The housing market is one of those sectors that has been badly affected by lockdown although estate agents are doing what they can – undertaking virtual appraisals, arranging video tours, continuing to register the interest of prospective buyers. Perhaps you are one of those considering putting your home on the market and have been preparing. You’ve decluttered and hopefully fixed those little niggles that you have been meaning to get round to or you have done some decorating. You’re ready to instruct the estate agent. Fantastic!
The Types Of Agent
But what if you haven’t moved for many years. The way properties are sold has changed a great deal in recent years. Historically, estate agents all had premises on the High Street and buyers would visit all the local agents, collect brochures and then decide which ones to view. Nowadays, so much house hunting commences online that in addition to High Street Agents we now have agencies that operate purely online and some that are hybrid. Fees vary widely as does the involvement of the seller who may be responsible for arranging and conducting viewings. What you are comfortable with is one aspect to consider when deciding on your agent?
How Does The Agent Conduct Viewings
This is only one factor to consider when deciding on your choice of agent. but it is important. In my experience most buyers prefer to view with the agent. They feel less inhibited about discussing changes they would make to the property. After all, most of us are polite and don’t like to criticise a person’s home in front of them and it can be very helpful to buyers to be able talk about options and how they might make a property work for them whilst they are in the property. Sellers often think that they know their home better than the agent and can do a better job of selling it. This may or not be true. Your agent should be primed to answer the questions buyers are most likely to ask and it is always useful if you can provide relevant background information but you never know what information is important to a particular buyer. If you like to be present then let the agent introduce you, the agent shows the viewers round while you remain in one room and the agent can bring the viewers back for you to answer any questions.
Do Your Research
When selling it’s essential that you understand who is likely to buy your house because in order to generate interest and offers you need to get the right people through the door. You might be selling the family home which has four bedrooms, kitchen, dining room and a good sized garden. The people who are most likely to buy your property will be families. Visit local agents to see what type of properties they are selling – are they similar to yours. Look online at who is selling what because, as explained above, not all agents are on the High Street and some agents specialise in a particular type of property. You probably have a vague idea of what your property is worth so choose your price bracket, search in your area for similar types of property. This may give a feel for which agents are selling your type of property.
Don’t forget your your home needs to appeal to the type of person who is most likely to buy it. Visit my Property Styling For Sale page for details of my property styling service and let me help you sell your home. To book an appointment call now on 07745 876182 or e mail judith@homestyle4u.com. I am continuing to offer advice remotely during lockdown.