All agents are online today, in some way or form. Like driverless cars or planes that can fly themselves, some online agents are perfectly capable of transporting you wherever you want to go.
That said, there is something very reassuring about a friendly face and a hands-on approach of a bricks-and-mortar estate agent. However, you must ask the question: Is that all that keeps us going back to traditional estate agents?
Online estate agents
Taking up a small part of the estate agency market and sometimes getting a lot of positive and negative press, there are advantages and disadvantages to using an online agent. Whether these are pros and cons depends on your individual needs.
Online may be cheaper
You have to pay online estate agents upfront, which is usually less than a traditional estate agent, depending on the cost of your home, but be cautious; cheaper is not always better.
Are you selling for the first time? Find more of our advice here
You have more responsibility
You are in control of your house sale via an online portal or dashboard, where you can manage your property’s photographs and viewings. This can be time-consuming, and while some people may love the idea of welcoming potential buyers to their home, others may find it awkward, especially when it’s time to make an offer.
Flexible packages
In an attempt to offer some of the services of a traditional estate agent, there are a range of packages you can add to online estate agency providers.
Traditional estate agents
One of the key differences that sways most people towards a traditional agent is that you will only pay a fee once your house is sold.
With online agents, an upfront fee is charged whether your home sells or not. This could be one of the reasons why the online agent bubble is bursting, as more secure businesses are able to offer reliable services without charging before results have been delivered.
Beyond pricing, striking the right balance of online convenience and human intelligence is important, and if you lead a busy life, a good agent is a must-have for what is an emotional experience.
Estate agents are highly motivated
Estate agents are good at getting the best possible price for your home,. Subsequently, they are highly experienced in the art of preparing your home for sale. This results in great photographs and other assets to help market your home.
They’re less likely to under – or over – value your home
When you book a home valuation with an established bricks-and-mortar estate agent, you can trust that the asking price they provide will reflect the true value of your home. After all, they will only be paid after you sell your home, so they’re less likely to inflate the asking price just to get your business.
They’ve a big database of buyers
With an abundance of local market knowledge, traditional estate agents like those you’ll find at Parkers will have a long-established database full of ready and motivated buyers waiting for a property like yours to appear. As such, some agents can often sell your property before it’s listed.
Sometimes all you need is the human touch
Buying a home can be stressful, as can going online. For some people, it can become a bit too much. Instructing an estate agent who can help guide and reassure you with the latest advice and legislative knowledge is invaluable.
When it comes to negotiating an offer, it can be a nerve-racking time, and a good agent could cover the cost of their fees by advising you correctly on price.
