Why sales don’t matter when it comes to choosing an estate agent.
You are probably reading the title of this blog and thinking “what a ridiculous thing to write, the sole purpose of appointing an estate agent is to sell my property”
And you'd be right.
Agents love to come out to value your home, armed with facts and figures about how they have market share and how they have sold x amount more homes than their nearest competitor. These facts and figures are impressive and of course you’ll chose an agent that has the most sales.
But, before you sign on the dotted line, here are a few things you should ask to make sure you have chosen the best agent for selling you home.
Conversion rates.
What percentage of their current housing stock is sold subject to contract?
If an agent has more houses available than anyone else (highest market share), it’s fair to assume that they will have more sold than anyone else. Whereas an agent with less properties available (smaller market share) may have a much higher percentage of those properties sold. Ensure that your agent is focused on getting your property sold rather than having the highest market share in your area.
Price Achieved
What is their average percentage of asking price achieved?
The role of an estate agent is to get the best possible price on a property they are marketing. It’s not just a case accepting offers. An agent’s job is to negotiate on your behalf to get the best possible price.
Timings
What is the average time it takes a property to go under offer?
And how long does it take for a property to get though to completion?
The shorter these times are, the better. It shows the agent is motivated, proactive, and pre-qualify all of their buyers. Which is what you are paying them for.
You can find information on the time it took to sell and percentage of asking price achieved on comparison sites such as Get Agent and Estate Agent 4 Me.
Negotiating skills
Can I have a lower fee?
Agents that are able to sell your home faster, for the best price, will be able to justify their fees. When employing an agent to sell your home you are employing the services of a negotiator.
If you ask the agent for a lower fee and they agree, you probably shouldn’t use them. As, by giving away some of their fee, shows their negotiation skills aren’t very good. Look at it this way, would you rather have a lower fee or get a higher price on your sale?
If you want the higher price (and more money in your pocket), you need an excellent negotiator.
Why you should speak to us at Harrisons?
Harrisons are consistent in their record of selling homes fast, and for a higher asking price, due in part to our being experts in the Sittingbourne property market. We are currently averaging four offers on every home that has a sale agreed. And, we offer peace of mind as every sale can be underwritten with a Gazeal reservation agreement, giving you some peace of mind during these very strange and uncertain times.
Call us today on 01795 474848, you wont regret it.