What to look for when choosing an estate agent
We seek the help of an estate agent or letting agent when we want to sell our house or buy or rent property. How do we choose the best estate agent for our needs when there are so many options? Here are some helpful tips on how to choose a reliable estate agent:
Ask family and friends to recommend a company. Word-of-mouth referrals from friends, family or colleagues that have just gone through the process can generate a lot of business. You can ask them who impressed them or who you should avoid! Take a drive or a stroll around the neighbourhood you live in or want to move into and note the signs that say “for sale” and “sold”. You will get a better idea which agents have the best success in your area.
You can tell if a company is a member of reputable professional organisations by their membership. They are bound to strict codes of conduct. It is a sign that the business has high standards of professionalism, knowledge and customer service. These professional organisations include:
- Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors
- Guild of Professional Estate Agents
- National Association of Estate Agents
All agents must be members of the Property Ombudsman Scheme or the Surveyors Ombudsman Scheme. You can find this information on their website.
After you’ve narrowed your list down, it is best to visit the office of the agent. It’s important to get to know the people you are talking to, and to have a good feel for the company. Is the office professionally run? Are you welcomed? It’s better to keep looking if you have a bad appointment.
If you are selling your home, contact at least three agents to value it. You may be tempted to go with the highest price, but it might just be to get your business. You want an honest and fair appraisal, which is why you should get three different valuations. For Stonehouse Estate Agents, contact https://www.tgres.co.uk/stonehouse-estate-agents/
It’s up to you to decide if you want to use a multi-agency approach or a sole agent to sell your property. It really depends on the type of property and your personal circumstances. Market conditions will also influence your decision. If there are more properties than buyers, it is best to use multiple agents. However, if the opposite is true and there are more buyers than houses then you should only hire one agent.
Be sure to read the fine print and review any terms and conditions before signing any agreement with an agent. Ask questions about any aspect you do not understand and make sure you feel comfortable.