What’s The Best Option For Selling Your Home? Our Latest Blog Sheds Some Light on Traditional And Online Estate Agents
Over the past few years, traditional estate agents have been put to the test with the emergence of online offerings, including full online estate agencies; with no physical presence, hybrids, which offer a mixture of the two and ‘do it yourself’ platforms, which leave everything up to you. The popularity of an online estate agents is based primarily on cost, as they can often undercut high street agents who have larger overheads, but does that really make all the difference?
Both have seemingly different appeal, but it’s difficult to work out whether to go with the ‘new kid on the block’ or put your faith in the tried and tested high street agents. Our latest blog takes a look at both, focussing on the key factors, to help you decide which is best? Traditional or Online estate agents.
Costs
Online estate agencies usually lead their marketing on cost, offering lower fees and commission than high street agents, with some DIY outfits even offering to ‘sell your home for free’.
As you would expect, there are some caveats to these savings, with most offering ‘add-ons’ which can quickly bump up the price. Nowadays, high street sellers can be pretty competitive on price too, offering fixed fees and no sale, no fee listings, so it’s worth checking with your local estate agents before taking the plunge.
Our advice is to total up the extras you may need online, comparing them against traditional agents and considering which is worth more to you. Remember to factor in your time and effort too, as most online portals expect you to do most of the work.
Marketing
Both online and traditional will offer at least one of the ‘big three’ advertising portals; Zoopla, Prime Location and Rightmove. That said, it pays to shop around as some agents, especially bricks and mortar agents can offer much more, including listings on all three!
It’s worth considering social media too, as online agents will rarely offer any form of marketing via the likes of Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, which can be a major audience. Hybrid agents, which mix both online and traditional methods, usually offer the most ‘bang for your buck’ when it comes to marketing; including listings on major property portals, social media advertising and physical advertising too.
Service
It’s pretty obvious that traditional agents are unmatched when it comes to service, with most agents including valuation, marketing, viewings, paperwork and aftercare. If you opt for an online offering, you’ll need to do most of this yourself!
It’s also worth noting that a traditional agent will also have some inside knowledge when it comes to peripheral services, such as the best conveyancing solicitors, surveyors and mortgage advisors, which could prove invaluable.
Listing Time
A traditional agent usually takes a little longer to list your property than listing yourself online, as they will need to schedule a time to visit and value your property. If you’re looking to get your property listed for sale as fast as possible, then an online agent will be the way to go.
Usually, you’ll save around two to three days listing your property yourself.
Turnaround
Whilst it may be quicker to list your property for sale when using an online agent or DIY system, you may find that your actual time to completion is longer. This is often the case, as experienced agents often have the skills and resources to sell your property faster. Remember, it’s in their interest to turnaround properties as quickly as possible, for the best possible price.
Agents that offer a no sale, no fee option are generally geared to selling your property as best they can, after all, they don’t get paid if they don’t!
So Which Is Best? Traditional or Online?
Ok, so it’s pretty obvious that when it comes to selling your home, both online and traditional agents have plenty of benefits. Online offers a quicker listing, with occasionally lower costs, whilst traditional estate agencies offers a hassle free, dedicated approach.
It really does come down to personal preference and your ability and desire to deal with all the paperwork that’s involved. We firmly believe that the service a traditional agent brings, including managing all the red tape really is worth the fee alone, but you may be happy to do all this yourself.
Is There A Middle Ground?
Hybrid Estate Agents (like ours) are becoming increasingly popular too, as they offer the lower costs and ease of listing that online agents do, along with the home comforts and finishing touches of a high street.
Consider a hybrid agent if you’re eager to list your property online, with a full marketing mix, whilst still having a ‘go to’ person to talk to and manage your property sale from start to finish.
We offer a no sale, no fee option, including listings on the ‘big three’; Rightmove, Zoopla and Prime Location, as well as maximum exposure on social media too. Our agents will handle all the valuation, listings and paperwork too; giving you the best of both worlds!
Thinking of selling? Speak to our Estate Agents in Wigan today!
