Finding the right estate agent can feel a lot like dating. There needs to be chemistry, it needs to click, and you need to trust them. And when you’re doing the rounds to find the right people to help you, it can be easy to be sucked in by false promises and an overused spiel that is designed to lure you in.
But really, you need to find that one person who gets it, who gets you and can deliver, not spout empty promises. Whether you’re buying or selling, the route to finding the right estate agent is the same, and here’s how you can do just that.
Start Local
Forget the big online pitches; go for the people who know the area, know the streets, and know what is going on. You need the estate agents who have walked the streets, talked to the locals, and sold pretty much every home on your street that has been for sale in the past few years.
A good place to start is to notice how many “sold” signs you see and the names on those signs. The more often a name pops up, the more reliable and proactive they’re likely to be. Firms like Melvyn Danes Estate Agents know their local areas and what buyers want – it’s experience, and that’s what you need.
Listen to How They Talk
It’s pretty easy to spot those with the rehearsed sales patter. They will have it down to a T. It’ll be smooth, convincing, and exactly what you want to hear. Or rather, what they think you want to hear. And if that works for you, great, but if you’re after more truth and honesty, listen to how they respond to any questions.
Are they involving you in the conversation? Asking what you want and listening, or are they simply steamrolling ahead without any input from you whatsoever? Because a successful relationship is a two-way street, and if you’re only getting one-way traffic, is it really the right fit?
Look Beyond The Price Tag
Sure, getting high numbers sounds enticing when you hear about people getting huge discounts or buyers landing properties under the asking price, but made-up figures can waste time and money.
Good estate agents explain their logic; they explain how they arrived at certain figures and what you can expect in reality, not just a vision they have. You want honesty, clarity, and to get the ball rolling quickly, not be left with unrealistic expectations that result in rejected offers or your property needing to be reduced a couple of months down the line.
Notice The Small Things
Before you commit, take a look at the small things. How they handle other listings, the photos they take and promote listings with, the write-ups- do they sound real or are they copied and pasted descriptions? Did they get back to you promptly, or did it take a while? If it’s slow at the beginning, it doesn’t bode well for a fruitful relationship down the line. These small things matter and can help you make a decision when finding the right estate agent.
