With the number of estate agents vying for your business, both high street and Internet based, it can be a daunting task to choose the agent that best represents your values, your property and your needs.
No fees may sound attractive on the surface, but will you lose on service? High street may be preferable but can they market your home to a wider audience?
The agent you choose depends on the level of service you require. A small but not insignificant number of vendors are opting for an online agent to sell their home, with the understanding that they may receive a reduced service in terms of contact, advice and guidance. Many more still opt for a traditional high street agent – a fee is payable but you’ll benefit from a knowledgeable and expert pair of hands at the helm of you sale.
No fee, low service?
Online agents have recently been in the news for positive and some very negative reasons. Many of them offer no fee deals when selling you home with a reduced personal service, so if you are looking for a no frills service this may be for you.
However, news of a recent report hit the press last month, which stated that only 51.6% of sales through the most well known online agent did not progress to completion, making bleak reading for anyone considering this mode of sale. The rest of the online agent pack reported even lower figures, which may sound alarm bells for anyone about to put their home on the market with an Internet based agent.
It’s also possible that you may become the weak link in the chain due to your agents lack of experience in sales progression. Something to think about.
We believe there is no substitute for hands-on, experienced local agents.
Why choose a traditional local agent?
Whilst traditional agents do charge a fee, we know that you will benefit hugely from their experience and skill. Online agents are beginning to employ local people, but they may not be experienced in the property market.
Having a skilled agent on hand who knows about the local area and its assets, takes the time to understands your property and knows your requirements can be the difference between a smooth sale and a sale that doesn’t happen. If there are issues along the way, they are able to quickly react to and resolve challenges as they happen.
Does your local agent have a national reach?
Whilst those in your locality will be interested in your property, having a national audience will ensure that your home is viewed by a much wider audience. It’s wise to choose a local agent that’s part of a national organisation; one who can call upon a network of offices to market your home to new clients looking to move.
We have a network of over 45 offices who share information about potential purchasers to ensure that your home is marketed in a targeted way to people from across the UK.
How’s their marketing?
It’s wise when choosing an agent to look at how they market their current portfolio of properties. Are the photographs professionally taken? Are the sales particulars littered with typos? Do they produce brochures? Have they a healthy online presence? Do they utilise local, regional and national press for advertising and editorial?
When your home is presented in its best possible light you are more likely to appeal to a wider audience. Choosing Jackson-Stops means you will benefit from our comprehensive marketing, which includes professional photography and brochures, targeted digital campaigns, an award-winning website with over 9 million page views last year, national advertising capabilities and carefully crafted property brochures.
Do they have experienced staff?
You may have been won over by a lower fee or introductory offer, but the experience of the staff will be what sells your home. Our office staff have over 120 years of estate agency experience between them and there is not a problem or challenge they haven’t faced and dealt with!
What do their clients say?
Don’t listen only to the agent. Investigate their Cornish Property Sales reviews – do their clients praise their services? The proof of the pudding is always in the eating and we’re proud to have many positive reviews about our staff and service.
Cornish Property Sales. How to choose a great estate agent. There’s so much to think about when making a decision about which estate agent to use. If you do your homework and choose wisely you will be in the hands of a professional team with years of experience who will use both traditional and innovative marketing to ensure your home is seen by the widest possible targeted audience.
For a free market appraisal, or to discuss your property and plans, do contact our Truro office: 01872 261160, truro@jackson-stops.co.uk.