The overall shortage of housing stock in relation to demand suggests that finding a buyer should not be too difficult irrespective of which agent you choose to sell your property.

So it’s tempting to become less discerning over your choice of agent and simply choose the cheapest!

Indeed, I’ve seen this on multiple occasions where fees seem to be the most important consideration for modern day sellers.

However, this approach usually turns out to be a considerable false economy, as the difference between a good agent and a mediocre, or internet-only one, can be highly significant.

First, the difference between the cheapest and the most expensive agent is probably only about 1% of the sale price.

However, the ability of a good agent to negotiate the highest price the market will pay (which is usually between 5% and 10% more than the average buyer would pay) is clearly worth far more than this.

Why save hundreds when you can make thousands?

To me, it’s counter intuitive.

Cheap agents rely on turnover of stock, rather than the actual amount of fee charged to make their money.

With a shortage of stock, they feel the pinch more than the higher quality estate agents and are therefore more interested in arranging the sale at any price, rather than negotiating the best terms for their client.

And quite tellingly, in a market like ours where stock in certain price ranges is at a premium, often the only way of listing a home is to drop the fee below that of the competition.

However, the better agents have a reputation to protect, and they are passionate in their quest to secure the asking price wherever possible.

Indeed, we often secure figures in excess of the asking price for our clients.

It’s your equity at stake here.

You may not necessarily believe it, but it is in an estate agent’s VERY best interests to try and secure you, the seller, the highest possible sale price.

That takes skill, market knowledge, the ability to negotiate and an attention to detail.

Service comes as standard.

And don’t forget, it is not just the sale that is important.

Equally so is the effective management of the sale through the legal channels towards exchange and completion.

So often sales fall down at this stage.

A good agent, an agent worth their fee, will do their level best to keep your sale on the tracks towards completion.

So when choosing the right agent to sell your home, what is more important to you - low fees, or the most money in your pocket and the security of a well-managed sale?

Please feel free to contact us on 01624 645555 if you’d like sincere advice about how to maximise your selling prospects - and your price!