Property:

Do`s and don`ts regarding your estate agent

When you are selling through an estate agent remember that they have your best interest at heart. After all if your house doesn`t sell they don`t get their commission. Here are some pointers on do`s and don`ts with regards to conducting business with your agent

• DO try to build a relationship with the agent. It can work wonders and you will find that you are getting honest feedback about the marketing of your home.
• DO realise that they have other clients too. Agents with lots of properties on the market generate lots of buyers, which is exactly what you want.
• DO keep them informed of any changes to your position or circumstances.
• DO make sure that the agent can get hold of you easily. If he/she has a client in the office wanting to view your property and they can`t get in touch with you the buyer may decide to look at another property.
• DO take the agent's advice with regard to price if your home has been on the market for more than 12 weeks.
• DO plan regular updates with them.
• DO ask them to detail what the marketing plan is, so that you know what they are doing.
• DO always keep the communication corridor open. Never let communication break down to such an extent that neither party wants to phone the other. You have a mutual interest in selling.
• DON'T wander into the estate agent's office demanding an update regarding the marketing. Make an appointment to come in and see your contact. That way you won't get quickly made-up excuses but a properly thought-out update.
• DON'T ring up every time you go out of the house just to let them know that you will be out.
• DON'T blame the agent if a potential buyer fails to turn up. It is usually the buyer's fault.
• DON'T forget that they know the market far better than you, especially when it comes to prices