One of Three!

There are many reasons for choosing an estate agent. If I really knew how the average person thought in this regard, I would be a multi-millionaire and the largest estate agent in the World.

The truth here is there seems to be no rhyme or reason...

Some look for other signs in the area, some plumb for convenience choosing the most local, some go for the large corporate that have 100s of branches, others now days experiment with the cheap online service tempted by a bit of DIY. Some even fall for the new kid on the block, No Fees! via an auction, yes another new concept designed to try and keep and protect a 1.25% commission fee, they do this by charging the buyer a 2.5% fee to buy your house! This is on top of the outrageous stamp duty amounts. The agent and the auction house then split the fee. Great for the seller, however be very careful because if you decide to pull out of the deal for any reason they will be sending that 2.5% invoice to you instead of the buyer.

Some get excited by talk of finding a "London Buyer" by the agent that tells them he or she will get ￡20,000 more than it is worth due to their exceptional negotiation skills. Some will decide to sign up based on being told about a huge database of thousands waiting for one just like theirs. Or because the agent has something they are interested in buying. Who honestly knows why? I have even heard a client say she chose the agent based on the car he drove and the smell of his aftershave! Each to his or her own.

My suggestion would be like most important decisions in life, and let's face it they don't come much bigger than selling and buying your home. Take a bit more time and do a little more homework before taking that leap of faith, invite three agents around to view and value your property. Choose a local, a national and an online if you are that way inclined.

All I would stress and advocate strongly is that one of them is me, of course! Let them talk you through the benefits of their company, their marketing strategy, presentation ideas and of course give you the suggested price. Please remember that you will find out how good your agent really is after you have sold, sounds a bit odd but it is so true.

Is the person in front of you experienced? Do they seem trustworthy? knowledgeable? are they going to be your contact throughout the whole process or will they be handing you on to other departments? Will they be showing your house personally? Will they be giving you feedback from the viewings? will they be negotiating the offers and checking fully the positions of the buyers before presenting it to you? Will they be chasing your solicitor and updating you personally? will they work with you offering advice if the house does not sell as quickly as you all thought? will they offer more than just a price reduction if it fails to attract large numbers? Will they chop and change photos, descriptions continually searching for the key to success? Or will they promise the earth, list your property sign you up to a never-ending contract and move on to the next bigger listing?

Ask the questions, do your research and don't fall for all the sales nonsense. The honest truth, is that most agents are the same, despite their rhetoric, their attitude, marketing reach, strategy, and sales pitch. The Internet is the biggest exposure your property will ever get...nearly every property will be on Rightmove. It is the biggest and the most important by far, honestly, Zoopla, Prime Location and On The Market are really just fillers, most double up because every agent will be on Rightmove and if they are not, please do not touch them.

The difference then, is what? everything above and more, personality, sincerity, empathy, professionalism and trust...will they do what they say or are they just paying lip service to get your listing? Are they going to be reactive waiting for a call or are they proactive with all the other channels. What is their USP? Do they even have one? Once they have valued your property will they call you every day pushing you along? Or will they leave it with you to deliberate and decide in your own good time?

There really is a lot to think about, you have to feel comfortable.

All I would ask is that if you are considering selling or just interested in finding out the value of yours and the current market conditions, make me one of your three.

With a great choice of products designed for both your budget and lifestyle and an approach that you may just find just a little different, I would be very grateful of the opportunity to pitch against the rest and hopefully secure your custom. You may be very pleased you called me indeed, no agent can promise to sell your house but what I will promise you here and now is honesty, straight talking and a no nonsense approach, aligned with a passion for property and years of experience to make you feel comfortable and reassured that you are in good hands.