When economic challenges mount, everybody starts looking around at where they can save money. For property sellers, it becomes very tempting to award a mandate on the basis of a low commission or high price promise.
While there are some sellers who do have success with direct selling, estate agents still sell significantly more property. Almost not a month goes by without some new operator or product arriving on the scene to offer property sellers some or other saving, all in an attempt to secure their business.
Most of these operators are only able to claim small successes, certainly nothing on a scale which can compete with the established and proven real estate brands.
When the economy is good, it is that much easier to sell property, but when the economy and property market slows down, as is the case right now, it becomes even more important to work with a proven and skilled agent and brand which has weathered the ups and downs of the market.
There is much more to buying and selling than merely listing a property on a digital platform. While some do see success, this is very limited and you may end up wasting valuable time on the basis of potentially saving on commission. The buyer does not pay the commission, so they don’t care about the special offers that these operators offer to sellers.
While digital advancement is always good for any industry, it has not replaced, but has enhanced the services of traditional real estate agents. Here are just a few reasons why estate agents are here to stay:
Digital debate – remember, estate agents offer everything that online agents and portals offer plus a whole lot more. An agency like Seeff has for example been in theproperty sector for over five decades and we have helped shape the professionalisation of the industry and property market. We contribute widely to industry boards and issues that affect property in the country.
Complexities – buying and selling of property is complicated. It is not a simple matter of finding an online listing, putting in an offer and that is the end of it. It often requires careful negotiation before a suitable deal is struck which is acceptable to the seller. Then, once the offer is accepted, a whole lot of processes need to be executed before theproperty is finally transferred into the name of the new owner and you can say that the deal is done.
Expertise – every property, street, suburb, area and city is different. No two properties, even if they are located in the same street or complex, may attract the same buyers or selling price. Operating with success in an area requires unique insight and expertise. Seeff’s agents for example spend time in their local areas of operation and have athorough understanding of each area and property, the sales trends over many years and other nuances that come into play when it is time to sell a property.
Track record – research has proven that estate agents still sell more property for higher prices on average. Aside from listing your property with online property portals, an agency like Seeff offers an additional extensive network of branches, agents and marketing tools to market your property to as broad a buyer base as possible.
Paperwork – buying and selling property requires an enormous amount of paperwork, legislative compliance and of course, if you need to apply for a housing bond, there iseven more paperwork. An agency such as Seeff offers all the support and expertise in this area that you would need. We have state-of-the-art systems and infrastructure toassist our clients, both from a sales and rentals perspective.
Credibility – an agency such as Seeff has not just been in property for over five decades, but we remain at the forefront of the evolution and advancement of the industry. Our agents are skilled, credible and registered with the relevant industry bodies. Working with Seeff gives you peace of mind that you property needs are in good hands.