Getting the best from your estate agent in 2010
Now is the time of year when many people decide it is time to make a move. Choosing the right agent could be the key to selling your home so it pays to do a little homework before deciding who to appoint.
Buying or selling a property is one of the most important milestones in our lives – both emotionally and financially.
So be sure to select the agent that will go the extra mile to help you achieve your goal.
As well as the correct valuation on your home, there is the marketing, negotiating and progressing of the eventual sale to think about.
“Choosing the right agent is paramount if you want a stress-free a sale as possible,” said Nick Salmon, commercial director at Harrison Murray independent estate agents and valuers.
“We all know that the industry is sometimes the subject of controversy, but reputable agents, like Harrison Murray, who adhere to professional codes of practice are scrupulous in their dealings with buyers and sellers.”
Harrison Murray is a long-standing member of the National Association of Estate Agents and of the Property Ombudsman scheme.
Working with your agent and listening to their professional advice can lead to great results.
Tips from Harrison Murray:
- Look for the sold boards in your area, always a sign of an agent is achieving results.
- Choose an agent which takes its code of conduct and professional responsibilities seriously, as members of industry and government-approved bodies.
- Ensure your property looks the best it can – both inside and outside.
- Hand over a key to your agent so they can carry out viewings on your behalf. Buyers sometimes want to look at very short notice!
- Listen to your agent’s advice on pricing your property realistically in the current market.
- Ask if the agent will give you prompt feedback after viewings.
Nick added: “For far too long, a few agents with a poor reputation have given the industry a bad name.
“Membership to industry and government-approved bodies gives our sellers and buyers confidence in the professional, thorough and reliable service that we offer.”
To further monitor and improve its services, Harrison Murray invites buyers and sellers from across its 18 branches to complete a customer satisfaction questionnaire.
Nick added: “These give us an accurate picture of the service we provide. We may believe we are doing a great job but it is all down to what our customers think of us and I am delighted to say that we continually receive first-class feedback to all our operating branches.”
There’s an added reason get on with selling. If you instruct a branch of Harrison Murray before the end of March there’s the chance to win a prize draw for a £5,000 Thomas Cook holiday voucher plus £1,000 spending money. As Nick says, “Some lucky Harrison Murray seller is going to win this, and it could be you!”
For more information visit harrisonmurray.co.uk.