When you’re selling or buying a home, your estate agent plays a crucial role in making the journey as smooth and stress-free as possible. But what exactly can you expect them to help you with? And where does their role end? In this blog, we’ll break down the tasks your estate agent can assist you with, as well as the things they cannot do, so you know exactly what to expect from your partnership.
What Your Estate Agent Can Help You With:
- Valuing Your Property
- Your estate agent will provide a professional valuation of your property based on current market trends, local knowledge, and the condition of your home. This helps you set a realistic asking price to attract potential buyers.
- Marketing Your Property
- From creating a compelling listing with professional photos to advertising your property on key platforms and social media, your estate agent will handle all aspects of marketing to ensure maximum exposure to potential buyers.
- Arranging and Conducting Viewings
- Your agent will manage all aspects of property viewings, from scheduling appointments to showing buyers around. They’ll highlight your home’s best features and answer any questions potential buyers may have.
- Handling Offers and Negotiations
- When offers start coming in, your estate agent will present them to you and help you navigate the negotiation process. Their expertise can help you get the best possible price for your property.
- Liaising with Buyers and Solicitors
- Throughout the sales process, your estate agent will act as the main point of contact between you, the buyer, and the solicitors involved. They’ll help ensure that everyone is on the same page and that the sale progresses smoothly.
- Providing Advice and Support
- Estate agents are there to provide guidance and advice every step of the way. Whether you have questions about the selling process, need help with paperwork, or want to understand market conditions better, your agent is there to support you.
- Coordinating the Sale Process
- From accepting an offer to completing the sale, your estate agent will coordinate the entire process, making sure all the necessary steps are taken and that deadlines are met. They’ll keep you updated on progress and assist with any issues that arise.
What Your Estate Agent Cannot Do:
- Make Legal Decisions
- While your estate agent can provide guidance and advice, they cannot make legal decisions on your behalf. You’ll need a solicitor or conveyancer to handle the legal aspects of the sale, such as drafting contracts, conducting property searches, and managing the transfer of ownership.
- Provide Financial Advice
- Estate agents cannot provide financial advice regarding mortgages, loans, or other financial products. For these services, you’ll need to consult a mortgage advisor or financial planner who can offer expert advice based on your individual circumstances.
- Guarantee the Sale of Your Property
- While estate agents work hard to market your property and attract buyers, they cannot guarantee that your home will sell. The property market can be unpredictable, and factors such as location, pricing, and buyer demand all play a role in the success of a sale.
- Control the Actions of Buyers or Other Parties
- Estate agents cannot control the actions of buyers, solicitors, or other parties involved in the sale. Delays, changing circumstances, or issues with financing can arise that are outside your agent’s control. However, your agent will do their best to manage these situations and keep the process moving forward.
- Handle Property Repairs or Maintenance
- While your estate agent can advise on how to present your home in the best light and suggest improvements, they won’t handle repairs or maintenance themselves. You’ll need to arrange for any necessary work to be done, whether it’s fixing minor issues or preparing your home for sale.
Your choice of estate agent is a vital part in your home selling journey, the right one will provide you with expert advice, handle the marketing and viewings, and guide you through the negotiation and sales process. However, there are some tasks that fall outside our remit, such as legal decisions, financial advice, and property repairs.
By working together, we can ensure that your home selling journey is as smooth and successful as possible.
If you’re ready to start your journey or have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch with me today!
