Split Opinion on Whether Brexit is Impacting Local Markets – Says National Estate Agency Survey
As the Government debates the intricacies of Britain leaving the European Union, widely known as ‘Brexit’, local estate agents across the UK are experiencing mixed trends with regards to its impact so far.
From the responses received, following a recent survey conducted by Relocation Agent Network amongst its members – including Richard James – there was a relatively even split between agents that have already begun to experience market trends that can be attributed to Brexit (46%), and those that have … Continue Reading…
What Does Viewing Feedback Really Mean?
Sellers often approach us after an unsatisfactory experience with another agent, particularly in relation to poor levels of feedback following property viewings.
Surely prompt and constructive feedback should be a fundamental part of any estate agent’s service to their clients! Only when agents understand what buyers think of a property can they deliver practical advice that will enhance its sale prospects. The agent and the seller should be working hand-in-hand to achieve the desired outcome, based significantly on buyers’ comments.
We also … Continue Reading…
Market report – January 2017
Whilst many of us might have understandably had quite enough of Brexit/Trump inspired news, there is one aspect of these that is extremely reassuring in respect of the UK property market! Such tumultuous news, almost daily, with so many angles and such far-reaching political, economic and social consequences, might ordinarily cause such uncertainty as to put a dampener on the property market. People and markets generally don’t like uncertainty. And we probably live in the most uncertain times in a … Continue Reading…
Open House
The keys to selling any property are price, location and exposure. You can’t change the location of your property, and the market determines the price. However, your agent can make significant inroads into how powerfully your property is exposed to the market.
One of the most effective methods is the “open house”. This is where the property is advertised as being open for anyone who wishes to view it at a certain time, usually during a weekend. Very common abroad, the … Continue Reading…
Valuation versus Value!
Estate agents’ market valuations are usually free, and because of this, it is very tempting for prospective sellers to invite a number of agents to comment and then select the agent that suggests the highest likely sale price for the property.
However, we advise caution on this issue. Some agency “valuers” are paid bonus on the number of new instructions they secure, irrespective of the saleability of the property offered for sale at their suggested value. The easiest way for an … Continue Reading…
Selling Your House? Don’t Wait for the New Year!
If you’re thinking of entering the property market, our advice is don’t wait until the New Year! Many think that buyers stop looking at houses during the Christmas period but actually, from our experience, this is the time when people go online to search for a new home. What the Experts Say 92% of Relocation Agent Network member estate agents, who responded to a December survey, recommend that prospective sellers go to market before the Christmas break. The key reasons … Continue Reading…
Better on The Big Screen – Can You Help?
Innovation in estate agency is evolving rapidly, and the use of certain technologies is enabling agents to offer added value to customers.
As you may have noticed, our offices are now sporting impressive interactive touch screens that can display our clients’ properties to buyers more effectively than ever before. Gone are the days of the faded window card. It is size, movement, vibrancy and relevance that now catch the public’s attention.
Since installing the screens we have been amazed by the substantial … Continue Reading…
What About The Children?
Showing your home to prospective purchasers can be stressful enough, but children add an extra dimension and their needs should be considered.
Moving house might be logical and exciting for an adult, but the fear of the unknown can be upsetting for children. That room or corner of the garden that has been their special place for most of the child’s life is about to be taken away from them, as they are rocketed out of their comfort zone into unknown … Continue Reading…
November 2016 Property Market Comment
The property market depends on fluidity and activity to be regarded as healthy. This year the number of transactions has been light, based on a dearth of supply. This has itself fed the problem with sellers being reluctant to put their property on the market if they only have a limited choice of onward purchase.
But this seems to be easing. Last month, HMRC reported a 1% increase in transactional volumes – a small but significant step in the right direction … Continue Reading…
Richard James Wins Top Award At Prestigious Estate Agency Event
We are celebrating being crowned the 2016 Relocation Agent Network Agent of the Year. We received our award at this year’s Relocation Agent Network Awards Dinner held on Friday 18 November at the Sofitel Hotel and Conference Centre, Heathrow.
The Agent of the Year Award is the most coveted prize Relocation Agent Network, the national network of selected estate agents, can give. Nominees are selected for the award because of the outstanding service that they have provided to their customers. They … Continue Reading…