Like many industries, estate agency is moving into the future. Over the last few years, we’ve seen not only a rise in online agents but also the use of modern digital marketing within traditional agencies and an increase in their online presence. We’ve seen the same thing happen with high street retailers and although high street shopping is making a comeback, most people would still rather do their shopping from the comfort of their home. But just because online agency is gaining in popularity, this doesn’t mean that an online agent is right for you. So, we’re highlighting the differences between a traditional high street agent and an online agent for you below:
Price
One of the main reasons people choose to sell their property with an online agent is the much lower fee they charge compared to the traditional agents, the majority of online agents charge a low fixed upfront fee, whereas traditional agents charge a percentage of the sale price. So if you’re looking to save as much money as possible on the fees charged, then an online agent will be the best option.
Norfolk Property Online have three options; a low fixed upfront fee of £695, a slightly higher fixed fee of £895 on completion or a low percentage of the sale price option which is no sale no fee. This means you can choose what works best financially for you.
Local knowledge and regular communication
A recurring criticism of online agents is their lack of local knowledge and communication. This is because nearly all online agents are spread wide across the nation. On your valuation, a ‘local property expert’ will visit you but this can very often be the only time you get to speak with someone locally. Following the valuation, it’s odds on that you will find yourself speaking to people in national call centres across the country with no knowledge of your property or of your location. Traditional agents, on the other hand, work within their immediate area and the experienced ones will have a strong local knowledge of the region and local property market. However, they may be less accessible often working just 9am-5pm and just six days a week.
Norfolk Property Online is a hybrid of the two. We’re effectively a low-cost traditional agent focussing the majority of our advertising online. With over 40 years combined experience selling in all property sectors across Norfolk we have extensive knowledge of the local area enabling us to sell properties effectively. Having never been to Northumbria we can’t honestly say that we would be able to sell a house there as effectively as a local agent! We also have a city centre office, which allows us to be in constant communication with our sellers and buyers, whether that’s face to face or over the phone or by email. You can contact us 24/7.
Conclusion
Once you think you’ve decided on an agent you now need to check their results. If the agent you’re using is well known then customer review sites can give you an indication of how well they’ve performed for previous sellers and buyers alike. Many agents will have customer reviews on their website or social media sites. At Norfolk Property Online, we have reviews on our Facebook page, as well as testimonials on our website.
If you’re thinking of selling, why don’t you get in touch to find out more? We’re a friendly, honest bunch, passionate about our county and our counties beautiful properties. We can be reached on 01603 300900 by email [email protected] or pop in and see us at De Vere House St Faiths Lane Norwich NR1 1NE.
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