Should I choose an independent estate agent?

Which should I choose, a local independent estate agent or a larger corporate estate agent? 

Now you may be thinking, why should I trust a blog written by an independent estate agent, selling the benefits of independent estate agencies?  Well, we would like to invite you to read on and see how you feel by the end.  We want you to make up your own mind…

Selling a home is not just a case of taking a few quick photos and uploading the details onto the property portals before your cup of tea has even gone cold; it’s a specialist and complex task that requires patience, accuracy and local knowledge.

Your property is probably the single most valuable thing you possess (loved ones and pets aside, of course) so it’s only right that you place the important job of valuing it and selling it in the hands of someone you can trust to help and guide you through the process.

Here are the main reasons that we think independent agents have ‘the edge’ over larger, national, companies:

• We are flexible in our approach

What we mean by this is that we are not tied to large company corporate rules like the big national chains are.  If we want to do a viewing out of business hours we can (and frequently do).  If we want to fit round our busy customers, we can.  If we want to offer other services, for example, professional photography, tailored packages or other more personal touches, we can.

• A more personal and bespoke service

Independent estate agents are not governed by a remote management team in an out of town head office; we govern ourselves.  We can adapt our sales and marketing to our client’s needs which gives us the chance to adapt to local market conditions too.  We fit round you rather than you fitting around us.

• You are our client and a person, not just a number

We are able to work closely with our clients and get to know them on a more personal level, in fact, we might even become friends.  We are very proud of the local business that we run and we are prepared to go the extra mile to please our clients.

• We know the area like the back of our hands

We are locals and know what makes this area tick.  We know all the local districts, roads, schools, restaurants and other services.  We also know the local market well and can share with you our honest knowledge.

• You get exactly the same national website coverage

Independent estate agents use the same national and international property portals so you get exactly the same coverage as with the larger national agencies.

• Honest and transparent costs

Because we run our business from here, we don’t have to adhere to national corporate pricing strategies and rules.  We believe in being totally up-front about costs and definitely won’t be hiding any hidden extras.

• Emotional support and help

We think this is probably the most important and underrated quality you will need from your agent when buying and selling property.  Although many home sales go through to completion without any hitches, if things go wrong (which is inevitable for some) it can be a stressful and emotional time which can put a lot of strain on the people involved. 

As a local independent company, we can offer the personal service and guidance you need, when you need it most.  We want our clients to be happy.

Hopefully, our blog has given you some food for thought…

Would you like any free advice about anything to do with property?  We’d love to hear from you so do contact us or like our Facebook page. We'd also be pleased to welcome you to our private offices in central Wokingham.