Choosing the Right Estate Agent

FFully-qualified, professional estate agents have all the right knowledge and tools at their disposal to sell a pproperty and to achieve the best possible price in the shortest possible time.

Other factors that should be considered before choosing an agent to market the property include:

·         Local knowledge: how long has the agent worked in your area? Is he au fait with local market conditions?

·         Does the agent have a valid Fidelity Fund Certificate? Buyers and sellers should ask to see this as it is illegal for agents to practice without one.

·         Is the agent fully qualified? The industry has standards with which agents have to comply.

·         Where and how often do they advertise your property for sale?

·         Is the agent willing to put your house on show?

·         Does the agent consistently sell property?

The importance of estate agents and the agency for whom they work having valid Fidelity Fund Certificates cannot be over-emphasised. Although the public has, in recent times, become more aware of the importance of dealing with a professional agent, very few ask to see evidence that the agent is legally registered.

What other factors do you look out for to show fraudulent behaviour in estate  agents?