When it comes to selling your property, making sure you choose the right estate agent is crucial. There are many options available, ranging from national estate agents to a whole host of online platforms that promise to sell your home via their app. Despite this, the best choice of estate agent is incredibly clear (yes, we are biased) – it is your local, independent estate agent!
Putting aside our obvious bias for a moment; there are plenty of good reasons to use your local estate agent. From in-depth knowledge of the local area and property market to personalised service and strong community ties, a local estate agent (especially us) offers a range of advantages over their national and online counterparts. In this blog, we will have a quick look at 5 reasons why you should consider using a local estate agent when selling your property, and how they can help you to achieve the best possible outcome for your sale.
Unrivalled Knowledge of the Local Area
It may be stating the obvious, but one of the main benefits of using a local estate agent is their knowledge of the local property market. Local estate agents are familiar with the local area and have a good understanding of the current market conditions, including supply and demand, property prices, and trends. This knowledge can be invaluable for both buyers and sellers as it allows them to make informed decisions about the properties they are interested in.
At The Agent, our partner agents all have over 15 years’ experience working in their local area – to call them knowledgeable may be an understatement!
Strong Community Ties
In addition to offering a comprehensive online marketing package, local estate agents also have a good network of contacts in the local area, including other estate agents, solicitors, and local tradespeople. This can be beneficial for buyers as it can help to speed up the buying process and for sellers, it can also help to promote their property to a wider audience.
Local estate agents also tend to have a good understanding of the local community and can provide valuable information about the area, such as local schools, transport links, and amenities. This can be particularly helpful for buyers who are unfamiliar with the area, as it can help them to make an informed decision about whether a particular property is right for them.
Local Reputation
Following on from their community ties, local estate agents have spent years building up a reputation in their area, and reputation is key in the property market. By using a local estate agent with a good reputation, clients can have peace of mind that they are dealing with professional and reputable people.
Personalised & Personable Service
Another benefit of using a local estate agent is their ability to provide both a personal and professional service. Local estate agents are usually smaller, independent businesses, and they often pride themselves on providing a personal service to their clients. Selling or buying a home is an incredibly personal, and at times emotional, experience – Having an agent that understands you, your situation, and your property can make all the difference in making a potentially stressful situation go as smoothly as possible.
At The Agent, we take this approach one step further with your local agent becoming your sole point of contact to guide you through the whole selling process – from first valuation up until completion.
A Full Comprehensive Service
Many online estate agents are there to sell your home or sell you a home and nothing more, with any additional services coming with a (potentially steep) price tag. On top of standard selling and buying services, local estate agents can also offer free valuations, professional photography, and expert advice on finance, mortgages, and conveyancing, giving their customers a fully comprehensive service throughout their entire property journey.
Online estate agents also tend to charge for their services up front, so clients end up finding it hard to swap agents if they need to change. Many local agents will operate on a no sale, no fee basis – This means that they have every reason to ensure that your sale reaches completion and that you can happily move into your new home!
In conclusion all estate agents have their benefits, but it is hard to beat the advantages you get from using your local estate agent.
We have award-winning one-to-one agents in Lincoln, Spalding & South Holland, and Horncastle & Woodhall Spa. So, if you are thinking of selling your home, why not book a valuation with us and see the difference for yourself!
Peter Austin
Peter is a writer and photographer with a great interest in property, design, and the economy.
