Choose carefully when selecting your estate agent

The New Year has kicked in and you’ve decided you are ready to move house. The next important step of course is selecting an estate agent – but where do you start?

Moving house is one of the most important milestones in life, both emotionally and financially.

So when it comes to buying a new home and 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.

Managing director Nick Salmon said: “Choosing the right 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 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 and will show prospective buyers around your home if you are out.

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