Maybe things started off well, but now viewings are sparse. You might feel your agent’s initial enthusiasm has dwindled, or perhaps you’re questioning if your home was overpriced initially, especially if you’re now being urged to make a significant price reduction.
Being stuck on the market is frustrating, especially when you see your neighbours selling their homes and moving out. It might be time to consider a new strategy. But how can you be sure that switching estate agents will improve your situation?
In this week’s blog, you’ll find all the information you need to switch agents confidently and choose the best one to get your sale back on track.
What is your reason for switching estate agents?
People switch estate agents for various reasons, and some of the most common ones we hear when they come to us include:
- Their plans have changed, making the move more urgent.
- Their home has been on the market for a long time with few or low offers.
- They’re disappointed with the marketing of their home.
- They’re getting no viewings and no new enquiries.
- They’re being pressured to reduce their price significantly from the initial valuation.
- They don’t enjoy communicating with their agent, or the relationship is strained.
- They’ve lost confidence in their agent’s ability to find a buyer.
If any of these relate with you, switching estate agents could be your next step. Remember, there’s no such thing as an unsellable home, and it’s never too late to start fresh.
What are the benefits of switching estate agents?
Even if your home has been on the market for a long time, switching estate agents might seem like an unnecessary hassle. After all, don’t all buyers just look at the same property portals these days? Isn’t one agent much the same as another?
Actually, there are several benefits to changing estate agents, including:
- Your property will be reset as a new listing on the property portals (if you stayed with the same agent, you’d have to take it off the market and wait 16 weeks to regain that status).
- New photos taken from different angles and a new description can make your home look fresh on the market, catching the eye of buyers who may have missed or discounted it before.
- You’ll have the benefit of hindsight and experience to ask the right questions of your next agent (more on that later).
Switching estate agents can also replace any feelings of resignation with renewed confidence in your move. Whenever you’re feeling stuck, taking action is always the answer.
Review your current agents results and performance
When considering a change of estate agents, take a moment to reflect on your time on the market, examining the interest you’ve received and your experience with your estate agent.
- How was the communication when booking viewing appointments, providing feedback, and staying in touch?
- Were you greeted warmly whenever you called, or did you feel like a nuisance?
- Are your photos and description a good combination that does justice to your home and entices people to view?
- How many viewings has your agent arranged, and how does this compare to other homes they are marketing?
- Has your estate agent successfully sold homes similar to yours in the area, or does your listing seem out of place among their others?
- Is your asking price the one your agent advised, and does it reflect recent comparable sales in the area?
- Has your estate agent made any suggestions about presentation, either initially or in response to viewer comments?
Choosing a new estate agent
If you’ve decided to switch your estate agent, consider these tips to help you find your new selling agent:
- Search property portals for homes similar to yours and check the agents’ websites to find the best marketing strategies.
- Contact your second and third-choice agents from your initial valuation to get their updated thoughts on price, market conditions, and their sales strategy.
- Look around your local streets for signs from other agents selling homes like yours.
- When agents visit your home, do they support their suggested asking price with recent comparable sales?
- Review their terms of business for contract lengths, notice periods, and whether any costs are payable upfront or if it’s completely no sale, no fee.
- Try asking them to lower their commission rate – not necessarily to pay less, but to identify the strongest negotiator. The best agents typically aren’t the cheapest.
- Lastly, consider which agent’s company you enjoyed the most. Your relationship will last several months, so choose someone you trust and enjoy speaking to each week.
How to switch estate agents correctly
Once you’ve chosen a new estate agent to take over the sale of your home, follow these steps for a seamless transition:
- Provide written notice to your current agent according to the terms of your contract and request a confirmation response.
- Obtain a list of the names of people who’ve viewed your property so you can inform your new agent and avoid potential double fees.
- Instruct your current agent to transfer any keys they hold to your new agent.
- Ask your new agent for recommendations on minor repairs or presentation improvements to prepare for their new photographs.
- Discuss with your new agent the best strategy for selling your home—whether to switch and relaunch on the same day or take a short break from the market.
With these steps, you’ll ensure a smooth transition and a fresh start to get your move underway.
Is it time to switch estate agents?
If you’ve read this far, you’re likely considering your options for switching estate agents and getting your home sold. If so, we’d love the opportunity to show you how we can help you find a buyer and get your move underway.
Give us a call on 01634 570057 or book an appointment online to share your plans with us and see how we can help.
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