Thinking of a Change
A good estate agent should be dedicated to selling your home at the best possible price within a timeline that suits you. Ideally, they will accurately value your property, employ effective marketing strategies, and adeptly negotiate and manage your sale, ensuring a smooth transition to your new home.
At Putterills, we strive to deliver this experience to all our clients, as we understand it's what every seller hopes for.
However, transactions don't always go as planned. If your property has been on the market for an extended period without any signs of a sale, you might be considering a change in agents.
There could be various reasons behind this situation. Initially, your chosen agent might have appeared perfect for the job but failed to meet your expectations.
Perhaps promised viewings never materialised, and now they're pressuring you to lower the price.
Or maybe they started off attentive and positive but have become increasingly distant, making you doubt their commitment to selling your property.
On the other hand, you might believe your agent did their best, but for some reason, the sale hasn't materialised. In such cases, it might be time for a change.
Regardless of the circumstances, if you've reached a point where you want to switch to a different agent, here's a helpful guide to ensure a smooth transition
Identify the Issues:
Take the time to list what hasn't worked for you and what steps have been taken to address these issues.
This will prepare you for a candid conversation with your current estate agent and clarify your expectations for a new one.
Review Your Current Agreement:
Most estate agent contracts are of the "sole agency" type, granting exclusive selling rights to one agent.
Check for a tie-in period and what notice you need to provide to plan accordingly.
Discuss Your Concerns:
Before terminating your agreement, have an open discussion with your current agent.
They may be unaware of your dissatisfaction and could propose ways to improve your property's marketability.
This could include rephotographing your home, relaunching it on property portals, or adjusting the price.
Research New Agents:
If you're ready to change agents, ask for recommendations from friends and family in your local area.
Evaluate the portfolios of suggested agents to see if they are currently listing and selling properties similar to yours.
Look into their online reviews, photography standards, and marketing strategies.
Ask the Right Questions:
When meeting potential new agents, ask essential questions to make an informed decision:
- Why do you think our home hasn't sold?
- What changes or improvements do you suggest for our property's presentation?
- What will you do differently compared to our previous agent?
- How do you plan to market our home?
- How often will you communicate with us, and through what channels?
- What type of agency agreement do you offer, and what is the minimum term?
- Observe if the agent is genuinely interested in your situation and motivations for moving.
Seal the Deal:
Choosing an estate agent is akin to dating; you should feel comfortable and confident in their abilities.
The agent-client relationship should be a partnership built on trust and support.
If you've exhausted all options with your current agent, transitioning to a new one could be the fresh start your home needs.
Remember, making a change in estate agents can be a significant decision,
so take your time to ensure you choose the right partner for your property sale journey.