Welcome to your monthly property update!

Welcome to your monthly property update!




Home sales figures are looking strong for summer 2023

 
You are relaxing with a drink in the garden, and the summer scent of flowers and sweet grass mingles with whatever you are cooking on the barbeque. You take a long sigh and feel so happy that you have made the effort to move. Perhaps you have not experienced this feeling for a while. It could be that you are a first-time buyer and are eagerly awaiting this special and unique feeling. As the market stands, there is more than just nice weather and pretty houses to tempt you into moving.

Strong sales
With the UK housing market currently sitting at 500,000 sales, many analysts expect to see these figures rise to more than one million by the end of the year.* This is good news; it means that your home will sell quickly if you put it on the market. And is more proof that the property market is vibrant and far more resilient than the gloomy picture painted by the mainstream media.

The summer rush
Many people are hastily getting on the move in time for summer, not wanting to move during the colder months of winter. Summer is a beautiful time of year to move to your ideal home and is traditionally a busy time of year. For sale signs start appearing as quickly as summer flowers, giving you more choice. But it’s best not to wait for a sign to go up; keep in touch with your friendly agent, as homes can disappear from the market as quickly as they appear. Your agent will alert you the moment the right property for you becomes available.

Surging choice of homes
With 65% more choice in homes than this time last year.* The buying process today is far more enjoyable. You no longer have to worry about making offers over the asking price. From large and small energy-efficient homes that ooze character to new builds, and interesting period properties in a multitude of rural and urban locations, the choice on today’s market is more varied than ever. Homes across the market have undergone a massive amount of improvement during the home improvement boom of recent years. That said, there are plenty of projects waiting for you to put your mark on.

Summer is a great time of year to move
The kids are off school, the days are longer, the weather is not as harsh, and moving your belongings in more clement weather is a nicer experience. It’s also a great time to meet the new neighbours for a drink in the garden or a barbeque after you move in.

Good timing
Timing counts for a lot when it comes to selling your home, and right now the market is a hive of activity. A good agent will have their finger on the pulse and have a buyer waiting for your home to make its appearance on the market.

A vision of summer living
Bright and breezy rooms with seasonal flowers, drinks on the decking as the sun goes down, or the smell of something delicious cooking on the barbeque, or a simple, more compact space with a few candles and soft music soothing you after a hard day’s work are worth making the effort for.

Don’t waste any more time and make your move this summer?

Get in touch to see how we can help.

Zoopla*



It’s a buyer’s and a seller’s market

 
The property market always has a good deal for everyone, and right now, this has never been truer. The news tends to paint a bleak picture; however, on closer examination, it’s clear to see that the moving market is well balanced. If you are selling, buying, or both, then you are sure to find what you are looking for at the right price.

If you are selling
The property market is still benefiting from the rapid growth in prices over the past few years. With UK house prices rising on average by 3% in the year to May 2023, there is no doubt that things have returned to a healthier state.* Steady, solid growth creates confidence and stability. This means if you are selling, you are going to get a good price for your home, and if you move, you most likely have great levels of equity.

Buyer demand
Demand from buyers is up by 14% compared to 2019 and is 42% lower than a year ago.* It’s completely unfair and unrealistic to get downhearted by comparing today’s figures with those of last year. This was an exceptional year due to the hyperinflated market caused by COVID and other factors. The figure to concentrate on is that of 2019, which was a more realistic market, and with the increase in demand this year, you will sell your home quickly.

If you are buying
The property market is not exclusively a buyer’s market, as perhaps it has been in past years. But there is definitely a lot of scope for haggling, making an offer, or getting a good deal. Whatever your preferred term for saving money is, the trick is not to overdo it. You don’t want to miss out on the home you love by making too low an offer. This is where a good estate agent can help guide you through what can be a nerve-racking time.

A friendly face
Moving home is becoming more of a seamless experience. But having the right agent helps with this process. There is no substitute for a living, breathing person who spends day in and day out dealing with virtually all that is property related. Estate agents tend to know what is going on in your local market, can answer all your burning questions, put you in touch with anyone else you may need, and often have a list of buyers ready and waiting. Buying a home is an emotional experience, and when you are making big life-changing decisions, you don’t want to deal with a robot!

Beautiful buying weather
This time of year is perfect for moving. The birds are singing in the trees; it’s warm, and the prospect of being moved in time to enjoy the summer tempts many home movers into selling and buying. As a result, prices stay buoyant, and the choice of property flourishes. It’s a busy time of year, which adds vibrancy to an already good market.

Happy homes
Many homeowners keep their homes in tip-top shape during the summer. The result is that homes become happier places. Whether you are relocating to the countryside or to a new street, this time of year lends itself well to making some everlasting memories.

Browse our properties to take a glimpse inside your future happy home.

Zoopla*



Are you interested in inviting nature into your garden this summer?

 
This time of year is perfect for unwinding in the garden. So many people like to make the most of their outdoor living spaces by sharing them with their friends and family. Having a few extra guests around to make it more of a social occasion is always a good idea. But don’t forget to invite a bit of wildlife, which adds a touch of magic to your garden during these wonderful summer months.

Pick the right flowers
Flowers produce pollen for the birds, bees, and butterflies, which adds an orchestral soundtrack to your garden. Birds and butterflies are a spectacular sight to behold as you unwind in the garden with loved ones after a hard day’s work. And thanks to their hard work, the birds, butterflies and bees encourage more flowers to grow in your garden as they fulfil their role of fertilisation. Choose the flowers you love, adding the colours that make you happy, then let nature take its course.

Trees and shrubs
Whether bushes, hedges, trees, or shrubs are your thing, again, grow whatever you are most passionate about. Each will provide a great home for various forms of wildlife, from birds to insects. Growing a good amount of these things will create a better visual appeal for your garden and give the wildlife more choice when it comes to finding their nesting place of choice.

Build a pond
Building a pond can be great fun and is a relatively inexpensive way to add a whole new dimension to your garden. Buy a prefabricated pond and put it in the ground, or use a liner; either way, you are in for a little digging. All the hard work is worth it though, if you do it yourself. You will be able to sit back and drink your morning coffee while watching the birds, possibly even a toad, wash themselves before singing their morning songs. A good tip is to build a sloping side, almost like a beach, so that wildlife can get in and out of your pond. Perhaps fish are more your thing; either way, add some flowers to your pond, such as waterlilies, and watch them blossom.

Grow a meadow
Scatter flower seeds and create a meadow. Don’t worry if you don’t have the space to do this; you could grow small areas of long grass. These will also add to the visual appeal of your garden. Making it unique and different. This can encourage voles and caterpillars, and wildflowers have a unique beauty that is another feast for your eyes.

Create a rock garden
If you have areas in your garden that have poor soil quality, rock gardens are an ideal solution and don’t cost a lot to build. In fact, you may be able to build it for free. Build it next to your pond or wherever you feel it makes the biggest impact, and you will encourage pollinators and other forms of wildlife to thrive.

Added value to your home
While having more wildlife in your garden will not directly add value to your home it will enrich your garden, making it more attractive. This will add value to your home, and a well-presented garden with various features, flowers, trees, and shrubs will be far more appealing to buyers than a property with less visual appeal. Combined with the right outdoor living space; the perfect viewing point to appreciate all your hard work, you will have undoubtedly added significantly to the value of your property.

Are you looking for a home with an idyllic garden this summer?

Get in touch to see how we can help.



How to evoke emotion with your home's colour palette 

 
Perhaps you have just moved, or maybe you are thinking about moving. It could be that you are decorating a recently acquired buy-to-let property. Whatever your reason for decorating, sometimes the hardest decision to make is deciding on colour schemes. There is an eternal spectrum to choose from, and matching and creating rooms that are visually what you were hoping for is no easy task.

Did you know?
Some research suggests that we associate certain colours of inanimate objects with certain emotions. Here are a few examples: orange: happiness or energy, yellow: cheerfulness, red: love, passion, or danger and blue: relaxation, to mention but a few.

Are you selling your home or letting your home?
If you are renting out your home, neutral, warm colours are the best. That way, you can play it safe and not run the risk of decorating to your tastes and alienating potential tenants or buyers. Paler, softer colours that encourage as much light as possible will make your home appear larger. While it is tempting to opt for two-tone effects, do so in a conservative manner, if at all.

Do what makes you happy
If you are decorating for your own home, then this is a different matter. When it’s time to sell up and move, the chances are that your buyer will have their own ideas and tastes when it comes to decorating. Instead, have faith in your own tastes. Learn to trust yourself while seeking the right advice. Experiment with colours, and don’t buy until you try. Use the samples you are provided with and paint until you are happy. If you are not happy, today any colour can be matched with some clever mixing technology. So, if you can’t find the right colour, you can have it made.

Soothing spaces
Bathrooms, bedrooms, and sitting rooms are often places where feelings of tranquilly are at the top of the pecking order of desired emotions. Shades of blue and green can be useful in creating such feelings. The softer the shades, the less impact they will have. A good way to make these themes work well is by adding the right complementary furniture. In the case of a bathroom, a contrasting suit will accentuate these emotions and may distract your eye from the intensity of large painted areas. A good tip is to break up walls with mirrors, plants, pictures, shelves, or tiles to create a greater sense of serenity.

Furniture and finishing touches
A great way to add colour to create your desired mood is by not paying too much attention to the walls and focusing more on your furniture, features, and finishing touches. Gone are the days when it was all about wallpaper and paint, with furniture being a simple afterthought.

Neutral and darker colours are great for a feeling of cosiness. Then, if you want to add a dash of colour with yet more cosiness built in, use mustard shades or whatever colour you love. Neutral colours work with everything, and when you get to the end of your decorating expedition, the impact of small plants on a simple, free-standing table can be pleasantly surprising. So, when it comes to creating the perfect mood for each room in the house, start with your furniture.

Browse our properties today to find a home that matches the life you want perfectly.



Some Guys Have All the Luck27 January 2024

Endorsed by Rod Stewart’s own family, Some Guys Have All the Luck: The Rod Stewart Story is back in Chelmsford...

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What does a modern estate agent bring to the table?

 
 


There is so much more to your local estate agent than meets the eye. The skill set, depth of knowledge, and range of skills that are needed to succeed in the industry today are staggering. It’s little wonder most people still use a traditional estate agent over an online-only estate agent, and much of this is down to market knowledge and technology.

Technology
Your home will get great exposure to ready-and-waiting buyers thanks to connecting home buyers and sellers like never before. With access to databases of home movers, property listings, market analysis tools, and customer relationship management (CRM) software, your agent has the technology to sell your home quickly. Additionally, your agent may use virtual reality or 3D tours to provide immersive property viewings for remote clients. Add to this the huge social media reach, and you are on the move in no time.

Great personal service
There is no substitute for the friendly face of your local estate agent. It’s comforting to have a professional person to offer assurance and emotional support through what is an exciting time but is also a little nerve-racking. When you are moving, you have a lot of what-ifs. There is a lot to do, and having someone on the other end of the phone to guide you through all aspects of your move is very comforting.

Valuation
Valuing your home at the right level is critical in today’s complex and fluctuating market. If the asking price is too low, you could cost yourself some serious money. Too high, and your home will not sell. Potential buyers start to ask questions like; How long has the property been on the market? Your house sale becomes stale. This can lead to achieving a much lower price, as you are forced to sell at a lower price to regenerate buyer interest.

Market and area knowledge
Your local estate agent will know your local property market better than anyone else. Modern agents are made up of a talented team of people, from valuers to marketing strategists and property experts. Staying on trend with everything to do with property, they will know your local area as well as you will after living there for years.

Mortgages and other services
Modern estate agents have a broad network of contacts within the industry, from mortgage brokers and conveyancers to removal companies. Putting you in touch with a good mortgage advisor could be the difference between finding the right road to your new home and getting lost. This all makes for a seamless, less stressful move.

Marketing expertise
Gone are the days of traditional marketing methods. Modern estate agents are well-versed in digital marketing strategies, including social media, online listings, and virtual tours. They know how to present properties in the best light, creating eye-catching listings that attract potential buyers. Their marketing efforts extend beyond just listing a property; they also know how to stage homes for viewings and use professional photography to highlight your property's strengths.

Negotiation skills
Negotiating the price of your home can be a complex and emotional process. Your agent will make sure you get the best possible deal in the time frame that works for you. They act as intermediaries, helping to bridge the gap between buyers and sellers and ensuring that both parties are satisfied with the outcome. And this experience and knowledge make their fees worth every penny.

Legal compliance
It’s easy to fall down a legal pitfall when moving. This is why a modern estate agent is imperative for a smooth sale. Complex legal documents are included, from exchanging contracts to local regulations, and their expertise will save you time and money. Then you can enjoy the excitement of moving property to the fullest without any worries.

Contact us to see how we can guide you to a smooth home move



Chelmsford Half Marathon,Mar 03 2024

Chelmsford Race Weekend / CM Half is the major road closed running event in Chelmsford Essex. 

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'Mind the gap' with your helpful agent

 

As summer rapidly approaches, on the back of a more than buoyant spring, homemovers are achieving good asking prices and getting offers accepted on their new homes. House prices are firming up, instead of rapidly rising, due to sensibly paced house price inflation. This creates good buying and selling conditions; however, it’s as important as ever to price your home correctly, so you can ‘mind the gap’.

 

What does ‘mind the gap’ mean? 

‘Minding the gap’ refers to the difference between the asking price a vendor is willing to accept and the agreed selling price of a home. The good news is the gap is narrowing, with the average difference between the asking price and the agreed sale price growing smaller, with average discounts at 3.9% in March, falling from 4.5% in November 2023.* These figures are yet more proof of an improving market. In some cases, this gap may not exist and it’s also worth remembering that homes are usually priced knowing that there will be room for negotiation. 

 

The art of negotiation

When an agent places a value on your home, they will do so knowing that buyers, will more often than not, try to negotiate on price, so they will take this into account. As a seller, you want to achieve the best possible price for your home and as a buyer, you want to get a lower than asking price offer accepted. Your agent or agents, if you are selling with one and buying with another, are working in your best interests. So, when it’s time to negotiate, even though it’s completely up to you what price you want to offer or accept, listening carefully to your agent's advice is crucial. 

 

Your home and your position in the market are unique 

Your home is as unique as you are, and may achieve more than the asking price, if it gets a lot of buyer interest. This could bring about a sealed bid. Even if this does not happen, you may not have a gap between your asking price and the agreed selling price of your home. On the other hand, if a cash buyer makes an offer below your asking price, then you may decide to accept the offer so you can make your move more quickly. Setting the asking price correctly in the first place should mean you will not have to reduce your price by too much. But, that does not mean you should simply choose the agent who places the highest value on your home.


The best valuations are not always the highest 

A good agent will value your home thoroughly, which is what you want. This is because they will find the features and positives of your home, its location, and the local market, so you can achieve a good selling price. It may be tempting to choose the agent who places the highest value on your home; however, it’s not always a good idea. Overvaluing your home can lead to your sale becoming stale. Some homemovers have found that they sell with a second agent, after not selling with their first choice, because the asking price was set too high.


Know your market 

In March, the percentage of asking prices achieved in the UK stood at 96.1% and with a 9% increase in sales agreed, the market is getting stronger.** However, your local estate agent will be an expert in your local market and in advising you on how to prepare your home for sale. They will also put local market analysis and a database of buyers to good use which will help your home find the right buyer at the right price. It’s good to keep track of the market yourself, by checking out recently sold prices, and comparing the condition of other similar properties. Then you can come up with the right pricing strategy with your agent, that gets you to where you want to be, without a big gap.

 

Get in touch to get moving this summer

 

Zoopla*
hometrack**

 

 



Estate agent vs. Property auction: which property sale suits you?

 

When you're attempting to sell your home, before you even consider placing it on the market, you need to decide what your goals are. Do you want a quick sale? Or do you want a big return on investment? There are several ways you can sell your home, and they all come with different benefits, but which property sale suits you?

Different ways to sell your property

There are two main methods for placing your property on the market: selling it through an estate agent or at auction. 

Selling it through an estate agent gives you a higher chance of achieving a sale at a well-reflected price, as selling it at auction can result in a quick and simple sale, but it may also undervalue the property. The fees are slightly higher for selling your property through an auction compared to enlisting the help of an estate agent.

What are the benefits of selling by auction?

The buyer is required to pay a 10% deposit almost immediately, and the majority of properties at auction are 'chain-free', reducing the likelihood of the sale falling through.

Auctions can be a quick selling method: your home is marketed for 3–4 weeks to gain attention, and then the auction takes place, hopefully leading to a successful sale.

What are the benefits of selling with an estate agent?

Selling your home through an estate agent comes at a lower fee and a higher asking price for your home. This allows you to achieve the maximum amount of profit on your property, as they are able to pin down buyers who are willing to pay a well-reflected, reasonable price against the market.

Selling through an estate agent broadens the buyer pool, as many buyers tend to overlook auctions due to their perception of potential fixer-uppers or problematic properties.

So, which property sale suits you?

The key takeaway is that selling your property at an auction could give you a faster sale, while estate agents tend to deliver a higher selling price for a lower fee.

If you're not concerned about the time it will take for your property to sell and you're looking for the highest possible price, an estate agent is your best option. Overall, you are more likely to achieve a higher price when you sell through an estate agent.

 

Book your free, in-person accurate home valuation

 
 

 

 

 



Asking prices drop by 0.4%


If you're considering buying a new home, recent trends suggest that it may be best to act sooner rather than later. The housing market has shown some promising signs that could benefit you as a buyer. Let’s take a look at how the market’s conditions could make your dream move more achievable than you may have thought.

Asking prices dip

Rightmove data shows that new seller asking prices dropped by 0.4% in recent months.* While this may seem like a small change, it signals potential for buyers. With sellers adjusting their asking prices, buyers are gaining more negotiating power. For those who have been waiting for prices to stabilise after years of rapid growth, this dip in asking prices could represent an opportunity to enter the market at a more affordable level.
This is especially positive for first-time buyers who are trying to step onto the property ladder. As prices dip, the market’s conditions may allow them to secure a home without being priced out. It could also be a good time for those looking to upgrade their current homes or invest in additional properties, as sellers become more willing to negotiate.

Prices expected to rise in the future

When children are struggling with While asking prices have dropped slightly, overall property prices are still projected to rise by up to 2% by the end of 2024.** This may sound negative at first, but it reinforces the importance of acting sooner rather than later. The recent dip in asking prices could be short-lived, so moving now is crucial.
If you're in a position to buy now, you're not only benefiting from the recent reduction in prices, but also from the potential for future growth. Waiting too long might mean paying more for the same property in a few months’ time, as prices inch back up towards the 2% increase predicted for the end of the year.

Supply is increasing

Another significant change in the market is the improving supply of homes for sale, which increased by 16% compared to July 2023.** This is a crucial factor for buyers, as greater supply means more options and less competition for each property. It offers buyers a better chance of finding a home that meets their needs and preferences.
As well as better choice, increased supply gives buyers more leverage when negotiating prices. Sellers who are competing with more properties on the market may be more open to dropping their asking price in order to secure a buyer. With more homes to choose from and sellers eager to secure buyers, there’s a greater possibility of finding value in the current market.

How we can help

If you’re considering buying a home, our expert team is here to help you take advantage of the market’s conditions and make your move a successful one. With our help, you could not only save money, but also position yourself perfectly to benefit from future increases in property prices.

 

Contact us today to begin your dream move

Rightmove House Price Index*
Zoopla House Price Index**



Finding the right home for winter

 

It should not be the case but sadly for many tenants, winter will be a bigger ordeal than it should be thanks to unscrupulous landlords. Feeling cosy in a nice home for winter is simply magical and very important. 

A good EPC rating

EPC certificates show how energy efficient a property is and are graded from A to G, with A being the most energy efficient and G the least. So, it’s in your interests to choose a property with a higher rating. It’s been a legal requirement since 2018 for rented properties in the UK to have a minimum energy rating of E. EPC recommendations can include improving floor insulation, replacing boilers, and fitting LED light bulbs. So, picking a property with a good EPC rating will insulate you from the winter months.

Inspect the property thoroughly 

Don’t underestimate yourself when it comes to carrying out a visual inspection of the property when you are viewing it. The property description will specify its features and EPC rating. But it’s comforting to check for yourself. So, take a look at the windows, the location of the boiler, and the condition of the appliances to get a feel for how well-insulated the property is. If the property appears and feels fresh and well-maintained, then chances are it is.

Ask the right questions

Good agents are a fountain of knowledge, so use it. The more information you can find out about your potential new home, the better. You want to feel as settled and as happy as possible with your new home. This comes with the peace of mind a property expert can bring to the table. From understanding your lease to protecting your deposit, and all the other details of your tenancy that matter to you. Then you will feel more relaxed in your home when it’s time to snuggle up for the winter.

Rent with support

Property maintenance should never be overlooked. Sometimes renting can lead to tenants finding themselves in a property with a myriad of maintenance issues. Renting through an agent could provide you with the opportunity to choose a fully managed property. This will offer 24/7 maintenance support, meaning issues get addressed quickly. But there is more to a home than maintaining it. Finding a home in the right location so that you are close to the people or the things you love all makes for a happier life.

Enlist the help of a good agent 

It’s certainly not impossible to find a good property independently but using an agent will make it easier. Having a third party that ensures your home is compliant and is just a phone call away has a lot of benefits. A good letting agent will be there to represent you throughout your tenancy. Yes, agents also represent the interests of landlords but because of this, tenants benefit from living in properties of a higher standard, which is ideal for keeping the winter at bay.

 

Contact us to find your next home for all seasons



Equity release: Is it right for you?

 

Whether you decide to release equity in your home largely depends on your individual circumstances. Whether you are looking to increase the size of your pension pot or simply want to make some home improvements, you have a lot of options. We can’t advise you, but we take a closer look at some of those options.

What is equity release?

Equity is the amount of value you own in your home after you have subtracted any borrowings, such as mortgages on your property. Releasing equity from your home, in the simplest terms, means using some of that value in exchange for cash. There are a number of different ways to release equity depending on your needs.

Ways of releasing equity

Re-mortgaging 

If you are interested in borrowing more money against the value of your home to make home improvements or even for debt consolidation, this may be an option. If you use your existing mortgage provider, then you may be eligible for additional borrowing. This allows you to borrow more money with your current mortgage. This means if your mortgage is on a better rate currently, you may end up paying more interest. On the other hand, you may choose to find a new mortgage provider in order to get a better mortgage interest rate. 

Lifetime mortgages

Aimed at homeowners aged 55+, this type of mortgage allows you to borrow a proportion of your home’s equity. You could do this in one or a series of lump sums, while drawdown allows you to take equity as and when you need it. Interest will then be charged on the amount you borrow, which will be repaid when your home is sold. Most mortgage providers will allow you to repay up to 10% each year on the loan amount you borrow as equity from your home. It’s important to check that the scheme you choose comes with a no-negative equity guarantee in case mounting interest exceeds the value of the property in future years.

Home reversion 

Targeted at homeowners aged 60+ this scheme involves selling part of your home to the lender for a lump sum or an agreed income for a percentage of its market value. For example, you may sell 50% of your home for 30% of what it’s worth. While you can carry on living in the home, you will only receive a percentage of the market value for the share of your home you sell to them. This makes this scheme less popular than a lifetime mortgage due to its costly nature. When the home is sold, the revenue from the sale is divided according to the percentage each party owns, which includes any increases in value. 

Could downsizing be a better move?

If you need to fund your retirement and find yourself in a position where you have too much space, downsizing could be a better option. Most people are not best pleased about taking equity out of their homes. It can be a complicated and confusing process, which could erode any inheritance you leave for loved ones. Most people prefer the idea of owning their homes outright. Moving to a smaller, more energy-efficient property could give you a lump sum to fund your future plans without relinquishing any part of your home ownership. 

Discuss your property options with a good agent 

Sometimes properties themselves can hold the key to new opportunities and the solution to a better future. So, whether you want to downsize and use the profit from selling your old property to start a property portfolio, help family get on the ladder or to retire, it’s worth talking to your agent. Maybe you are making home improvements and want to know how much value you can add to your home. Perhaps you have hatched an ingenious plan that could involve letting part of your property to build a nest egg. Whatever your plans are, it's important to seek the right advice.

 

Contact us today to explore your property options

 
 

 

 

 



How to find the right agent


Your home is your most valuable asset, so your choice of agent shouldn’t be taken lightly. Working with an expert you can trust is crucial to the outcome of your sale, so you’ll need to conduct some research to ensure your decision is well-informed.

Here are the key indicators of a good agent:

Local presence and experience

A reliable agent will be experienced in selling properties similar to yours and well-versed in the intricacies of your local market. Make sure they can provide you with local insights such as trends, values, and any potential changes. You’ll often find that reputable businesses have a visceral local presence, with ‘SOLD’ boards all around and a comprehensive website full of details about the community.

Integrity

An accurate valuation is the key to a successful sale, so you’ll need an agent with a solid and reliable strategy. Some agents will offer up an unrealistic figure to get you on board, which often results in the home languishing on the market or failing to secure a buyer at all. A good agent will thoroughly assess your home, considering a multitude of factors such as recent sales data, the condition and appearance, and current market demand.
They can use this information to paint a full and accurate picture, ensuring that your property is competitively priced.

A solid marketing strategy

While the market remains competitive, a robust marketing strategy is what will set your sale in motion. It’s important to inquire about your potential agent’s approach to marketing, including both online and offline channels, professional photography, and any special strategies they might use to showcase your home in its best light.

First impressions

Your agent’s style of communication should be apparent from the first meeting. It’s important to set clear expectations on how you hope to be contacted if you work together. Whether it’s emails, phone calls or face-to-face meetings, the right agent will maintain an effective and consistent line of communication from the offset.

Glowing reviews

Reputable businesses are proud of their client testimonials, so it shouldn’t be difficult to find glowing reviews on the website. Customer feedback is the valuable insight you’ll need to get a gauge of the agent’s reputation, so don’t hesitate to do your research first.

How do they handle negotiations?

Having a strong negotiator on your side is crucial when it comes to selling a home. You should ask any potential agents about their approach to negotiations as well as their strategy for securing the best possible deal for you while also maintaining a positive relationship with potential buyers.

 

Curious about the value of your home? Book a valuation with our expert team today



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