When you choose to be represented in these changing economic times, it's natural to question whether you should go with larger corporate estate agents or use a local independent agency.
Whether you're selling or buying, making the decision for representation is a big one. There are so many things to consider when selling, from the price you’re willing to accept, to how you want your property marketed and what kind of feedback you want from potential buyers. But when it comes to choosing an estate agent to buy or begin renting out, there are plenty of options and services available and it can be difficult deciding which one is right for you.
If you’ve never sold, bought or managed a property before, or even if you have but aren’t sure what questions to ask an estate agent before making a decision, we’ve compiled a list of five reasons why choosing local independent agents over large corporations might just be the best thing for you if you're looking to get represented.
1. Independent agents know the local area
Independent letting agents know the local area better than corporate estate agents. They have been working in that area for years and know all the local properties, interested buyers and sellers.
If you're interested in buying or renting, this means they will be able to give you more information about your desired property and the people who live in it. And if you're selling, local independent professionals will be able to provide more properties in the local area as direct comparisons so you get transparent ideas on marketing and valuation.
For example, an independent agent may be able to tell you whether there's been an increase in the price of the latest properties in your area recently, or whether there are any new developments planned nearby that could affect the value of the property further down the line.
Independent agents are also more flexible than corporate estate agents. If you want to show your property at a specific time then it is unlikely that you will find a corporate estate agent who can accommodate you. If you want to show your property at night or on weekends then it is unlikely that a corporate estate agency will be available to show your property at these times too. Independent agents work around their clients’ schedules and needs, which means they are much more willing to do as much as possible for them and provide great service.
2. They will get more people through the door
The reason for this is that independent property agents are often smaller companies, operating on a personal level. They don't have a large office space, they do not use pre-recorded or automated phone systems and they are able to offer a more personal service. This means that if you're looking to sell your property, you can expect to see an increase in potential buyers through the door when working with local independent agencies.
This might sound like a bold claim, but it's true. Independent agents have a lot more flexibility in the way they work and the kind of great service they can provide. They can offer a range of different services to meet your needs, including valuations, auctions and property management.
They also have more freedom to be creative with their marketing strategies than corporate estate agents do. This means they can offer innovative ideas you might not find elsewhere, such as providing property guides or designing bespoke advertising campaigns that really speak to potential buyers.
3. They know the market inside out
If you're looking to buy or sell a property, independent agents will be able to help you put your best foot forward and find a buyer for your home or choose the perfect property for you. Independent agents are not tied to any one brand or agency group, meaning they can offer unbiased advice on whichever property best suits your needs. They have access to a wide range of properties and can often negotiate better deals than those offered by corporate groups.
They also tend to have more experience as a professional in their field and are often more knowledgeable about current market trends than their corporate counterparts.
4. They aren't dealing with multiple high targets given to them by head office
They don't have to worry about meeting weekly quotas or coming up with new sales schemes to keep the boss happy. Instead, they can focus on the job they love - selling houses.
They're also more likely to be more flexible in their approach to selling your house to make sure you received great service. A corporate estate agency might be focused on getting the best price for you, but their ultimate goal is to achieve a certain level of sales every month, quarter, or year. An independent estate agency doesn't have that pressure and will work with you to achieve exactly what you want out of the sale - whether it's a quick sale at an attractive price or a slower sale at a price and quality that suits you.
5. They can offer a much more personal service than large corporate estate agents
Independent estate agencies know the local communities and properties. They work with individuals to find homes that fit their needs, and they keep them up-to-date on new listings as soon as they come out. They also have a vested interest in making sure you are are happy in your future home - there's no company-wide mandate to close sales or push specific properties on people.
Professional independent agencies put their customers and services first - they're looking out for YOU!
When it comes down to the basics, independent estate agencies and corporate estate agencies have a lot in common. They both have their pros and their cons, and they both have an important place in this industry. But there's one big message: the independent process puts the customer first.
The real message is the difference between closing a deal and not closing a deal. Ideally, you're going to want representation from a dealing and letting agency that can provide details of the local area, knows how to get viewings into your home and provide a stellar customer service experience all under one roof.
There are many benefits to choosing an independent local agent over a large corporate one - ultimately, they can offer a more personal service that goes beyond those offered by corporations. Browse our properties for sale in Colchester, Clacton and Ipswich, or get in contact today for details on how we can provide that positive experience first-hand.
Whether you're selling or buying, making the decision for representation is a big one. There are so many things to consider when selling, from the price you’re willing to accept, to how you want your property marketed and what kind of feedback you want from potential buyers. But when it comes to choosing an estate agent to buy or begin renting out, there are plenty of options and services available and it can be difficult deciding which one is right for you.
If you’ve never sold, bought or managed a property before, or even if you have but aren’t sure what questions to ask an estate agent before making a decision, we’ve compiled a list of five reasons why choosing local independent agents over large corporations might just be the best thing for you if you're looking to get represented.
5 Reasons Independent Letting Agents Add Value:
1. Independent agents know the local area
Independent letting agents know the local area better than corporate estate agents. They have been working in that area for years and know all the local properties, interested buyers and sellers.
If you're interested in buying or renting, this means they will be able to give you more information about your desired property and the people who live in it. And if you're selling, local independent professionals will be able to provide more properties in the local area as direct comparisons so you get transparent ideas on marketing and valuation.
For example, an independent agent may be able to tell you whether there's been an increase in the price of the latest properties in your area recently, or whether there are any new developments planned nearby that could affect the value of the property further down the line.
Independent agents are also more flexible than corporate estate agents. If you want to show your property at a specific time then it is unlikely that you will find a corporate estate agent who can accommodate you. If you want to show your property at night or on weekends then it is unlikely that a corporate estate agency will be available to show your property at these times too. Independent agents work around their clients’ schedules and needs, which means they are much more willing to do as much as possible for them and provide great service.
2. They will get more people through the door
The reason for this is that independent property agents are often smaller companies, operating on a personal level. They don't have a large office space, they do not use pre-recorded or automated phone systems and they are able to offer a more personal service. This means that if you're looking to sell your property, you can expect to see an increase in potential buyers through the door when working with local independent agencies.
This might sound like a bold claim, but it's true. Independent agents have a lot more flexibility in the way they work and the kind of great service they can provide. They can offer a range of different services to meet your needs, including valuations, auctions and property management.
They also have more freedom to be creative with their marketing strategies than corporate estate agents do. This means they can offer innovative ideas you might not find elsewhere, such as providing property guides or designing bespoke advertising campaigns that really speak to potential buyers.
3. They know the market inside out
If you're looking to buy or sell a property, independent agents will be able to help you put your best foot forward and find a buyer for your home or choose the perfect property for you. Independent agents are not tied to any one brand or agency group, meaning they can offer unbiased advice on whichever property best suits your needs. They have access to a wide range of properties and can often negotiate better deals than those offered by corporate groups.
They also tend to have more experience as a professional in their field and are often more knowledgeable about current market trends than their corporate counterparts.
4. They aren't dealing with multiple high targets given to them by head office
They don't have to worry about meeting weekly quotas or coming up with new sales schemes to keep the boss happy. Instead, they can focus on the job they love - selling houses.
They're also more likely to be more flexible in their approach to selling your house to make sure you received great service. A corporate estate agency might be focused on getting the best price for you, but their ultimate goal is to achieve a certain level of sales every month, quarter, or year. An independent estate agency doesn't have that pressure and will work with you to achieve exactly what you want out of the sale - whether it's a quick sale at an attractive price or a slower sale at a price and quality that suits you.
5. They can offer a much more personal service than large corporate estate agents
Independent estate agencies know the local communities and properties. They work with individuals to find homes that fit their needs, and they keep them up-to-date on new listings as soon as they come out. They also have a vested interest in making sure you are are happy in your future home - there's no company-wide mandate to close sales or push specific properties on people.
Professional independent agencies put their customers and services first - they're looking out for YOU!
When it comes down to the basics, independent estate agencies and corporate estate agencies have a lot in common. They both have their pros and their cons, and they both have an important place in this industry. But there's one big message: the independent process puts the customer first.
The real message is the difference between closing a deal and not closing a deal. Ideally, you're going to want representation from a dealing and letting agency that can provide details of the local area, knows how to get viewings into your home and provide a stellar customer service experience all under one roof.
There are many benefits to choosing an independent local agent over a large corporate one - ultimately, they can offer a more personal service that goes beyond those offered by corporations. Browse our properties for sale in Colchester, Clacton and Ipswich, or get in contact today for details on how we can provide that positive experience first-hand.