Choosing an estate agent can feel like one of the biggest decisions that you’re going to make when you’re selling or letting a property. Your agent is going to play an important role in how your home is marketed, how viewings are managed, and how smoothly the process moves along.
With so many estate agents operating in Essex, it can be difficult to find yourself a starting point.
While fees are going to be an important consideration when you’re considering options, the cheapest one does not always mean it’s the best one. A strong estate agent should combine local knowledge, effective marketing, and clear communication with an approach that makes you feel confident throughout the entire process.
So, what should you be looking for?
Genuine Local Market Knowledge
Essex is a large and varied county, which means that the property area looks very different in one area than it will in another.
A good estate agent should understand more than just the average house prices in their specified area. Instead, they should know the local market inside and out, and have a real feel for it rather than just the most basic knowledge. They should know the types of buyers in the area, and the factors that may influence interests in a specific property, as all of these are key pieces of knowledge.
For example, something that appeals to buyers who live in a busy commuter area is not necessarily going to appeal to someone with a family that values space and quiet.
When it comes to selling or letting, local knowledge helps with coming up with the realistic asking price. A quality estate agent should be able to explain how they have come up with the asking price, rather than just suggesting a number that sounds appealing to you.
Brilliant Property Marketing
Putting a property on a website is easy – anyone can do that. Making sure that it stands out is something entirely different.
When you’re comparing estate agents in Essex, you need to ask how they plan to present and market your home. High quality photography is an obvious place to start, but it’s about more than this. They should be able to explain to you how they intend to reach buyers and how your property will make a strong first impression.
Property descriptions are also important here. Buyers usually start looking online, which means the photos and information they see will have a huge impact on whether they decide to book a viewing, and your estate agent needs to be able to leverage that effectively.
Communication That Doesn’t Kick You Out Of The Loop
Selling or letting a property can be a stressful time, and you don’t want to have to chase your estate agents for updates all the time. You should know who your main point of contact is, and be able to get in touch with them when you have a question about the property, or something to do with the process.
However, this does not mean constant calls and emails are needed. It just means that important developments should be communicated clearly, and honestly.
If you’re beginning your property journey and you aren’t sure where to start, Balgores Property Group has a network of branches across Essex, so if you want a local team with experience in your part of the property market, get in touch today.