Why selling your Basingstoke property with a local estate agent is the best choice
In this week’s sales article, we explore how agents with local knowledge can help sellers get the most out of their property.
If you’re selling a property, you’ve got a big decision to make. Which estate agent do you pick? Should you go with a local agency or choose a big-name brand?
Should you use an agent based in the local Basingstoke high street or go with a cheaper online option?
Before you make up your mind, it’s best to get a couple of agents in to value your property and discuss the sales process. Then, find out how they will help and what they will do differently from other agents.
Let`s look at why staying local and using an independent agent can offer you real value for money.
Realistic valuation
It’s easy to get swayed by big numbers. The bigger the valuation, the better the agent, right? Wrong. Unfortunately, some agents can offer higher valuations to win your business. As a result, you may find yourself dropping the price quite swiftly once it goes to market.
Working with a local Basingstoke agent who lives and breathes properties in your area gives you a better sense of what similar properties have sold for and the current level of demand. In contrast, if you choose to sell with an online agency, you’ll lose the benefit of having a local expert on your side, singing the praises of your property to potential buyers.
Unlike more corporate estate agents, most local agents live in the area they work in. And they’ve seen the market change over time. This gives them a deeper understanding of what price a property can achieve.
Local knowledge
You can’t put a price on local knowledge. An estate agent that has experience in your neighbourhood can be the reason your home sells. Moreover, they will be able to offer you information about what local buyers are looking for. They can also share bags of knowledge with potential buyers during viewings.
If buyers have school-age children, a local agent will be able to discuss proximity to schools, catchment areas and Ofsted ratings. Similarly, a local agent’s knowledge of commuter routes, public transport options and local gyms, parks and shops will help persuade buyers who are unsure of what an area offers.
Focused viewings
Most agents have an email database of buyers wanting to live in the area. Only local agents can use it to full advantage. They’ll be able to find a property that suits a buyer’s needs more acutely than a corporate agent who moves around a lot and is relatively new to the area.
Moreover, a good local Basingstoke agent will be tuned into what their buyers are really looking for. That way, they can target your property to the right people.
If you’re looking to sell your home, our team at Belvoir Basingstoke has the knowledge and motivation to get your property sold. Contact us on 01256 811 220 for more information.
