Whether you're selling your home in Northampton or are looking to rent or buy, choosing a great estate agent is a hugely important part of the process.
Pick the right agent and your transaction is much more likely to go off without a hitch. You'll be able to find the house of your dreams or get your property off the market much more quickly.
The question is, how do you distinguish between a great estate agent in Northampton, and a mediocre one? It can be hard to tell at the initial stage when the agent will be on their best behaviour trying to pitch their services to you!
Luckily, there are some signs to look out for.
How to Identify a Good Estate Agent
They'll have excellent online reviews
Thanks to Google, it is no longer possible for any service provider to get away with lousy service. Customers and clients can easily leave bad online reviews, which will affect their future business.
Look online before you decide on an estate agent. If they don't have their own reviews section, take a look on Google. You can see our honest Google reviews from customers here.
Search for reputable estate agents just like us, that have verified reviews. If they've delivered exceptional service in the past, it's likely, they will again. The same applies to those who have delivered bad service and have poor reviews - avoid them!
They'll often come recommended
One of the best ways to start your hunt for a great local estate agent in Northampton is to ask around for recommendations. If anyone within your friends and family circle is personally vouching for an estate agent, they're likely to provide excellent service.
It also adds an element of credibility, as the recommendation is coming from someone that you know and trust.
They've been doing this for a while!
Find someone equipped with the experience you need to navigate the property market. Gain an understanding of how much experience your estate agent has before choosing them for your home move. Horts began life in 1996. Our agency was founded by Adam Wellesley and Dorian Sanchez, two experienced property professionals and Horts Estate Agents has been built on the back of recruiting truly exceptional people that believe in the ethos of ‘getting the basics right and keeping promises’.
The more experience an agent has navigating the housing market, the more easily they'll be able to spot any issues and help you circumvent them. They may also have partners that they can recommend to help you with your move, such as independent surveyors and removal companies. If you're buying or renting, we'd recommend opting for Horts, as we have great local knowledge of the area.
Their average selling time speaks for itself
One of the signs of an effective estate agent in Northampton is how quickly they can work to move your property off the market. While you want to ensure that they don't rush the process and achieve a good price for your property, you also don't want to wait too long when you're ready to sell your house.
A great estate agent will be skilled on how to market your property and will be able to find interested buyers and line up viewings until they get your house sold.
So, how do you find out whether your estate agent will be effective at selling your property?
Ask them what their average selling time is!
They offer a fair property valuation
To value a house accurately is a lot more work than you may think. All estate agents know that the property valuation you offer them could lead to you choosing to work with them or not, and they may adjust their valuation accordingly.
Some agents may decide to overvalue the property to tempt you into working with them, only to reduce this to a more realistic valuation once you've chosen them. Opt for an estate agent that gives you a realistic valuation from the start that is aligned with the market value.
It's perfectly okay to ask an agent to explain their valuation if you think it's too high or too low. A great estate agent will happily explain their reasoning for their valuation and break down why they've given those numbers.
They have good communication skills
This is less easy to 'measure', but it's one of the most important things that make up a great estate agent. They should be friendly and communicative so you can be sure that you will be kept informed throughout the process.
Suss out their communication style with a simple phone call or video call, although keep in mind that all agents will be putting their best foot forward at this stage!
Enquire Now!
If you are planning on moving to Northampton soon, get in touch with our friendly team at Horts to request a valuation.
We'll be happy to advise you on all our available properties in Northampton. Contact us on 01604 639933 for more information and an expert, friendly service, or email us at northampton@horts.co.uk.
Frequently Asked Questions About Great Estate Agents
How can I verify the credibility of online reviews when assessing an estate agent?
To ensure the reliability of online reviews, look for verified reviews on reputable platforms such as Google Business and consider the overall sentiment, taking both positive and negative feedback into account.
What's the potential downside of choosing an estate agent solely based on a short average selling time?
While a short selling time may seem appealing, it's crucial to balance speed with achieving a fair price; be cautious of agents who prioritise a quick sale at the expense of the property's market value.
Is there a recommended timeframe for an estate agent to be considered experienced in the property market?
While there's no fixed timeframe, consider an estate agent with substantial experience, as their familiarity with the market can help navigate potential issues and provide valuable insights.
How can I assess an estate agent's communication skills before committing to their services?
Initiate a conversation with the estate agent through a phone call or video call to gauge their communication style and responsiveness, ensuring they prioritise clear and friendly communication throughout the selling or buying process.
