Are qualifications or experience more important when choosing an estate agent?

Studies have shown that most people have already chosen the agency they are going to use to sell their home before the agent even sets foot in the property to do a valuation. So what is it that makes them decide on that agent, what can cause that agent to lose the potential listing and what should you be checking at a valuation?

Many people take years to get from the stage of considering selling their home to actually putting it on the market. In that time they will have been observing the behaviour of their local estate agencies. How many for sale boards do they have around town; how quickly do those switch to sold signs; which agency is the largest; which one is most involved in the community or most active on social media. All of these things contribute to the near foregone conclusion as to which agency they will choose to go with on valuation day. 

Then finally the day comes when the decision is made to sell. The average number of valuations that a seller will request before selecting an agency to go with is three. The agents turn up one by one. Logically it would make sense that two really need to wow the seller to change their mind and the third simply needs to not do anything to put them off. However, both of those things are easier said than done. The reason is because while many people decide upon an agency to go with before a valuation they are actually just as likely to go with one of the other agents as they are to go with the one that they have chosen prior to them arriving.

So is it because of their qualifications? Qualifications are always a good thing as you will know that they have taken the time to study and pass exams on the subject of selling property which you may find reassuring if you choose them to sell yours. However, good grades don't necessarily indicate that they are a good estate agent. 

Is it their experience? If they have been an estate agent for a while they will certainly have lots of experience dealing with any scenarios or problems that may arise while they are selling your property. It may make you feel comfortable to know that they have the knowledge and the experience to guide you through the home selling process. However, the length of time spent in a job doesn't necessarily indicate that they are skilled at it.

Is it your gut feeling? A little bit yes. After all if you don't like them then you certainly won't want to be dealing with them for several months! You also don't want potential buyers being put off by a surly estate agent!

However, none of those things actually demonstrate that they are the best agent to sell your property. Instead ask them about their marketing plan. How will they be ensuring that your property is seen by the maximum number of potential buyers? How will they be helping you to ensure that your property is sold for the best price possible? Ask them about local properties that they have sold and ask how long they were on the market for. Treat your valuation appointment like an interview to make sure that you select the best agent for the job of selling your home then go with the agent whose plan you think is best. 

If you would like a free no-obligation valuation of your home and the chance to ask us why we think we are the best choice to sell your property in Lanarkshire please give us a call on 01698 441327 and we will be delighted to help.