5 Tips on How to Choose the Best Estate Agent!
Choosing an Estate Agent is very important and will have a big impact on how quickly you sell your house, and at what price. Not all agents are the same, some will be more effective than others. Take a look at our top 5 tips for choosing the best Estate Agent for you:
1. Look for Recommendations
Knowing someone who has already been through a house sale or purchase is a great starting point. Speak to friends, family members, and neighbours who have used Estate Agents in the past and have had a positive experience. This can help you put together a shortlist. Now it’s time to get online. Research each of the agents. Evaluate their presence. Pay attention to the details that are important to you such as volume of properties, local knowledge, and team.
2. Ask the Estate Agent questions
How much do they charge?
How do they value your property?
What is their reasoning behind the property valuation they are proposing?
How will your property be advertised and promoted?
Who will look after viewings and handle the sale?
How long have they been established?
What experience do they have selling homes similar to yours?
Why should you use them over another agent?
Are they fully qualified?
3. Beware of high valuations
Many estate agents will give deliberately optimistic valuations to win your business! Then they will reduce the price a few weeks later following a lack of viewings. Beware that high valuations are not always realistic. Any property which is over-valued will not sell. There is far more information on house and property prices available to buyers and sellers than ever before. You will even find information on volume of transactions and selling trends. Now more than ever, it’s hugely important for estate agents to accurately value a property. There’s no place for an auctioneer to hide when it comes to a poor valuation.
4. Read the Terms and Conditions of the Agreement
Remember to read the contract with any agent carefully and check your sole agency tie in period and required notice period. There seems to be terms and conditions everywhere these days. Unfortunately this means we tend to skip over them. But this is important. Don’t take a short cut. Do not be afraid to question things you don’t understand or don’t agree with. If you are not happy in any way do not sign the contract.
5. Review your Agent’s performance
After a few weeks evaluate your Estate Agent’s performance.
How many viewings have you had? Who from? How did they go?
Consider whether your Estate Agent has been working as hard as you expect?
You may also want to talk to your Estate Agent about ways in which you could make over your property without spending too much money. This can help encourage a sale and add value to your property.
Selling a property can be daunting. It’s not something many of us do everyday, so having the right Estate Agent to partner with is important. Our advice is take a little time. Do some research and above all be comfortable with your choice. After all, your Estate Agent is there to support and help you sell your property. If you would like any further advice on choosing an agent, feel free to get in touch with us at 045-433550 or info@jordancs.ie.