HOW TO CHOOSE AN ESTATE AGENT - 8 TOP TIPS
Mon 04 Jan 2016
Jeremy Leaf, Principal
1.Recommendation: Speak to family and friends for personal recommendations.
2.Local agents best: – It’s often better to instruct an agent close to your property. He or she should know the area well and make it easier to attract/meet potential buyers/tenants
3.Marketing: Ask agents on which “portal” the property will be listed (eg Rightmove or Zoopla) and how/where it will be advertised.
4.Checking: – Check how your agents are marketing yours, and similar properties to yours.
5.Difficult questions: – Ask what the agent will do if the property doesn’t sell/ let in the time (or for the price) expected, and whether they’re members of RICS, NAEA, or ARLA.
6.Lowest fee/highest price :– Agents offering either or both may not necessarily achieve a sale/letting. So look for best service, then try to negotiate their commission
7.Asking prices: – A few valuations supported by comparable evidence, should give a better idea of suitable asking price.
8.Sole selling rights¬: Commission may have to be paid, even if you find a buyer yourself. So agree to a limited marketing period - if there’s no other option available.
Overall your agent may not tick all these boxes. But as many as possible would be preferable -fortunately, Jeremy Leaf & Co certainly do!