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Which estate agent should you use?
You probably have lots of estate agents in your area. There might well be a local property paper for your district listing lots of different properties from different estate agents.
When you're looking to sell your own home you need to know a little bit about local estate agents and local properties.
Before you chose an estate agent why not compare them
| Local property paper presence - do they have a lot of propertys? Do they have different ones in each week |
| How they treat prospective buyers - go in pretend you're looking for a property - how do they treat you? Do they ignore you? Do they take your details, show you some info sheets, put you on the list etc? |
| Whats the shop like? Is it busy? Is the phone always engaged? This could either mean they're very busy or understaffed or just not very efficient... a hard judgement call sometimes, but do they ring back when they say they will? |
Next step is to get a valuation for your house. This is where some sensible local knowledge will come in handy. If you know what similar houses have gone for you will have a general ballpark figure for what your house is worth. But get at least three agents to come and value your home. Don't agree to let any of them market the house until you have had at least three round.
If they all vary wildly then you have a difficult choice. Risk overpricing
the house, or risk selling too cheap. Hard choice. Find out what the
neighbours houses were sold for. How different are they?
Don't automatically go with the agent suggesting the highest price.
Negotiate on fee too. Compare what they all offer.
Check the terms of the agreement - can you change agent if you want or
are you stuck forever with one? And if you don't understand anything
ask!
Should you do your own viewings?
It depends if you have plenty of time free or want to be there. Some people do and some don't. You know your home best though and might be able to give a great guided tour. You might want to get the kids, elderly relatives and pets out of the house.
Think about all the questions you might get asked.
| Can you get broadband? |
| What council tax band is it? |
| What does the heating cost? |
| What are the water rates? |
| How old is the double glazing? |
| When was the heating serviced last? |
| Do you have certificates for work carried out (Guarantees etc) |
| What are the neighbours like? |
| HOw long have you lived here? |
| Why are you selling? |
| Have you found somewhere yet? |
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