Tips when Meeting an Estate Agent
Before you decide to put your house on the market, homeowners in most cases will have to contact an estate agent for an independent valuation to determine the going rate and initial asking price. If this is the first time you are selling a property, you will need some advice in order to get the best out of the situation.
Knowing the Market
Do some of your own research before the estate agent arrives, by searching online to obtain a rough estimate of the price ranges for similar properties to your own, within your community. It is a good idea to know what you are talking about, so the estate agent gets the impression you understand the housing market more than a regular punter.
Visiting Time at the Zoo
Make sure you invite a number of estate agents to value your house, because a homeowner will need all the help and options they need to sell their property. Prepare for the estate agents visit in the same way you would for a potential buyer. Make sure everything is clean, tidy and in its place. The estate agent will not take you seriously if he arrives to see a rubbish tip on your front garden. When the agent does arrive, look out for any unprofessional traits on their part, which could include a lacklustre attitude, lateness, inefficiency and disorganization. This will give you a solid impression if the company are professional or to be trusted.
Ask Questions
Be sure to ask the agent everything about their company and how they deal with a property listing. You will need to understand which avenues they will use to sell your property, such as the websites, newspapers or magazines they advertise in and how many branches they have. It’s important to understand if they can sell your house with a minimum amount of fuss. When meeting the agent, you will hopefully get a feel for their ability and if they have the tools to sell your house. You will notice how keen they are or how comfortable you are with the agent. If the communication between you and the agent is strange, you can bet your bottom dollar that a potential buyer will feel the same, and this could provide an adverse impression of your property.