If you are thinking of selling your property, you have options. You can find a buyer yourself or you can use an estate agent. The choice is yours and there is no legal requirement to use an estate agent, however a DIY job is never recommended. Taking on the role of estate agent yourself is time consuming and can be very problematic and can often result in a lower price being achieved.
Benefits of using an experienced and trustworthy estate agent:
- Time – the process can be time consuming. It is an estate agents’ job to sell your house, so they have the time to be focus on it.
- Safety – an estate agent will take care of arranging viewings. Viewings are one of the most crucial aspects of selling a property, as is obtaining as much information about the circumstances of your prospective purchaser.
- Experience – an experienced and local estate agent will know the local market, including how best to market your property and at what price. Not only do market conditions vary by area, but there can often be a huge price variance between streets right next to each other.
- Marketing – an estate agent will handle all the marketing for you, will have contacts with local and national advertising platforms, and will also have a database of prospective buyers ensuring your house is promoted to a large and targeted audience.
- Negotiation skills – the right negotiation and sales strategy and technique can potentially earn you thousands. Allowing your estate agent to handle your negotiating will ensure you achieve the best price for your property.
- Contacts – a good estate agent will also have ties and contacts with surveyors, financial advisers and mortgage brokers and can put you in touch with any experts you need throughout the buying and selling process.
- Preparation – your estate agent will have many years’ experience selling homes and can offer advice and tips on how to ensure your property is ready to go to market, from décor to renovations to dressing the home for viewings.
At McDougall McQueen, we strive to make the selling experience as stress-free as possible, from the initial valuation right up until you receive the keys to your new home. Using an estate agent may seem expensive at the outset but their skills and knowledge are priceless and having an estate agent handle the negotiation process for you will likely ensure that you get the best possible price for your property.