PROPERTY
3. T R A N S PA R E N C Y O N F E E S
A locally-based estate agent may charge slightly more in fees, but you need to consider why fees for online estate agents are sometimes so low. For instance, would you be happy to pay for and put up your own “for sale” sign? A reputable local estate agency, offers a completely transparent service with no hidden fees, and you know you’ll get what you pay for. 4. YO U C A N D E V E L O P A N U N D E R S TA N D I N G W I T H YO U R A G E N T
You can meet staff from a local based estate agency in person and build a relationship with them as your sale progresses, knowing they’re always on hand should you need them. In contrast, many online estate agents operate out of call centres, meaning there’s no guarantee you’ll speak to the same person each time you call. There may be several people dealing with your case, as opposed to a small team of individuals, making it more difficult for you, and anyone interested in buying your property, to get in touch.
T I R E D OF G OI NG ROU N D T H E HOUS E S ? PROPERTY EXPERT STEVE GRAY SAYS IT PAYS TO FIND A LOCAL ESTATE AGENT WHO WILL GO THE EXTRA MILE TO ENSURE A SMOOTH OPERATION WHEN SELLING YOUR HOME, you want an Estate Agent that
provides an affordable, yet professional service. If you’re tempted by cheap fees offered by online companies, you need to weigh up whether you’re still guaranteed the expert level of service you can expect from your local established Estate Agent. Don’t be taken in so easily; here we look at the advantages offered by traditional Estate Agents as opposed to online ones.
5. O N L I N E A G E N C I E S O F T E N O N LY O F F E R T H E I R S E RV I C E S O N L I N E
When a prospective buyer wants to make a booking to view a property with an online agency they often must create an account and make all their bookings and offers over the internet. Whilst many people are confident doing this, is it worth the risk to lose out on those potential buyers who don’t have computer skills or can’t be bothered to take the time to create an account? With a traditional local estate agent, buyers can ring and book their viewings immediately without any delays or hassle. These days most local estate agents can do both. 6 . L O C A L LY B A S E D E S TAT E A G E N T S H AV E CREDENTIALS
Practically anyone could create a website and call themselves an online estate agent. Are they qualified? What is their complaints procedure like? These are the important questions you need to ask. You can have peace of mind that experienced local estate agents will be accredited and qualified, with access to a property ombudsman scheme.
1 . E X P E RT K N OW L E D G E O F T H E L O C A L A R E A
In order to carry out an accurate valuation and sell your property effectively, your local Estate Agent needs to know a lot about your local area, thus being allowed to make a true valuation and highlight positives to prospective buyers. On the other hand, online agents based miles away from your area often have to rely on research to fill gaps in their knowledge, making valuing and marketing your property more difficult. 2. C O N D U C T I N G V I E W I N G S F O R YO U
Online estate agents tend to have a very hands-off approach to selling compared to locally based estate agents. As they may not have representatives in your area, you might need to show buyers around your property yourself. Although some people will be happy to do this, it can seem daunting if you’re not a confident talker or simply don’t know what to say. Estate agents with several years of experience will know exactly what to say to prospective buyers to make your property as appealing as possible.
Steve Gray “Head of Sales at Darby & Liffen” adds: “Of course we understand people can be initially attracted by the lower ‘internet cost’ of online estate agents, however, people heavily underestimate the positive effect a locally based estate agent can have on the actual sale of their property. Many times they can negotiate you a better price on the property as well. Also it’s easy to forget online agents will take your money even if they don’t sell the property. Why would prospective sellers be happy to pay for failure? It’s common practice for reputable agents to work on a “no sale – no fee basis”. The incentive is obvious, plain and simple.
Steve Gray
Darby and Liffen Estate Agents www.darbyandliffenea.co.uk | 01493 600411
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