Do Your Homework
As one of the oldest Estate agents in Highgate, we are busy every day valuing homes in the area. Especially given the fact we offer a free property valuation service. Using our expert local knowledge, experience and research, we provide the most accurate valuation we possibly can.
We strongly advise that you as the client do the same.
Our Homework Tips
How to pick agents to value (we recommend asking three local agents to value)
Ask Around
Use your social network. Often your friends and family will be best placed to point you to the agents who have given good service. Recommendations are a good start!
Reviews
Don’t just take your peer’s recommendations. Check out the reviews for the estate agent; the best estate agents will shine through their reviews.
Free Valuation
I would advise that you insist on a free property valuation. Often agents will charge you should you need valuations for probate purposes or for divorce estate calculations.
Marketing
Estate agents are marketers first and foremost, and it is imperative for agents to have the best photography and videography to make your property ‘pop’ in a crowded online market. Does your agent produce video and photography better than their peers?
Research your property value
Why?
Although seemingly counterintuitive, it is important that you have an understanding of value for your own peace of mind as well as being able to work with the agent of choice in establishing the price. Often as estate agents in Highgate, we work with the clients to establish a price that is both in line with the market and in line with the needs of the client.
Where?
There is a multitude of places to find sold information. Firstly, your neighbours and peers; who has recently sold in your street or neighbouring streets? For how much did they sell? Rightmove.co.uk, has a sold prices tab. Simply type in your postcode to see recent sales. Nethouseprices.com, offers similar information to Rightmove but often with more data. It is important to note most websites use Land Registry data. This takes a minimum of 3 months to show therefore, as is often the case in North London, the prices shown may not reflect the market conditions.
Who?
Your competition, we think, is the most important of all the points. How do you compare to similar properties on the market? Are they in better condition? Does yours have an extension/loft conversion? Are you on the quieter end of the street? Would your house be the best for the price? Often sellers are unaware of how they compare to other properties. It’s about changing the mindset from seller to buyer – search within ¼ of a mile. If your house is the best for the price, then you will likely have a straightforward sale. It helps to gauge your ambition of price with the market conditions around you.
What?
What is your motivation – Price? Speed? Service? This will determine which agent can help you the most. Is it the agent who has valued the highest? This is tempting but is it realistic? Often you sacrifice speed in order to achieve a good price. Do you have a deadline? Do you need school catchments? Do you need to move for work? If so, you may need to reduce your mindset on price to be more attractive to the market. One thing you should never compromise on is service. Think about the agent that values; do you like them? Do you like what their estate agent stands for? The selling process can take months. You need to want to work with your agent over this time. If you like and trust them then there’s a good chance the buyers will as well.
If you would like a free property valuation by Highgate’s multi award winning estate agent, Stonebridge, please do reach out, come in for a coffee or call.