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Choosing the Correct Estate Agent to Sell your Property

Choosing the Correct Estate Agent to Sell your Property

Thursday 25th April 2019
Melanie, Branch Manager

Your property is probably the biggest asset you will own, so when it comes to Selling your property make sure you choose your Estate Agency Wisely. Below are some pointers to consider before you instruct an agent,

1. Ask for recommendations
Ask friends, family members and colleagues who have recently moved which estate agents they used and what they thought of them.
Also look in your local area at the "for sale" and "sold" signs; it's a useful indicator of the agents that work well in your area.
You can check out our Glowing Reviews on our website: http://www.glowhomeslettingandsales.com/glowing-reviews

2. Check industry credentials
Estate agents now have to be members of The Property Ombudsman or The Property Redress Scheme.
Many estate agents will also be members of trade bodies. Membership means that they have to comply with a code of conduct, which may indicate a higher level of professionalism and diligence. Trade bodies to look out for are:
• Guild of Professional Estate Agents (GPEA)
• National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA)
• Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)
You should be able to research this without having to set foot in an estate agent's branch. Members of these schemes will be shouting about it on their websites.
Glow are members of the Property Redress Scheme,


3. Go Undercover
Visit your shortlisted estate agents as a potential buyer looking for a property like your home. Pay attention to how they behave and ask yourself two questions:
• Would you be happy if the property being described was yours?
• Would you buy a property from them?


4. Invite at least three agents to value your property
Shortlist your agents, Try to get at least three to come and value your property.
When your property is valued it's important not to be too impressed by the agent that values your property the highest - this could be a ploy to win your business.
Ideally, you need an agent who is going to be honest and fair, not one who is going to overvalue your property and then fail to get a buyer at that price,


5. Ask these questions:
• How much does the agent charge for sole agency and what is the tie-in period? Most agencies will lock you into a contract on a Sole Agency Contract with a very expensive termination fee,
• How long has the agent been established and what is their experience? A well-established agent that has experience selling properties in the immediate vicinity of your home is preferable.
• How will your property be advertised? On their website? Do they have access to several property websites such as Rightmove, On The Market, Zoopla? Is the agency able to show examples of how they advertise properties? Do they have a good social media presence?
• Who will look after viewings? Will the estate agent be present at all viewings? Check as to whether they will be available during evenings and weekends.
6. Read the terms and conditions of the agreement
Make sure you're happy with all the small print before signing anything. Don't be afraid to question things you don't understand or don't agree with.


7. Review your agent's performance
• How many viewings have you had? Who from? How did they go?
• Has the agent been marketing the property and working as hard as you expect?
Also ask for feedback from the agent. If you've not had viewings, or have had viewings but no offers, the agent can give insight. It could be you're priced too high, or that there's an area of the property that could be spruced up to encourage a sale.

At Glow we pride ourselves on the service we provide to all our clients, We offer sound advice when it comes to Selling Your Home,

Get in touch to discuss all things property or to arrange your FREE VALUATION & SALES PACK.