Selling your home can be time-consuming and stressful. We discuss the benefits and costs of using estate agents to sell your home.
When you decide to sell your home, you want to get the best price with minimum fuss. You don’t want too many people traipsing through your property with no intention of buying. That is why you should sell your home through an estate agent. They know the local market and can price your property accordingly while marketing it to the right buyers.
It is true that anyone can put their house on the market without signing on with an estate agent. However, you will need to take the time to answer calls from potential viewers, be at home to show people around and advertise your property. An estate agent will know who is looking for a property like yours and where best to market it. An agent can also guide you through the entire selling process, to make sure it goes as smoothly as possible. They can even help you buy your next home. Let’s look at some of the benefits of using estate agents to sell your home.
Local experts in selling properties
Estate agents will have extensive knowledge of the local area. They will also know the type of properties already on the market, the prices they are fetching, and the demand for homes in your location. They should be able to put a price on your property as soon as they see it, because of their experience in the market. They will know which houses are over-priced or even under-priced. They can, therefore, put a realistic price on your property and market it to people who are looking for that kind of home. They will also be able to tell viewers about your area and the types of services, schools and public transport nearby. They will know the planning laws for their neighbourhood and can advise viewers who may want to make improvements, add extensions or convert the garage, for instance.
Suggesting improvements
Estate agents know what sells, so they can give gentle advice about any improvements which can add value to your home. This can be as simple as painting the front door or tidying the garden. By sprucing up your home, you can make it look more appealing and, therefore, more attractive. It is also a good idea to declutter at the same time. Viewers want to visualise their belongings in your home rather than see how you have made use of the rooms.
Clients at the ready
People will have already been in touch with the estate agent to enquire about properties for sale, so estate agents have a large database of potential buyers for your home. Your house may have a special feature such as an extra-large garden, a Jacuzzi or an Italian designer kitchen, for example. On their database, there could be clients who are looking for the exact same thing, so the agent can let them know there is something on the market for them. This database will include details of the type of property they want, the area they like and their budget. It will also have information regarding whether they are first-time buyers or have a property of their own to sell, so you will know whether there is likely to be a chain or not.
Extensive marketing experience
Estate agents will have a website with their properties on it and many also still have a high street presence, where people can see the properties for sale. On top of this, they will market your property by advertising in the local media, online and on social media. This means that estate agents can make sure your property is seen by the right people, wherever they may be. Some people do not want to advertise the fact that their home is for sale, for personal reasons. Using an estate agent means you can be discreet – they can leave your property off the website or media advertising campaigns, if required. They don’t have to put a ‘For Sale’ board outside, either, and they can just let interested parties know about your property.
Taking care of viewings
Estate agents can make appointments for potential buyers to view your properties. This saves you a lot of time, as you don’t need to take the calls or even be at home when they come for the viewing. Your estate agent can show prospective buyers around, set up open days and answer any queries that people have concerning your property or the area.
Conducting negotiations
Once people put in an offer, the estate agent can carry out negotiations for you. You can let them know if an offer is too low or acceptable. Many people feel awkward talking about money, which is where a professional agent can smooth the process, to ensure you get the right price. When it comes close to completing the deal, estate agents can deal with any possible pitfalls, such as the mortgage lender not meeting the deadline for financing, or if the buyer suddenly decides to make a lower offer. This could panic you into accepting any last-minute deal as you don’t want the sale to fall through. However, an estate agent will have dealt with such situations on numerous occasions, and is in a better position to negotiate or stand firm.
Dealing with the paperwork
The paperwork can become cumbersome with written offers, counter-offers and contracts to set up. Estate agents know how to deal with all this paperwork and make sure it is accurate and up-to-date. They can also advise on local solicitors to handle any paperwork or financial advisers if you need a mortgage to buy your next home. Once a sale is agreed, your agent can get monitor the preparation of contracts, and deal with the handover of keys on completion day. Everything can be left in the hands of the professionals.
So, there are numerous benefits to selling your property through estate agents, as they can deal with any situation that arises.
Disclaimer: TheMoneyDaily’s service is not intended to be, nor should it be construed as financial advice. We help our readers make informed decisions and can introduce you to comparison services and provide impartial information and guides. Where appropriate, we may introduce FCA authorised partners who can provide services relating to financial products.
