Finding a reliable and trustworthy estate agent shouldn’t be difficult, and in Swindon, our team at Miles Byron are here to help you! As expert estate agents with years of experience under our belts, we understand the value that comes with providing a quality service, which is why we have put together this guide on what you should look for when choosing an estate agent.
Selecting An Estate Agent
If you’re selling your property in Swindon, one of the most important steps is to consider what you need from an estate agent. There are many options out there, so you’re guaranteed to find a company you prefer. If you’re unsure where to start, don’t worry! Our team is here to help – so keep reading below for our tips for choosing the right estate agent for you! Whether you’re selling for the first time, a landlord looking to invest, or you’re still weighing your options, this guide is perfect for you:
Online or Traditional Estate Agencies?
Your initial decision should be the kind of estate agent you would like to hire. A conventional full-service estate agency will typically handle every stage of the selling process in exchange for payment and will have an office that you may visit. They often operate on a no-sale, no-fee premise, so you shouldn’t lose money if the property doesn’t sell.
Online agencies typically do not have physical locations you can visit and typically demand up front fees to list a property. If a sale occurs, there may be additional fees and you could have to handle a significant portion of the selling process on your own. This is what we examine in this blog because traditional estate agencies are used by the vast majority of sellers.
Create a List of Estate Agents In Your Area
A quick search online will help you find estate agents local to you. After having a browse of their services and offerings, make a list of around six or seven that you might use. Other ways to find out about your local agents include paying attention to ‘For Sale’ signs, taking note of advertisements, or seeing if any that have a physical business presence local to you. Make sure you choose a reputable agent by making sure they’re members of an Ombudsman programme, or members of organisations like RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) or NAEA Propertymark (formerly the National Association of Estate Agents).
Narrow Your Options
Now learn more about the businesses on your shortlist. Examine their websites. There might be details about the business, its employees, its menu of services, and perhaps even some feedback from clients. Take a look at the homes they have listed for sale. Are they comparable to yours and presented with clear information, high-quality floor plans, and photos? Would you welcome the inclusion of your property there? Ensure the agent lists properties on at least one significant property website. Now that your list has been reduced, you should be able to ask two or three agents to visit your property to assess its market value and describe how they would promote it for that price to a reputable buyer.
Visit Them
While it may be tempting to contact these agents straight away by email or phone, going in person to set up appointments will give you a far better idea of who they are and how they operate. You want to know they are people you are likely to trust and get along with because you are about to ask them to handle what is likely your most valuable asset. What do they say to you when you walk in? Feeling welcomed? Is the atmosphere welcoming and professional? If it feels right, book the appointment. If not, it might be preferable to leave.
Property Valuation
Keep an eye out for the agent’s promptness, courtesy, professionalism and knowledge when they visit. They will inform you of the asking price they believe the property should have as well as the potential sales price. If all the agents provide estimates that are close to one another, you can reasonably assume that they are correct. Nevertheless, if one agent provides a substantially different valuation, don’t be shocked. They may be aware of information the others are not! Always ask them to provide evidence of comparable properties that have sold and are currently on the market to support their assessments of the value of your home.
Know Your Needs
A smart agent will seek to comprehend your wants and situation. Perhaps you have a deadline to meet because of a work transfer or you need to move into a bigger house due to having a baby on the way. Encourage them to help you and be truthful about your situation and the motivation behind your sale. Everybody has unique needs and a skilled agent will customise their services to meet them.
Ask Relevant Questions
You’ll already have a general notion of how estate agencies present the homes for sale from your first fact-find but you still need to know what they will do specifically for you and how they plan to sell your house. Find out whether they already have any “hot” potential customers on their books. Find out if they will be coming with the viewers. Find out how frequently they will check in with you to keep you informed of the situation. And find out what they do once a sale is agreed upon, as a good agent will be able to explain the importance of progression in ensuring the success of the transaction.
Estate Agent Fees
To sell your property, your agent will charge a commission. Usually, fees are calculated as a percentage of the sale price. There can be extra charges for things like photography or advertising and there might be a fee if you decide not to sell your home after all. All of this will be explained thoroughly by a professional agent and there shouldn’t be any other additional fees. Don’t automatically assume that the cheapest option is the best one, always evaluate the value of the agent’s services.
Make Your Choice
The agents have now been introduced to you and you know what they will charge you for their services as well as their ideas on price. Now is the time to decide based on what you have seen and heard. In actuality, having only one person function as your “single agent” is frequently optimal. You’ll pay a smaller commission and the agent will focus on the property since they believe they have a good chance of selling it. The sole agency relationship will continue for the predetermined amount of time.
Work Together!
Once you’ve decided which agent or agents to use, give them a call and share the good news. After that, they will begin the process of marketing your house. Our final piece of advice concerns the future. Consider yourself to be on the same team as your agent. Together, you are looking for a buyer who will purchase your home for the greatest possible price and within a time period that works for you. Working closely together will increase your chances of success.
For more information, contact Miles Byron today!
Contact Miles Byron if you would like any help from a professional estate agency who have their clients best interests at heart. We have been offering valuable estate agency services throughout Swindon for many years, and we’re here for you, from property valuation, to showcasing the very best properties in Swindon, we have it all!