The recent trend towards online estate agency looks set to continue but recent data shows that the high street estate agent is very much here to stay. Cheaper online services may seem appealing at first glance but the latest research shows that most people value quality of service as well as price, whether they’re buying, selling, letting or renting.
Experts on hand
It’s worth noting that although online estate agents appear to be cheaper, there is a difference in the service and it’s important to consider the whole process from beginning to end. If you’re in a complicated chain, for example, a high street estate agent is on hand to help by taking care of the details and offering advice - online packages won’t be able to offer the same levels of customer service and support. High street agents also have very strong local networks and good connections with financial and legal professionals.
Local insight
Don’t underestimate the importance of local knowledge when it comes to making a valuation of your property. Yes, it’s easy now to make comparisons on Rightmove or Zoopla but that’s not the same as having a complete picture of the ins and outs of the market or the specific qualities and features of each individual property. Many online estate agents are operating nationally which means their estimates may not be as relevant regionally as they would be if they came from a local agent who knows the area well. They also base their assessment on an average of sold or let data, even though prices can be very variable and dependent on a huge number of factors.
Buying and Selling
Online estate agents will most likely leave you to do the selling to prospective buyers on your own. Whilst this may suit some people, for others it can be a complicated, inconvenient and time- consuming business. A local estate agent can arrange viewings to suit you and can even show people round on your behalf. We find that potential purchasers ask us a lot of questions about the market generally when we’re showing them round. They want to know how property has performed over recent years and which areas of town are best for schools, commuting and other services. Whilst a lot of this information can be found online, there’s nothing quite like getting a personal view from a local estate agent who has worked in the area for a long time and we know buyers value that.
Ongoing Support
Don’t forget that once you’ve sold, there is still a lot to be done and that’s where we can step in again. Negotiating with buyers yourself and doing all the chasing from offer to completion is covered in the price with a high street agent like FSS. We can support both the seller and the buyer after the sale has been agreed, help to obtain reports and surveys as well as liaise with parties all the way up the chain.
Keeping you in the picture
At FSS, we are trusted Harrogate estate agents with a team of 27 staff all dedicated to keeping our customers happy. The experience of our senior residential sales teams adds up to almost a hundred years so you can be sure your most valued asset is in safe hands. We provide regular updates and honest feedback so that you can take action, if needed, to sell your home quicker.
Undoubtedly, when it comes to selling your house the main difference, apart from price, between high street and online estate agents is local knowledge and customer service. At FSS, we can make the whole process so much easier by understanding your expectations and guiding you through the entire process. And they do say, you get what you pay for.