SELLERS BEWARE - say Your Move Nicholson and Jackson (From Crewe Guardian)

SELLERS BEWARE - say Your Move Nicholson and Jackson

11:26am Saturday 25th September 2010

With recent reports from the National Association of Estate Agents stating that more people are now choosing to put their home up for sale local estate agent, Your Move Nicholson and Jackson, is highlighting the growing need for sellers to ensure they are in a position to compete effectively in the market but also that they are marketing their property at a realistic price.

Andrew Nicholson for Your Move Nicholson and Jackson in Crewe commented: "It's all too easy for sellers to enter the market and be tempted by high valuation prices set by some estate agents and even be persuaded into thinking that their property will sell within weeks. Unfortunately the reality is that with so few buyers on the market there is growing competition for each and every one of them. In many cases, whilst an agent may set a high valuation price - just to get the property on their books - it probably won't be long before the seller will have to reduce the price simply to get any buyer interest. And, even then, following potentially weeks of lost opportunity, once the property is reduced in value it may create immediate suspicion that there is something wrong with it and could deter even more buyers in the longer term.

"Many sellers may then be left with the feeling they have wasted weeks in selling but also the disappointment of a lower asking price and an agent who is simply unable to market the property effectively - it's not a good start.

"Choosing an agent, therefore, who can provide evidence of selling prices for similar properties, likely demand and examples of their successes are no doubt going to be more valuable to the seller.

"They should also be able to demonstrate how they will market the property. It's standard practice, for example, for an agent to advertise in the local media and place an eye-catching board next to the property but there are far more opportunities available which a good agent should offer.

"Advertising a property via the internet is an obvious advantage particularly with many people starting their search for property online - the more websites a property is on means the more people are likely to see it. It makes sense, therefore, to choose an agent who not only has a great website themselves but also advertises on other major property portals.

"Added to this check out their sales particulars, their local advertising, and how they match buyers to sellers - are they reliant on face-to-face or telephone contact or do they have the systems and processes in place which allow for greater 'matching' of buyers and sellers. Also do they offer different levels of marketing to suit your particular type of property and do they offer complimentary services that can improve the speed and ease of selling?

"It's also worth considering if your local agent works in isolation. The fact is some buyers may want to relocate to this area and it's important you target those too - the more branches the agent has across the country - and ultimately the more staff working for you - the better.

"You should also get advise from your agent about the presentation of your property and how you could improve is saleability. Ask if they conduct viewings for you and how you can help in that process e.g. how to 'present it more favourably to the potential buyer and what improvements or changes, if any, are required to attract buyers.

"All in all at Your Move we are certainly seeing more property for sale locally but there's also more competition for buyers. Choosing the right agent who concentrates more on selling properties, than simply adding to their client list, is therefore more important than ever."

If you'd like to find out more about how Your Move Nicholson and Jackson can help you as a seller or buyer, simply contact the local branch at 222/224 Nantwich Road, Crewe or telephone the local team at 01270 214204*

* Calls may be recorded and monitored for training and/or data protection purposes