you're thinking of There's no compulsory
putting your home up for regulatory scheme for agents in
sale in the next few the UK at the moment. If you and
months, you should take your time some friends wanted to set
to find the right estate agent. yourself up as property
Because the right agents – or consultants tomorrow, there'd be
property consultants as they are nothing to stop you (apart from
sometimes known – will not only the costs of setting up and
ensure you get the right price marketing a new business). So
for your house, but will make the look for membership of schemes
process as hassle free and that require agents to work to
painless for you as possible.
certain standards and have clear
You're looking for an agent measures to deal with complaints.
with experience both in the local The National Association of
market and with countrywide Estate Agents is one scheme, and
property. They need to understand the Ombudsman of Estate Agents is
what makes a house sell in your another. Don't take an agent's
area and why. And because anyone word that they belong – check
can set themselves up as an directly with the association
estate agent, it's vital they itself.
have a good reputation with past 2. How much experience do you
clients, and ideally some kind of have in this market?
accreditation.
This is a roundabout way of
Find a number of property asking how many houses they have
consultants you like the look of. sold in the last year, and how
Here are seven questions to ask many of them were properties like
to help you draw up your own yours. The way to test this
shortlist.
knowledge is to ask how much
1. What schemes do you belong similar properties went for, and
to?
especially why. Good property
consultants won't have to scratch can. As for viewings, if you want
around for an answer; they will to do them yourself, then insist
have studied their market and on it. The best property
understand the broad factors that consultants understand that
affect sale prices. passion for a property can help
3. How much is my house worth to sell it.
and why?
5. What kind of access will I
Again, the why is the most have to you?
critical part here. When property
It's not only important to
consultants value a home they are have a good relationship with
making an estimate, based on your agent, you need to be able
similar sales, the details of the to speak to them regularly as
house on offer, its location and well. If you are dealing with the
condition. So challenge that owner of the firm, will you
estimate and ensure you are always be fobbed off with junior
comfortable with the answers you staff? Does your agent mind a
are receiving.
call on their mobile at weekends
4. How will you get a sale for if it's urgent? Establish these
my home?
ground rules before you sign.
Here you should be getting
6. How much will you cost
information on the marketing and me?
viewing of your house. What
Property consultants' fees
marketing materials will they be vary from one per cent to 3% of
preparing, and how will they be the price. It might seem an
advertising the property? To unmoveable fixed fee, but many
ensure it reaches as many people agents are open to haggling –
as possible they should be after all they want to earn
advertising it in the local something rather than nothing. A
newspapers and putting it on as slowing property market gives you
many property portals as they the seller more power over
agents. Get any fee agreements in
writing before you sign up. google_ad_width = 728;
7. Tell me why I should pick
you over your competitors
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Article Tags: agents, consultants, property
