The estate agent can be the most important part of the process with the market knowledge and solid negotiating skills needed to see the deal through from start to finish. All agents should have a database of potential purchasers/tenants, and when they are instructed to market a property they should have some interest already waiting to view.
It is the estate agent’s job to market your property to the widest of audiences. Selling or renting your property can be extremely stressful and the estate agent should make the process as stress-free as possible. You need to be able to trust your agent and their ability to sell.
You should also be confident about communicating your requirements; a good estate agent can only do their job if you work with them. Shop around, get free valuations and read the terms and conditions. In this modern busy life, everything is negotiable.
Setting the right price:
Estate agents can be a useful guide but at the end of the day, it is your property and the final decision is with you. Everyone wants as much for their home as possible and it is the estate agent’s job to do that. It’s vital to get the price of your property right first, so talk to your estate agent, work together, and get as much advice from them as possible.
Marketing:
The agent will use all available information on the property — including photos, measurements, and a brief description of all rooms — to put together a brochure, which should then go live on all possible web sites, social media and office listings.
The viewing:
When the property is on the market and viewings are to begin the property must be presentable to view. The potential buyer must be able to envisage living there so de-clutter, get minor jobs completed and have the property clean and tidy.
Remember that the outside is just as important so mow the lawn and remove all unwanted items. The estate agent should be flexible with regard to viewings. He/she should have a set of keys and should always give plenty of notice before a viewing.
It is up to the estate agent to conduct a viewing to their highest ability and to be able to answer all questions asked. If not, they should find out and report back to the potential client, and give as much feed back as possible to the vendor/landlord.
Negotiating stage:
By instructing an agent the vendor does not have to negotiate with the buyer as this could make the vendor feel uncomfortable. Your agent should be well equipped to negotiate to get you the best price and a most agents are on a percentage of the sale, the agent like yourself should want to secure the highest possible offer. Don’t be disheartened by low offers - the agent will have your interest and your intentions foremost.
Solicitors/surveyor:
After appointing solicitors, most purchasers want a surveyor’s report carried out on the property. Again, the agent arranges access and if there are problems he/she will negotiate and come to a compromise for the vendor to proceed with the sale.
Completing the sale:
A good agent will manage and liaise with the vendor/purchaser and both legal teams to make sure that the sale is running smoothly. All parties should be updated at all stages until the close of the sale.
For further information please contact Property People on 028 9074 7300 or email delia@propertypeoplebelfast.com
