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Should we switch estate agents? Or is it better the devil you know?

Mark Brogan
June 1, 2021
Selling a home

There’s no denying that selling a home can be a stressful experience, often made a lot worse by lousy estate agencies. This brings us the question on the tip of your tongue, should we switch estate agents?

We frequently welcome new clients looking to sell their homes who have endured disappointing experiences with their former estate agent. We are also familiar with stories of agencies who have minimal property marketing, fail to arrange regular viewings, and gain zero feedback from prospective buyers.

If your property is currently on the market and any of these struggles resonate with you, it might very well be high time to consider making the switch to a new estate agent. As the customer, you deserve to enjoy great service and achieve property selling success!

We feel your pain those out there currently in the process of selling your home and not seeing the results you want, but (there’s always a but…) before you make any hasty decisions and switch to a new agency, you must ask yourself a few key questions to avoid any regrets.

Our top nine reasons for switching estate agents

So… to switch, or not to switch? That’s our big question! Let’s start by running through our top nine reasons to consider switching estate agents to kick things off.

However, even with all these negatives in mind, is switching estate agents really worth the hassle? As with any important decision, there are also several cons when it comes to switching estate agents.

Reasons to stay put with your current estate agent

Number one – if you don’t feel that your estate agent is doing the very best job at selling your home, the first step is to talk to them. Communication is key, as it is in any professional relationship. If you start by picking up the phone and speaking with your agent about your disappointment, they will have the chance to make some improvements and hopefully change your mind about switching.

Number two – another reason for continuing with your current estate agency could be that your property simply hasn’t been on the market long enough. If it’s only been a few weeks, hold your nerve and give things a little more time.

Number three – Finally, by switching estate agencies too soon, you may incur some unforeseen financial penalties. When you sign up to work with an agency, you will agree to an exclusivity clause known as a sole agency period. Therefore, breaking your contract early is not advisable, and you are much better off speaking to your agency about your concerns.

Despite these reasons for staying with your current estate agent, if you are genuinely unhappy with the service you have received, you should not be put off by seeking a new agency to list your property with.

Our advice for making the switch to a new estate agency

If you’ve decided to switch to a new estate agency, your first step is to give your current agency notice in writing.

When choosing a new estate agent, base your research on independent data. When you utilise the treasure trove that are online reviews, you will benefit from the reassurance that you will enjoy helpful and professional service, again and again.

If contracts have previously caught you out, don’t make the same mistake twice. Spend some time negotiating the best possible deal with your new agency and always read that small print.

In the future, you must monitor your property’s activity. If you don’t see the viewings you’d hoped for, reach out to your agent straight away and stop history repeating itself.

The bottom line…

When choosing an estate agent to list your property with, don’t rush. Take your time to do your research and ask questions.

If you decide to make that switch, you can rest assured that you will benefit from all the positives your new agency has to offer. From new photos to fresh advertising, you will also gain access to that all-important brand new database of buyers on the hunt for their dream home. 

Are you thinking of switching estate agents? 

We specialise in helping you get more for your property.  Quicker, easier and with less stress.

You can call us any time on 0333 016 5458 where we can provide help, guidance and support.

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