What Should an Estate Agent Do For You?
http://www.BigArticles.com/articles/450988/1/What-Should-an-Estate-Agent-Do-For-You/Page1.html
Dave
By Dave
Published on 02/9/2010
So you're selling your house You know you need an estate agent to help you manage the sale, but do you know exactly what they should take responsibility for
What Should an Estate Agent Do For You?
So you're selling your house. You know you need an estate agent to help you manage the sale, but do you know exactly what they should take responsibility for? Read through this handy guide and ensure you get everything you pay for from your estate agent!
Your Estate Agent Should;
- Agree on a selling price with you, the owner, using their own knowledge of local prices to value your home. Test their knowledge by asking them which they think is best - the regular approach or selling at auction? They should know which has worked best in the local area in the past. Ask them how your property compares to other local properties for sale. Some agents may take this opportunity to exagerate the value of your home just to get your business, so ask the opinion of several agents before selecting, and listen sympathetically to the agent who seems more honest even if he tells you things that are much harder to hear.
- Provide you with a written agreement clarifying all the terms and conditions of the engagement. Ensure you request this if it is not given as standard - it could be your legal recourse if anything goes wrong further down the line!
- Advertise your property details in relevant spaces, such as their website, property search engines, their office window, local newspapers and other property publications. Using your estate agent's contacts to gain maximum exposure for your property is one of the biggest benefits to using an estate agent to sell your property, so make sure they're taking full advantage of every avenue.
- Provide and erect a "For Sale" board outside your property. This should be in a prominent place, subject to local laws and regulations, so as to draw the most attention to the fact that your property is for sale.
- Find potential buyers registered with the agency and contact them to provide relevant details.
- Arrange with potential buyers to view your property, and accompany them while they visit. They should also suggest ways to present your home for viewing to appeal to the right buyer. Take heed of this advice - it could save you thousands!
- Take a record of all responses to viewings and update you regularly on the feedback. They should consult with you throughout this process, and depending on the feedback recieved, consider lowering the asking price if necessary and agreed to by you.
- Inform you whenever an offer is made to purchase your property and advise you on its acceptability. They should not pressure you to accept an offer you're unhappy with. If you are presented with an offer and you'd like to accept, your agent should invesitage and ascertain if potential buyers are able to proceed.
- Negotiate the offer with the potential buyer to achieve the best price for you. Once a final price has been agreed, they should act as liaison with all parties to ensure the sale progresses to an exhange of contracts and eventual completion.
Your Estate Agent Should;
- Agree on a selling price with you, the owner, using their own knowledge of local prices to value your home. Test their knowledge by asking them which they think is best - the regular approach or selling at auction? They should know which has worked best in the local area in the past. Ask them how your property compares to other local properties for sale. Some agents may take this opportunity to exagerate the value of your home just to get your business, so ask the opinion of several agents before selecting, and listen sympathetically to the agent who seems more honest even if he tells you things that are much harder to hear.
- Provide you with a written agreement clarifying all the terms and conditions of the engagement. Ensure you request this if it is not given as standard - it could be your legal recourse if anything goes wrong further down the line!
- Advertise your property details in relevant spaces, such as their website, property search engines, their office window, local newspapers and other property publications. Using your estate agent's contacts to gain maximum exposure for your property is one of the biggest benefits to using an estate agent to sell your property, so make sure they're taking full advantage of every avenue.
- Provide and erect a "For Sale" board outside your property. This should be in a prominent place, subject to local laws and regulations, so as to draw the most attention to the fact that your property is for sale.
- Find potential buyers registered with the agency and contact them to provide relevant details.
- Arrange with potential buyers to view your property, and accompany them while they visit. They should also suggest ways to present your home for viewing to appeal to the right buyer. Take heed of this advice - it could save you thousands!
- Take a record of all responses to viewings and update you regularly on the feedback. They should consult with you throughout this process, and depending on the feedback recieved, consider lowering the asking price if necessary and agreed to by you.
- Inform you whenever an offer is made to purchase your property and advise you on its acceptability. They should not pressure you to accept an offer you're unhappy with. If you are presented with an offer and you'd like to accept, your agent should invesitage and ascertain if potential buyers are able to proceed.
- Negotiate the offer with the potential buyer to achieve the best price for you. Once a final price has been agreed, they should act as liaison with all parties to ensure the sale progresses to an exhange of contracts and eventual completion.