A Change Of Heart: Is It A Bad Idea To Switch Estate Agents
No one wants to have the ‘it’s not you, it’s me’ chat, least of all with an estate agent. But, like any relationship, if you find yourself having doubts, it might be time to cut things off so you can move on to finding the one who’s right for you.
Considering ending it with a bad agent? Keep reading to explore the benefits, the challenges, and how best to approach tricky situations if you want to avoid any heartbreak.
Reasons to Consider Changing Your Estate Agent
Lack of Communication
Are you finding yourself in the dark, second-guessing your estate agent’s next move, and wondering what’s going on? A breakdown in communication is hard as a homeowner – a house sale is a significant milestone in any person’s life, whether it’s your very first time as a seller, or you’re a seasoned landlord on the hunt for your next successful sale.
If your estate agent isn’t keeping you informed, not providing updates, or even failing to return your calls, it’s easy to become disheartened and lose trust in them altogether. Without effective communication, it’s hard to believe that they’ll deliver on a smooth and streamlined sale, where communication is necessary every step of the way.
Poor Marketing
In the modern world of real estate, proper marketing isn’t just an effective selling strategy, but an essential tool in the property owners’ kit. Unflattering photographs, lacklustre descriptions, or a lack of online presence are going to seriously hinder your chances of selling quickly, and at the price you’re after. Without a proper marketing strategy, your property is likely not going to meet the screens of the right scrollers – and even if it does, they’ll probably be quick to click off in favour of other homes with more appealing pictures.
Limited Local Knowledge
When it comes to choosing an estate agent, an unconditional requirement of whoever you opt for should always be a sound and thorough understanding of the local area. This is crucial from a marketing perspective – your estate agent needs to be on the ball with the current property market in the area you’re selling in, so they know how best to position your property in order to gain the right exposure and land a sale that boasts a good price. Without the proper local know-how, you’re looking at a prolonged and less-than-optimal sale.
Contractual Mishaps
Is your agent failing to meet their contractual obligations? Maybe you’re contractually bound to an agent, but finding yourself continuously unsatisfied with their performance. Either way, there’s no need to feel stuck. Check the clauses that allow for termination under certain conditions – you might be able to end your relationship with them altogether based on these.
The Benefits of Making the Switch
A Fresh Perspective
Has your house been collecting dust on the property market shelf? Sometimes, all it takes is a fresh pair of eyes to step in and offer a new perspective to get things moving. Whether it’s different ideas on how to market or changes to the listing price, a new approach could be the difference your property needs to stand out and start attracting buyers.
Renewed Buyer Interest
The truth is, no one wants the house that’s been left to rot on the market. Buyers will be aware of properties that have been on sale for an extended period, making them seem unattractive or undesirable as a place to make into a home. Switching agents can give stale properties a much-needed relaunch, generating renewed interest as the hot new house on the market.
Proper Marketing Efforts
It can’t be overstated – proper marketing will mean the world of difference in attracting buyers to your doorstep. A new agent might be able to offer an enhanced level of marketing that will draw the right people in, possibly with fresh photos that showcase your home in a better light, or a greater level of exposure on digital property platforms.
Complications of Switching Estate Agents
Contractual Challenges
The most common pitfall to any business relationship is the terms and conditions of the contract. Read, review, and assess each and every facet of the contract you signed before committing to making the switch, as it’s likely you’ll have a minimum term you’ll need to uphold. Of course, this can probably be broken if you’re willing to hand over a substantial amount of cash for the trouble, so check up on financial penalties before you make any rash decisions, as well as notice periods that may also apply in these situations.
Disruption in the Sales Process
Of course, with all the benefits that come with a new agent, any changes are going to lead to an unavoidable delay in your sale. You might also be looking at some extra estate agents’ commission fees. The disruption will only be temporary, but be prepared and have patience. If you’re looking to sell quickly, changing agents might be frustrating, but it’s always worth it if you’re sure your current agent isn’t going to deliver the sale you want anyway.
Continued Complications
Of course, the last thing you want is to go through the hassle of switching agents only to realise on the other side that they weren’t the problem after all, and your property still isn’t selling. The main reason that this might happen is likely the asking price. This is why it’s crucial to ask yourself, before committing to making the change, if the agent is actually the issue – or could it be the price?
Price flexibility is crucial as a seller. Of course, you want to get a fair deal, but a property will only sell for what someone is willing to pay. Be realistic, and make sure you’re certain the price isn’t the problem before you commit to the switch.
How to Smoothly Transition to a New Estate Agent
Decided your agent just isn’t right for you? Here’s four simple steps to make the switch.
- Review Your Contract
Carefully review your current contract to get to grips with the terms and conditions of leaving, with particular attention to the notice period, fees for early termination, and any obligations you need to fulfil before switching.
- Have a Conversation
It’s always worth having an open and honest chat with your agent so you can address your concerns and give them a chance to explain themselves. You never know – they could even turn things around once they know how you really feel.
- Research New Agents
Before making the move, make sure you’ve got your next agent ready to go in order to minimise disruption to your sales process and get your property back up on the market as quickly as possible. Read reviews and ask for recommendations in the local area so you can make an informed decision.
It’s important to note here that some contracts will include exclusivity clauses, which means you won’t be allowed to engage with another agent until the exclusivity period has ended. Read your contract carefully beforehand to avoid any legal complications down the line.
- Plan the Transition
Once you’ve selected your new agent, plan the transition carefully – ensure all necessary paperwork is completed and your property is re-listed promptly, while maintaining communication with both your old and new agents to ensure a smooth handover of responsibilities.
How We Can Help
Frustrated with your current estate agent? We’re here to help. At Zest, we understand the importance of proper communication, local expertise, and a solid marketing strategy, with an innovative team dedicated to providing you with a seamless and honest selling experience that gets the results you want.
Our commitment to customer satisfaction will ensure your property gets the attention it deserves, with the best possible chance of selling quickly and at the right price. If your current agent isn’t meeting your needs, consider making the switch – get in touch today to take the first step towards your sale.