Choosing the right estate agent
Selling or buying a home is one of the most important decisions you will have to make, and it can also be one of the most complex and demanding. Your estate agent should be committed to simplifying the process for you and making it as stress free as possible, but the unfortunate reality is that people have themselves or know someone who has had a bad experience with an estate agent. By choosing the right agent you can avoid the pitfalls and be guided every step of way with the agent going the extra mile to get the best result for you.
At Simpson & Weekley, we’re proud of our reputation and award winning customer service. It’s our job to ensure your property journey is as rewarding as possible, and we’ve had many successful years of getting it right. So if you’re thinking about changing estate agents, read on to see why you should switch to Simpson & Weekley and how simple it can be.
Reasons for switching estate agents - Can I switch estate agents as a seller?
Your home is on the market for sale, but you have only received a handful of viewings and the agent you instructed has gone quiet. Sound familiar? If so, it’s time to think about switching estate agents. If things are not working with your estate agent, it’s usually obvious. But what does a good estate agent look like?
At Simpson & Weekley, it all starts when you contact us or book a valuation. Our property consultants will ask questions about the property and about any work you may have done, for example an extension, refitted bathrooms or a new kitchen, we will also ask a little about you and your motivation for selling. All this information will all assist our valuers when doing their research and ensuring you receive the most accurate market-based pricing for your home, not an inflated figure to ‘hook’ you in.
Once you’ve instructed Simpson & Weekley, we will be in regular communication with you to guide you through every stage of the selling process. When your property is “Live” on the market we will provide honest feedback after every viewing not simply tell you what you want to hear just to keep your instruction.
When it comes to finding buyers, your property should be advertised on major portals such as Rightmove with a premium listing, on your agent’s website and on social media which the agent keeps updated and has a good following. If your estate agent is not active on social media and their website is not refreshed regularly your property is not getting the attention it deserves.
At Simpson & Weekley, we have an extensive marketing strategy which has not only created an instantly recognisable local brand, but gets your property seen where it matters. From our ever-growing social media following, our website, and office frontage in key locations, we always maximise the exposure our clients’ properties receive.Our network of 6 offices across the region work together to find the right buyer for you, meaning your property will be shown to vetted purchasers locally and country-wide regardless of which office you are registered to.
If you’re interested in selling your property through Simpson & Weekley, click here to get in touch with our Sales team.
If you’d like to know more about our sales process, click here.
How do you get out of a contract with an estate agency?
If you’re unhappy with your estate agent, it’s important to voice your dissatisfaction by making a complaint.
Once you’ve exhausted your agent’s complaints process and made the decision to switch to another agent, check your contract. You will need to terminate the contractual agreement before entering another with your new agent. Generally, you should contact your agent in writing and provide written notice of your intention to end the contract. The terms on which you will be able to terminate your contract will entirely depend on the content of the agreement, there may also be a minimum notice period that you must adhere to in order to terminate the contract.
Unsure on what grounds you can terminate your contract? We would be happy to help you determine what your rights and obligations are, and recommend a suitable course of action. At Simpson & Weekley, we will only send you our terms of business once you have terminated the agreement with your existing agent.
What else to look out for
Do you have clear communication with your estate agent?
If your enquiries are getting passed around to different sales agents or even different offices within an estate agency, it’s a sign your chosen agent is not prioritising you. Consistent contact with a single agent is vital to ensure your requirements are understood and met. At Simpson & Weekley, you’ll never hear the words "it’s outside of my area" you will have one point of contact throughout the sales process.
How can I avoid having to switch estate agents in future?
Unfortunately, many of the issues listed on this page may not be apparent until your property journey is well under way, which is why it is important to do your due diligence on the estate agency in question before instructing them. Below is a list of things to look out for.
Choose a recognised local agent.
Whether letting, selling, buying or renting property, engaging a professional and established local estate agency can ensure a smooth property transaction.
Check reviews – The Estas are the independent industry body where each online review is from a verified Buyer, Seller, Landlord or Tenant
Give them a call – Is the agent helpful and friendly, and is the information they are providing in line with their website?
Is it worth changing estate agents?
If you are unhappy with your current estate agent you should absolutely consider switching to another agent.
Not only does a bad estate agent cause inconvenience and stress, they could ultimately harm you financially. An estate agent you can trust and who understands your needs can make all the difference in making your property dreams a reality.
Why choose Simpson & Weekley
If you’re feeling lost and wondering what to do next, getting a second opinion from Simpson & Weekley can help bring you clarity and direction so you can make the right decision. When you come to Simpson & Weekley, we will provide straightforward, honest advice after taking the time to get to know you and your property requirements.
Excellent service is at the heart of what we do, we’ve been matching people and property since 1998. Don’t just take our word for it – our customers think so too. We’ve received excellent 5* reviews on the independent industry review platform The Estas, where reviews can only be given by verified Simpson & Weekley clients, meaning that all scores and comments are based on customers’ genuine experience.
If you’re interested in switching to Simpson & Weekley, contact our team or visit your local branch.