.
An accurate, evidence-based asking price can attract more potential buyers.
It can encourage competitive bidding among several buyers.
Be wary of estate agents who overvalue to encourage you to sign up.
It’s unlikely to be in your best interests and often paves the way for problematic price reductions when your home doesn’t generate offers from prospective buyers.
Your home deserves to be properly marketed
Your home needs to be extensively marketed. And to be on the market for a sufficient period.
That allows everyone interested in buying it to find out it’s for sale and come forward with an offer.
Be wary of estate agents who say they already have many waiting buyers for your home. Or who say they can guarantee an instant sale. (Or of expecting one yourself, for that matter.)
Bear in mind that the first offer you get might not be the best.
You deserve good service
Low-cost estate agents often have to skimp on service due to cost-cutting.
Marketing might not be all it should be. Communication is often lacking. Viewers and buyers could be left hanging on hold.
Post-sales (once an offer has been accepted) service—or sales progression, as it’s called—could be limited. This could really slow down your sale and put it at risk of falling through.
Low-cost estate agents may also push services that buyers and sellers don’t want to make up the shortfall on a cut-price commission, such as mortgages, insurance and conveyancing.
They also may have hidden charges.
A small saving on commission can mean a massive compromise on service.
As the old saying goes, you get what you pay for.
Your home deserves the best
Your home is your most valuable possession. You’re right to demand a lot from your estate agent.
And, as a seller, it’s important to have realistic expectations.
Be wary of estate agents who overpromise, especially when they offer a cut-price fee.
There’s a risk that they will underdeliver.
But if you do get your head turned by unrealistic valuations and low fees, don’t be surprised if the problems predicted above turn up at some point during the sales process.
There is another way
We are proud members of the Ethical Agent Network (EAN).
A national group of independent agents who have been independently tested to ensure we meet strict standards of honesty, service, professionalism and community care.
To find out more about what we do and why we passed the EAN and are the only local agency in the network, contact us today.
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