Choosing an estate agency to manage the sale could seem a little difficult because most people don’t sell properties every day. Contrary to popular belief, not all organisations are created equal, and some will be more successful than others. This guide will assist you in locating a qualified and proactive estate agents in Winchester that will sell your property for the highest price.
Choosing an estate agent
Online or traditional estate agencies?
Your initial decision should be the kind of estate agent you hire. In most cases, a traditional full-service real estate agency will handle every stage of the selling process in return for payment when the sale closes, and they will have a location you can visit. They often operate on a no-sale, no-fee premise, so you shouldn’t lose money if the property doesn’t sell.
Internet agencies typically don’t have physical locations you can visit and typically demand upfront fees to list a property. If a sale occurs, there may be additional fees, and you could have to handle a significant portion of the selling process on your own.
Make a short list of estate agents to begin with.
Make a list of six or more agents that you might use. Ask your friends and neighbours for recommendations. Most likely, you have seen For Sale signs from agencies, newspaper ads, and fliers through your letterbox. Which ones pique your interest? Look in the windows of the agents as you wander down the high street. Which ones are attractive and intelligent? All estate agents are required to be members of an Ombudsman programme for handling unresolved complaints. Some of them are members of professional organizations like the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) or the NAEA Propertymark (formerly the National Association of Estate Agents). All reputable agents ought to adhere to norms of behaviour that will guarantee that you are treated with professionalism.
Limit your options by giving them a deeper examination
Investigate the businesses on your shortlist further at this point. Examine their websites. It might be details about the business, its employees, its menu of services, and perhaps even some feedback from clients. Have a look at the homes they have listed for sale. Are they comparable to yours and include high-quality floor plans, clear information, and photographs? Would you welcome the inclusion of your property there?
Visit them to determine if they are the right estate agents for you.
Even though it might be tempting to get in touch with these agents right away via email or phone, setting up appointments in person will give you a much better idea of who they are and how they operate. You want to know they are folks you are likely to trust and get along with because you are about to ask them to handle what is likely your most valuable asset. What do they say to you when you walk in? Feeling welcomed? Do they prove useful? Is the atmosphere welcoming and professional? If it feels right, book the appointment. If not, it would be preferable to leave.
What to look for in your property’s appraisal
Keep an eye out for the agent’s promptness, courtesy, professionalism, and knowledge when they come. They will inform you of the asking price they believe the property should have as well as the potential sales price. If all the agents provide estimates that are close to one another, you can reasonably assume that they are correct; nevertheless, if one agent provides a substantially different estimate, don’t be shocked. They might be aware of information that the others are not! To back up their estimates of how much your home is worth, you should always ask them to show you comparable properties that have sold and are currently for sale.
Tell the agent what you need so that they can assist you.
A knowledgeable agent will try to comprehend your needs and circumstances. Perhaps you have a deadline to meet because of a work transfer or you need to move into a bigger house since a baby is on the way. Encourage them to aid you. Be sincere about your circumstance and the reasons behind your sale. Each has unique needs, and a skilled agent will customise their services to meet them.
Ask the agent a lot of questions to evaluate them.
You’ll already have a general notion of how these agents present the properties for sale from your first fact-finding, but you still want to know what they will do specifically for you and how they plan to sell your house. Find out whether they already have any “hot” potential customers on their books. Find out if they will be coming with the viewers. Find out how frequently they will check in with you to keep you informed of the situation. Find out what they do once the sale is agreed upon; a skilled agent will be able to explain the “sales progression,” which is crucial to ensuring that the transaction goes through.
Call the agent or agents you have selected to instruct and let them know the good news. After that, they will begin the process of marketing your house. Our final piece of advice concerns the future. Consider yourself to be on the same team as the agent. Together, you are looking for a buyer who will purchase the home for the greatest possible price and within a time period that works for you. Working closely together will increase your chances of success.
