Choosing an estate agent when selling your home can be a confusing and complicated process. We explain what to look for and the kind of service you should expect once you've decided on your agent.
1. High street + online presence
Some agents are purely online, while others are more traditional high street brands with minimal online presence. However, the estate agents in London that combine the best of both worlds is ideal. Why? Simply because when you're selling a property, you need as much exposure to buyers as possible.
We know from experience that some buyers find a property by walking into their local office or browsing our window displays. Other buyers only ever look for properties online, using a variety of sites like Rightmove and Zoopla to make the search easier. A good agent will excel in both areas, with a great website and extensive online coverage, as well as high street offices to ensure there are agents on hand close to your property.
Your agent should also provide a comprehensive marketing plan, including property portals (Rightmove, Zoopla, etc.), PR, social media and marketing to a large number of registered buyers (see point 5 below).
2. Network of offices
Just finding an agent with an office near your property isn't enough. Agents who have a network of local offices are able to source buyers for your property from surrounding areas.
A bigger pool of potential buyers gives you a much better chance of selling. 36% of Foxtons' buyers end up buying in a different area than the one they started looking in. Our network of 60+ interconnected offices and local teams are able to recommend your property to buyers who may not have considered it otherwise.
3. Personal connection
When considering agents, go and meet them! Chat with the people you will potentially be working with. Get a feel for the level of service offered, check their opening hours and test out their knowledge of the market and local area.
When buying or selling a house, good service often makes the difference between a quick, hassle-free sale and a lengthy, stressful process. A good agent will always have time for your queries, and the service they give you will reflect the service they offer to buyers too.
4. Technology
Technology can make the selling process much easier. A comprehensive app like My Foxtons can give you easy access to all the information you'll need as a seller, as well as real-time updates on viewings, feedback and offers. You can even sign documents, receive solicitor updates and accept or reject offers using My Foxtons.
Technology also allows agents to provide a better service to buyers and sellers. Foxtons uses a complex in-house platform that supports our core aim of providing the best possible service to our customers.
5. Buyers registered
7,000 new buyers register with Foxtons every month. Make sure your agent is registering plenty of interested buyers so they can immediately match relevant prospects with your property.
Ultimately, your agent's job is to secure you the best possible offer in the shortest possible time. A good agent will also make sure that a sale proceeds through to completion, liaising with all parties and providing constant support until your property is sold.
To learn more about how Foxtons could help you, find your nearest Foxtons office here, or get an instant online valuation of your property via the link below:
