Choose carefully when selecting your estate agent if a 2015 move is on the cards

With a New Year just around the corner – many people decide that January is the time they are ready and want to move house.

The next important step of course is selecting an estate agent, but where do you start?

Moving house is arguably one of life’s most important milestones, both emotionally and financially.

So when it comes to buying a new home and/or selling an existing property, appointing the right estate agent is crucial.

As well as the correct valuation on your home, there is the marketing, negotiating and progressing of the eventual sale to think about – not to mention mortgage advice and conveyancing.

Harrison Murray estate agents are long standing members of the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) and members of the Property Ombudsman scheme.

And their partnership with The Nottingham Building Society means that customers can benefit from a one-stop shop of additional financial services.

Su Snaith, head of estate agency for Harrison Murray and The Nottingham, said: “Choosing the right estate agent is paramount. We all know that the industry is sometimes the subject of controversy when the unscrupulous dealings of some agents make headlines. Thankfully they are a tiny minority.

“Harrison Murray adheres to professional codes of practice and we are transparent in our promises to customers, with no hidden fees or detrimental clauses in the small print. Our staff are determined and focused in the delivery of Harrison Murray’s ‘sell within a month’ mission statement.”

“Continuous staff training, membership to industry and government-approved bodies, and a real passion for what we do, gives our sellers and purchasers confidence in the professional, thorough and reliable service that we provide.”

To further monitor and improve its services, Harrison Murray regularly invites buyers and sellers to complete a customer satisfaction questionnaire and invites feedback from all customers.

Harrison Murray’s top tips for choosing an estate agent:

Choose an agent who is a member of the NAEA, who is also a member of the Property Ombudsman Scheme. Member agents will have a logo displayed in their window.

Speak to friends and work colleagues about their experience of local firms of estate agents. Personal recommendations are invaluable.

Aim to choose an agent who is well established in your area, with good local knowledge and a grasp on what is happening in the market.

Look at the boards in your area – preferably the Sold ones – to gauge how effective an agent is.

Go in and talk to the agent face to face to find out what services they offer.

Ask how the agent conducts viewings. Most will hold a key so that the agent can accompany prospective buyers on viewing appointments at your request.

Find out how the agent will advertise and market your property.