Should you switch estate agents? Here are five warning signs to watch out for

Whether it is providing fair and accurate property valuations, good marketing, getting viewers, selling your London home or helping you buy the right home based on your needs and budget, estate agents play a crucial role during property transactions. However, there can be times when you feel the agent you’ve instructed isn’t bringing in much value and therefore consider making a switch.

While changing agents can be a welcome step at such times, you should know that it also means starting back from square one, as the average time an agent takes to sell a property in the UK is 25 weeks (nearly six months). So, what are those signs telling you that you need a new agent, or it’s time to change your estate agent?

1. Insufficient or poor marketing of your property

It’s no secret that appealing pictures and videos of a property and its surroundings are needed to garner buyer interest online. Along with rich media, the estate agent should also provide general information about your property, such as floor plans, amenities and other USPs that help promote your property and make it stand out on listing sites.

From getting the lighting right to displaying tidy and clean interior and exterior images, your agent should showcase your property at its best to get you credible enquiries that translate into successful viewings and attractive offers.

2. Laidback approach and slow with viewings

From mismanaging time to not sticking to schedules, potential buyers looking to view your property can be deterred by an agent’s unprofessionalism and cancel their viewings. Fewer viewings will lower the chances of a successful sale, and your agent should have the flexibility to entertain requests for property viewings at the convenience of potential buyers.

On the contrary, a proactive agent will ensure they ask you all the relevant questions to position your property at its best and pitch it correctly. An agent who takes an interest in conducting viewings and getting genuine offers is what you need.

3. No sufficient local insights or similar properties

To successfully sell a property, your agent must have a proven track record or experience selling similar properties in the area. From local insights into ongoing regeneration plans and upcoming upgrades to the average prices of similar properties, estate agents need to be experts about the area they are selling in.

If your agent lacks the necessary staff or resources who have in-depth local knowledge, selling a property can get challenging. Ideally, an agent selling in a particular locality or neighbourhood should already have several interested buyers they can show your property to.

4. Unable to provide proper feedback and guidance

While it is common for even well-presented homes to get rejected by buyers, your agent should be able to find out the reason and advise you on how to take corrective steps. Whether it is a lack of curb appeal, high pricing, or any other issues with the property’s layout and orientation, your agent must be able to provide proper feedback and suggest credible solutions.

For example, there are structural issues like leakages or poor EPC. In that case, your agent must be able to identify these issues and recommend the correct renovation or refurbishment solutions for your property. Cross-selling and promoting your property during other viewings in the same area also shows proactiveness and eagerness to get a sale.

5. No results even after months of back and forth

While the ultimate expectation is to get a quick and profitable sale, a good estate agent will focus on the basic parameters, such as getting a specific number of viewings after a precise valuation. Many estate agents try to appease clients by overestimating the value of a property, which eventually leads to low buyer interest.

Suppose no offers are coming in, even after repeated viewings and several weeks of listing. In that case, you should reconsider the valuation and need an honest agent to prioritise your best interests. Weak communication or instances where it’s difficult to get a response even after repeated follow-ups with an agent are big red flags.

How long should I wait before switching agents?

If an agent is likely to or has already exceeded the average time for sale, it is advisable to start considering a switch. However, you may still need to factor in current market conditions and the level of proactiveness of the agent before making any decisions.

Should I switch to Benham and Reeves?

Whether it is providing free and accurate valuations, securing a sale, finding the right property, or maximising rental yield from an investment, it eventually comes down to astute property knowledge and local expertise through a physical on-the-ground presence. At Benham and Reeves, we have 21 branches across London with dedicated sales and letting teams to help you make sound decisions and achieve desired results.

Furthermore, our range of property management services ensures your property is well taken care of, even if you live outside the UK. Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you with your London property needs.