Are you unsure what questions to ask your estate agent when selling a property?
If you’re considering selling your property and have invited local estate agents to conduct a market appraisal you’ve likely got a few questions that you’re thinking of asking the agent regarding their service and the steps they’ll take to achieve the best possible outcome.
We have outlined 12 questions that you should ask your estate agent when selling your property below.
1. How will you make my property stand out?
In a world where potential buyers are online sieving through details around the clock, it’s never been more important that your property stands out online. That first impression as house hunters are scrolling through listings can make all the difference. Once a buyer has opened the full details, they are hoping to be able to gain as much information as possible about the property.
2. What extra marketing do you offer?
From the images to the description, marketing experts should ensure your property is listed in the best possible light and reaches the most amount of buyers. Social media is also an important place for your property to feature as potential buyers increasingly look at various channels to find their next home.
3. Percentage of asking price achieved from the last five sales?
To ascertain if a selling agent is really achieving the numbers that they’re providing you with we’d suggest asking for the percentage of asking price they’ve been achieving recently. An agent might tell you to market for a certain figure, often a high figure, but if they’re not actually agreeing on the sale at that level, you could find yourself on the market unsold for many months and likely end up having to suffer a price reduction.
4. Have you recently sold any properties in my area?
Using an estate agent that has recently sold similar properties in your area can be a huge advantage. They can bring valuable local market knowledge, including an understanding of the current demand, pricing trends, and the specific features that appeal to buyers in your neighbourhood. Additionally, they may have a list of potential buyers who have shown interest in properties similar to yours.
5. Who will be showing my property?
The senior member of staff who you meet for the initial market appraisal will remain your primary point of contact. Prior to marketing, we arrange for all Sales Negotiators to meet with the client and preview the property to ensure we are aware of its unique selling features before we commence viewings.
6. How will you provide feedback on viewings?
Communication is key for any successful sale.
Regardless of whether they were interested or not in your property after the viewing, you’ll want to know either way.
Ask your estate agent how they will keep you updated throughout the sales process and when you should expect feedback. There’s nothing worse than being left in the dark.
7. Do I need a ‘For Sale’ sign in front of my property?
There is no obligation for you to put up a sign, so it’s ultimately your choice.
However, it can be beneficial to do so as it could reach buyers passing by who may not be searching online.
8. Who manages my sale from offer accepted to completion?
A Sales Manager will ultimately oversee the sales process.
Our sales team currently have over 50 years of combined industry experience. We believe the real hard work starts once the sale is agreed and we manage sales to a pre-agreed timeframe with milestones for appointing solicitors, booking surveys, applying for searches etc. Keeping to the sales progression schedule greatly increases the volume of agreed sales that progress fully to completion.
9. Land Registry data for my valuation?
Ask for evidence to support the asking price an agent is quoting. We’re not talking about other properties that the agent currently has on the market for sale. Anything that’s ‘for sale’ is not a good comparison as it’s not yet sold meaning that price might not be achieved. Land Registry is where all sold property prices are recorded – any comparable properties recently sold near your home can offer a realistic idea of the possible selling price.
10. What are your fees, and are there any other costs?
Before listing your property for sale, it is important to understand what the estate agent fees are.
There are many types of fee agreements so make sure you understand the terms and conditions and check if there are any additional costs before signing.
11. Contract length and is there a notice period?
When signing a contract, always read the small print. Be wary of long contracts and notice periods.
Read more about estate agent contracts in our blog here.
12. What about selling off-market?
We are working with an increasing number of off-market sales. These can be required for a variety of different reasons, often at our recommendation if the property and market conditions mean this route to market will achieve the best results or due to personal reasons of the seller. Not reliant simply on online advertising, our ‘black book’ of contacts is regularly updated meaning we know precisely which buyers to call when we have a new property coming to the market. More than 15% of our current sellers prefer this approach. If this is your preferred strategy, we will work with you on a personalised and bespoke marketing plan.
Thinking of selling your property?
To talk to us about selling your property in Chiswick, Hammersmith or Shepherd’s Bush please do get in touch.
