How an RICS Estate Agent Can Help You Sell Your Home

If you have decided to put your property on the market remember it can take anything from four weeks to several months to sell, particularly if a chain is involved.

This is also very dependent on the current market conditions and an RICS estate agent can give you up to the minute advice on these aspects.

When you want to sell your home, you can take advantage of expertise by choosing an estate agent who is an RICS member and follows the standards laid out in our Blue Book: Residential Property Standards.

 

Decided to sell

If you have decided to put your property on the market remember it can take anything from four weeks to several months to sell, particularly if a chain is involved. This is also very dependent on the current market conditions and an RICS estate agent can give you up to the minute advice on these aspects.

Many estate agents throughout the UK are RICS members. Here are the advantages of using an RICS regulated firm:

• they give you clear, impartial and expert advice
• they act in your interest
• they are tightly regulated and have to follow strict rules of conduct – including having in place insurance to protect you
• RICS members have a specific set of rules and best practice guidance, the Blue Book: Residential Property Standards designed to help ensure RICS estate agents provide exceptional service
• RICS members have to update their skills and knowledge throughout their careers, so you can rely on their expertise
• you are protected by a complaints procedure and access to independent redress, for example through an Ombudsman scheme.

Look out for firms that are ‘Regulated by RICS’ and follow the standards laid out in the Blue Book. Estate agents and surveying firms that are regulated by RICS are easy to spot as they use ‘Regulated by RICS’ on their stationery and promotional material.

The estate agent sells your house for you and tries to make sure you get the best possible deal. You pay them a fee for acting on your behalf, so you need to make sure you employ a reputable firm.

Ask the estate agent if they are an RICS regulated firm and follow the standards set out in the Blue Book. Look out for the RICS logo and ‘Regulated by RICS’ designation.

 

Using local agents

It’s a good idea to choose a local RICS estate agent with experience of selling homes like yours. Here are some points to follow before you make a decision:

• when getting valuations from different agents – bear in mind the highest figure may not be the most realistic
• check their terms and conditions – charges may vary
• find out exactly what you’re paying for – how the agent will advertise your property, and where
• you may be able to negotiate fees, although most agents charge a standard fee based on a percentage of the selling price
• agree a maximum selling time. If you’re happy with the service, you can always extend it – and if you’re not, you can change agents when the time’s up
• last but not least, try and choose an agent you like and trust – selling a house can be a long process, so it’s important you get on.

When you’ve decided which agent (or agents) to go with, ask them to come round to discuss your property with you. An RICS estate agent will offer good advice on the best way to sell your particular property, whether by negotiated contract, auction or sealed bid.

They’ll also tell you how much you can realistically expect to get after you’ve paid all the fees and taxes, and whether smartening up your home will increase the selling price. Let the agent know how quickly you want to sell, as this could affect their advice. An RICS estate agent can also help you look for a new home, if you haven’t already found somewhere and can arrange for it to be surveyed for you.

Image: Mark Moz