It doesn’t matter how long you do this job, there are always a certain set of questions that are repeatedly asked by those looking to put their home on the market. Be it seasoned property sellers or those looking to sell their first home to continue their journey up the property ladder, a helping hand and expert advice and guidance is always appreciated.
A question that is becoming more common is “Do I really need an estate agent?”
Yes! But I would say that wouldn’t I? In this age of Facebook, Sell and Seek and even property raffles clients are wondering why they even need an agent at all. I have seen a property recently where I spoke to the owner about market value and sales packages to be told, thank you but I think I might try it on Facebook first. Suffice to say the property was on our books after a couple of months and sold soon after. By trying to avoid fees owners tend to believe that they can do the work easily and cheaply. The fact is that Facebook will advertise it to your friends well enough (most of whom you would tell you were selling anyway) but it won’t get your property out to the target audience. An agent has records of potential purchasers and their requirements, matching people to property, as well as marketing with major websites and local media. Make sure your property is in the right ‘shop Window’.
Another question that is most fun to answer is “Why do agency fees differ so much?”
As much as most of us would try to deny it, we are all influenced by money. What is the difference between the cheap fee and the more expensive fee? In a nutshell, you get what you pay for. From standard of service to quality of marketing, all these things are reflected in the package that is on offer to you. The cheap fee has minimal customer service, poor marketing material and a ‘local’ office that isn’t local. The expensive fee will have modern media marketing, proactive customer service and sales teams, a thorough and complete sales package often including legal conveyancing and local experts in local offices with local knowledge. There may even be an agent out there that offers the expensive fee package at a competitive rate. Give me a ring if you want to find out who.