It is hard, isn’t it? Choosing an estate agent. How do you pick? Especially when there are so many to choose from.
Across Lancaster and Morecambe, new estate agents have popped up, there’s nothing wrong with this, after all, we were all once beginners. I was a new agent back in 2001. Luckily I was joining an established agency, my husband opened in Lancaster back in 1989, but don’t forget he was once new too! There are also several established estate agents too with lots of experience (that includes us). So the question remains, how do you choose?
When we book any valuation, or home consultation as I like to call them, we always like to ask why JDG? The answers vary. Many cite we were recommended or they are already previous clients. Some will say they have seen our marketing on social media. A new client today said she sees lots of our boards around. We often have people quote our national award win and how we are ranked as the UK’s BEST Estate Agent. These are just some of the reasons why people book with us and of course, why some clients proceed to sell with us.
When you dig deeper though, there are more reasons than this. Recent independent research by dataloft and the property academy reveals these reasons.
- Professionalism and knowledge– Professionalism and knowledge top the reasons of why prospective vendors choose their agents, irrespective of age or how experienced a seller may be.
- Confidence – ‘Confidence in an agent’s ability to market my property’ came next. You really do have to confidence in their abilities and past examples of similar sales along with showing knowledge are great ways of building confidence.
- Like and Trust – It might sound daft, but you really do have to like and also trust the estate agent you are working with. Your home is your biggest asset and you need to trust they will look after it as such.
- Pleased with the valuation. This is a really interesting point and came out in the top 5 list, but was higher placed on the list by younger and less experienced sellers.
As an estate agent, I can agree with many of these and I certainly feel points 1-3 are very valid. I wouldn’t work with anyone I didn’t like. I also feel strongly that any estate needs to build trust by demonstrating their market knowledge. It’s what I have personally spent over 20 years building!
With the market stabilising, appointing an agent who understands market conditions, and prices accordingly, is important to achieving sales success. You might be pleased with your valuation but has it been backed up by reason?
At JDG we will give you an honest opinion as to what we feel your home is worth. We will also guide you in how to achieve the best possible price. We specialise in selling family homes. Real homes for real people. This year we will agree on our 10,000 property sale. Will it be yours?
My name is Michelle Gallagher. I’d love to chat with you about your home move. You can call me on 01524 843322 or email me at michelle@jdg.co.uk
Thanks
Michelle
