It always mystifies me to see an agent proclaiming ‘Free Rental Valuations’ as part of their marketing strategy and often it is highlighted, in bold print and surrounded by a star shape so that it stands out for all to see. Does a landlord or indeed a potential seller see this amazing offer and pick up the telephone immediately to call the agent ?
There is a possibility that in some areas of the country such as London an Estate Agent might charge for a valuation if property owners are using them to value their properties before they decide if they wish to sell, but with access to Rightmove and Zoopla it is now very easy to gain a guide valuation with little effort by searching online.
What does mystify me is the concept of maybe charging for a valuation. If you require a quote for some work on your house you do not expect to have to pay the builder, electrician or plumber to visit the property, offer their advice and produce a quotation for the work. Why would an Estate/letting agent be any different ? Surely part of the process of visiting the property is to meet the landlord or seller and start to build a relationship with them that will lead to you being instructed to market their property?
Maybe this offer is made because agents feel that if a potential client sees that they are getting something for ‘Free’ they are more likely to call them. This type of marketing isn’t one you can measure as you are unlikely to ask if they called you because of your ‘Free Appraisal ‘ offer in case they feel insulted that you think they were only looking for the cheapest agent.
Let’s look at another service for which you might pay, for example your accountant. You wouldn’t choose an accountant based on the cheapest fee. An accountant doing their job properly will give you the best advice, produce your tax returns on time and in other ways save you money over the cheapest other accountant. Most likely you will also trust him or her and they will become someone you are pleased you chose and will feel comfortable to call and ask for advice.
If we look at products you might buy and something that is very popular at the moment which is Bluetooth speakers. Without going silly you could choose from a Bose for £350, a Sony for £200 or an LG model for £100. All are fairly similar in specification but you know the sound in the Bose will be exceptional but that is a very high price to pay. The Sony should offer good value for a good product and quite likely you would be disappointed with the LG model.
The above is true when you purchase a service from a Letting or Estate agent. You will find those that offer you a very low price but the service you receive in return from them will match that price. You could choose the most expensive in the area because they must be the best, but you are likely to start asking questions when their high bills keep coming in.
This goes back to the start and how a landlord or seller would choose a Letting/Estate Agent. Is it that amazing offer of a ‘Free Valuation’ or maybe 5% managed fees ? Remember you will get what you pay for. The value is in the agents themselves. Can they offer you the right advice, do they know the area and what is happening in that area not just point out to you the road names. Will they sit you down and discuss the market generally, how it is changing and how this could make an impact on your property ?
All Letting/Estate agents do the same basic work, but your decision on which one to use should not be on price with a hope for good service but based on the agent when you meet him or her in person and their reputation. You want that agent to be proficient in what he or she does and also to be knowledgeable and willing to share their knowledge with you. You want them to advise you for the same reason you choose your accountant, because you feel comfortable with him or her and know they are going to offer you the best advice.
Many of the landlords and tenants choose to come to my shop because of the service and advice we give and also because there is a real person in the shop that they can sit down and talk to. I can discuss with them the new developments being planned and why certain developments rent for more than others. This is where we stand out and are different.
There is a lot of hype and advertising by online agents at the moment. No doubt they will save you money and if you call they can discuss your property once they have read your notes because it will be a different person you speak to when you call. They won’t know that your father has been unwell recently which is why it was difficult to contact you or that your son/daughter recently got married. They won’t know that the house you are renting belonged to your parents or that you had a stroke a few years ago and that is why you had to move to a flat you owned in another part of the country, but they will be able to tell you if the rent has been paid.
Choose your accountant, financial advisor and Letting Agent wisely and choose them for the long term relationship because that is what it will be not just a Free Valuation !
