How a good estate agent can make all the difference
Take good care when choosing your estate agent and reap the benefits of a successful sale.
Selecting a good estate agent can mean the difference between a property languishing on the market for months or selling much more quickly.
In this tough climate, it is more crucial than ever to take your time and conduct your own research to enable you to choose the right estate agent. You will have no better ally – the right agent can offer in-depth advice and support and most importantly ensure that your property is priced realistically.
We advise sellers to be cautious about those agents quick to over or under value a property. Most estate agents are very professional but unfortunately there are some who overvalue to win business or undervalue to get a quick sale and their commission.
Pricing a property correctly requires considerable skill. Our aim is always to achieve the best price for a property, and we go to great lengths to make sure this happens by ensuring a property is valued appropriately at the outset.
It can mean the difference between moving now or selling later for less than if it had been priced competitively in the first place.
Other things to bear in mind when looking for an estate agent are the quality of service, coverage and professionalism on offer. For example, does the agent offer additional services such as mortgage advice, insurance, conveyancing and surveys? We offer a one stop shop for all these services which is of huge benefit.
It is also important that your property is marketed effectively. It is well worth researching what sort of marketing materials an agent produces. In this current market, your property needs to stand out from the competition.
We also believe the most important aspect is the professional relationship between an estate agent and client.
You want an agent who has in-depth knowledge of the market and who will go that extra mile for you. Our staff are selected not only for their knowledge and expertise but also their integrity and willingness to provide the best service possible. They are trained to the highest standards and take great pride in their work, always putting their clients’ interests first.
Choosing an estate agent is not the easiest task, but the benefits of selecting the right one are immense so it is really worth taking time over.
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Open House brings buyers flooding through the doors
Our new scheme aimed at creating a buzz amongst potential property buyers is proving to be a big hit.
With the new Open House initiative, vendors pay a one-off fee for a large-scale viewing event at their property. At one Open House this month, almost 30 potential purchasers visited a property for sale, leading to a winning offer of £14,000 over the asking price.
The events are arranged as soon as possible after the property goes on sale, with eye-catching flags flown outside the home on the day. Making an impact as soon as a property hits the market can be key to a swift sale and maximum interest from potential buyers.
The Open House events are part of a trio of Accelerated Marketing tools. Also included in the package is a minimum of a one quarter page advert in the seller’s local press.
Properties are also given a premium listing on the Rightmove website for as long as the property is on the market with us. Benefits include multiple photos of the property on the search page, an eye-catching background and a larger listing box.
Labels: estate agent, Felicity J Lord, haart, haart sales estate agent agency, Haybrook, housing market, properties, property market, property prices, Spicer McColl, Spicerhaart
Buy before spring for the best property deals
January inevitably sees a rush of sellers looking to place their properties on the market and many clued-up buyers are also keen to buy before prices start to increase during the spring.
The key to success for buyers is to ensure their property stands out from the crowd in order to get the market value for their homes.
First impressions always count, and the recession has proved that this is truer than ever. The basic rules apply wherever you live, and a small amount of time and money can make all the difference.
For purchasers, it really is a buyers market. Realistic house prices, priced sensibly for a quick sale, can be a good investment – as long as you have a decent deposit to secure a mortgage deal.
In terms of types of property, because of the glut of new apartments on the market, it is those with family homes to sell in the region that will boom in 2010. This year should see a slow and gradual strengthening of the property market as well continued success in the lettings industry.
Labels: estate agency, estate agent, haart sales estate agent agency
Quick fixes for quick sales
Homeowners struggling to sell should gain more kerb appeal by focusing on minor details to make prospective buyers see the potential in their property.
First impressions always count, and is now more true than ever. The basic rules apply wherever you live, and a small amount of time and money can make all the difference. It’s the simple things that make the most impact such as a fresh lick of paint, tidying up, making sure your home is well lit and that your garden isn’t a mess.
It is hard for many sellers to see the problems with their homes as they live with them day to day.
The best way to get a different view point is to ask your agent for some professional advice as to what you can do to improve your living space.
At haart, we always advise sellers to de-clutter and de-personalise for internal work. As ever, neutral colours are a must so that the potential buyers can imagine themselves and their belongings in your home.
Particular attention should be paid to kitchen and bathrooms as these rooms are most used in a home and are the main importance to most buyers.
Many people open kitchen cupboards when they look around a house, making a fantastic excuse to clear out all of the things that you don’t use any more.
In the bathroom, re-grouting the tiles, a new toilet seat, and a good scrub of the bath tub can be the perfect spruce up.
If you have a pet ensure you get rid of their odour and invest in some fresh flowers as scent can determine how buyers perceive a home. Opening windows before a viewing and banishing food smells are also very important.
Externally, mowing the lawn, pruning your hedges and putting colourful flowers in pots are sure to make an impact.
Also making sure the doorbell works and that your front door doesn’t squeak are must.
If you are feeling a little more adventurous, a new lick of paint on your front door will make the entrance to your home feel fresh and inviting, and according to the experts blue is always a winner!
Whatever the state of the economic climate, we would always recommend that you invest money in your property so that when the time does come to sell, your home will be in a prime condition and will obtain the maximum price possible.
Labels: haart sales estate agent agency
