What to expect from your estate agent

The right estate agent can be key to a stress-free and quick house sale. The longer your house stays on the market, the lower the price you’re likely to receive for it, so choosing the right agent also has some financial motivation.

You can choose to list your house with a sole agent or to list it with a few agencies, but whatever you decide, you need to do some research on the agencies and their employees. Choose agents who have an established footprint in your area and who have handled similar sales many times before.

Generally speaking, hiring an agent from a reputable and well-known agency is the best route to take. You want to ensure that your house gets maximum exposure and is managed professionally and timeously.

You need to trust your agent to do their job but also establish a performance-based deadline, after which you can back out of an agreement and seek the help of another agent. Trust between you and your chosen agent is essential for a hassle-free sale.

Your agent should be proactive

Your selected agent (or agents) should be able to go about selling your house on their own. They should handle the online profile of the house, the images, the enquiries and the meeting arrangements. They should provide a clear and accurate description of the house online and it should also appear in relevant print publications, such as newspaper property classifieds.

Your agent should arrange show days and private viewings on their own accord. If you or a tenant currently live in the house, then the agent should arrange a time that suits you (or your tenant) and the prospective buyers. These viewings should start taking place within a couple of weeks of the house being placed on the market.

It is the agent’s responsibility to provide you with client feedback after the viewings. This will allow you to judge whether your house is priced properly for the area in which it is situated. The agent can also give you valuable insight into what improvements you can make to increase the appeal of the property. Sometimes a simple furniture rearrangement can open up the space and make rooms seem more spacious.

Observe the performance of the agent

You can judge the performance of your agent based on the number of private viewings or show days they organise. More viewings mean that they are more invested in selling your property. However, don’t place all the responsibility on the agent.

Bear in mind that if the property market is currently flat, there will be fewer buyers looking to make a purchase. Similarly, if you have overpriced your house, there will be less interest from prospective buyers. Always give you estate agents a chance to do their best, especially if they are facing difficult circumstances out of their control.

If interest is low, your agent should report that to you. You have a right to ask and be shown where the property is being advertised, what leads are being chased and what offers have already been made. You should never have to chase your agent for this information.

Listen to the agent’s advice but remember who’s in charge

Listen to your agent’s advice carefully. Lowering the price of your house is an irreversible decision, but it could revive interest in the property and lead to a quicker sale. If you agent believes that you’re asking too much for the house, take their advice on board and think seriously about reducing the price.

Once a good offer comes through, your agent should manage the paperwork quickly and efficiently - keeping you abreast of all the developments as they happen. Never feel obliged or forced into a decision that you don’t like. Remember, it’s your house, not the agent’s; they can offer great advice and guide you through the process but a good agent will never try to twist your arm.

Selling your home is a stressful process, but with the help of the right agent, it can be a relatively quick and painless affair. Having a good relationship with your agent is helpful, but trusting them is the most important factor.

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With over half a century of expertise buying and selling properties, we understand it is more than just a transaction - this is your story - and we are honoured to write this chapter with you.

Allow us to provide you with our expert knowledge on the Tokai, Kirstenhof, Bergvliet, Meadowridge area, ensuring you have the most accurate information and support when buying or selling your property. Contact us on +27(0)21 794 5252. We are here to ensure that you prosper through property!

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