Selling a property is a bit like a football match – it’s a game of two halves.
The first half centres on finding a buyer and agreeing a deal, and the second half is about making that deal a reality.
Most buyers are familiar with the wheeling and dealing that goes on in the first part of the process but underestimate what it takes to get an offer to completion.
But with industry insiders estimating that 30% of deals collapse before completion, it’s clear that having an expert handle sales progression is important.
Here’s a list of how a good agent can help get a deal across the line.
Manage expectations
A good agent ensures all parties have realistic expectations about dates and timescales.
This is because deals often fail when buyers and sellers aren’t on the same page or don’t understand the complexity of the process.
Anger and frustration can scupper a deal if one party grows impatient or feels things are moving too quickly.
Communicate with all parties
They say no news is good news, but in the property world, radio silence breeds mistrust and suspicion.
So, it’s vital to keep all parties regularly updated on the progress of surveys and searches and to keep the lines of communication open. A proactive agent checks in with solicitors, sellers and buyers and liaises with other agents in the chain.
If you’ve never bought or sold a home, or are a bit rusty on what’s involved, having a professional steer the process can make all the difference.
Keep sellers and buyers motivated
When deals drag on, fatigue can set in. One party may wonder if moving is worth all the hassle or start scrolling property portals to see if an alternative property catches their eye.
A good agent steps in before things reach this critical state by reminding buyers and sellers that progress is being made, and the importance of staying positive to realise their property dreams.
Choosing an agent
When choosing an estate agent, go for an all-rounder – one who is skilled at marketing and negotiating but will also help you see the deal through to completion.
