Who is best to show your home, you or the estate agent?
Are you thinking about selling your home but are concerned about the viewings? Who will show people around your property? Is it best if you do them or the agent? How will you fit them all into your already busy schedule?
Some estate agents will include accompanied viewings as part of the service when they market your property for sale. They will arrange to bring viewers to the property and do the guided tour so you don't have to. Other agents might not offer this, believing that you, as the seller, are best suited to show your property as you know it best. But who is right?
First, let's look at the argument for showing your property to prospective buyers yourself?
- You know more about your home than anyone else - every nook, cranny, and creaky floorboard. You know precisely what has needed to be repaired over the years and who did the work for you.
- You like the property so much that you chose to buy it and have lived there for years.
- You can answer any question the viewer may have.
To contrast, what is the argument for letting the estate agent do the viewing appointments for you?
- Estate agents are professional salespeople. They know how to sell houses. They won't overwhelm the viewers with information. They will say just enough to highlight the property's unique features and not too much.
- They know what the buyer is looking for, so they can put more effort into the features that will resonate with that particular buyer, resulting in a deeper connection to your property and more likely to receive an offer.
- Whatever the reason you decide to move, the property you are selling no longer fits your requirements. You have fallen out of love with the property and are dreaming of somewhere new. This will mean that you might have a downer on certain aspects your buyer might be interested in. The agent has a neutral perspective and can highlight the positives for you without that bias.
- It is more convenient for you as the seller - simply arrange for the viewings to take place whilst you are out at work. Or, have appointments bunched together on the weekend and go out for a nice walk or brunch. Maybe even offer an open day and let the agent work their magic whilst you enjoy another cappuccino in peace.
There is no right or wrong answer here; it is the preference of the estate agent and the homeowner. It can feel intrusive to have estate agents coming into your home and showing people around without you being involved, almost as if it is not your home anymore. But, at least this way, you can let them accompany these appointments whilst you are out at work without taking time to fit them around your life.
If you are considering putting your home up for sale this summer, speak to our team of property experts about their viewing policy to decide which strategy would work best for you.