Selling your home can be a daunting experience, even more so if you are simultaneously looking for another property to buy. The decisions you make along the way could result in you selling faster, at a higher price, or both which makes it essential to have all the information that you need, so don’t be afraid to ask questions.
But where do you start? An experienced estate agent will visit your home to advise you on value, marketing strategy and local market conditions. They should give you valuable insight into the supply of property on the market and the number of buyers they have registered looking for a home like yours. Here are some of the key questions that we would expect to be asked by a vendor when we’re selling their house.
Questions to ask your estate agent when selling your property
How will you market my property?
It is essential that an agent specifically tailors a marketing plan for your home. Ask whether they use professional photographers and floor planners? How many photos will be on the website? Will they produce a brochure? Which property websites will your home be advertised on? Digital advertising on social media is paramount to a successful marketing campaign. Ask the agent what digital advertising plan they have for your property.
How will we communicate?
Communication is key and this is a mantra that rings even more true when it comes to selling a property. By its very nature communication is a two-way exercise, so establish early on how you would like to receive feedback, marketing updates and viewing requests.
Knowing what potential buyers are saying about your property is not always easy to hear, but its essential if you want to sell your home for the best price. This feedback may provide valuable insight as to whether a room needs painting, decluttering or simply lightbulbs need replacing.
Have you sold other properties in my area?
By asking your estate agent this you will be able to get an understanding of their local knowledge and expertise in selling properties in your area. With previous experience, it’s likely that the agent will know what buyers are looking for and use it to sell your property. Expect your agent to provide specific examples of recently sold properties and an explanation of how their marketing plan secured a sale.
Will all viewings be accompanied by an experienced agent?
Viewing a property is not as simple as opening a door and showing potential buyers from room to room. An experienced agent knows whether to start in the kitchen, or the garden depending on what’s most important to the buyer. They will highlight key features that fit the requirements of the viewer, but also know when to stay silent and allow the property to speak for itself.
Will my property be marketed through your other local branches?
Increasing numbers of buyers will actually start their search in a different area to where they eventually purchase. Actively marketing your home through a neighbouring branch may be the key to a successful sale. Ask your agent how they incentivise their sales negotiators from other branches to proactively sell your property.
What type of person do you think will buy my home?
Successfully matching the right buyer with your property should not be an accident. Ask the agent whether they have an existing database of active buyers and whether they have similar properties to yours to attract a greater number of potential purchasers within your price range. An experienced agent will explain how they fully qualify their database to make sure they are exposing your home to the perfect buyer as quickly as possible.
Go Back