Is there any real value in using a local agent?

Jolly_Roger

It strikes me that the vast majority of properties these days get noticed - and ultimately sold - as long as they are listed on either Zoopla or Right Move. Is this right?

Is there any advantage at all in using a local Estate Agent? Is there anything at all that a local Estate Agent can actually bring to a house sale that any other EA cannot other than perhaps having a better understanding of local valuations?

If what I have said about online portals is true, how long can traditional estate agents continue? They are more expensive than internet-only-based EAs and seem to offer no better service.

Is there still a case for using local agents?

Davesnave

Depends what you're selling.

I have a rural property that not just anyone will buy and a good relationship with a knowledgeable local agent, so it would be a toss-up between using them or going to one of the few specialists that list nationally.

I've a suspicion that the equivalent nationals would be more expensive, but they'd also understand this particular market well and might give greater exposure to those interested in it.

I'm not sure what this 'better service' is that on-line agents offer. Yes, some allow the vendors freedom to upload dozens of photos and write all their own blurb, but for many that's just the freedom to shoot themselves in the foot.

I'm not saying I wouldn't go DIY and on-line. I've sold DIY before, before the Internet, but I think the circumstances come into it.

Richard_Webster

Some national agens with local offices can be as good as purely local agents so they shouldn't be discounted automatically.

There are two main issues with "online" agents to my way of thinking:

1. How far do they check buyers' ability to proceed and follow up the progress of sales?

2. How can you trust their valuations? If they don't know the area they may use quite inappropriate comparables - not knowing the significance of apparently minor differences in location. Or they can oversimplify - looking e.g. at 4 bed houses in an area - most of which are detachedf and then applying the same figurtes to value a formerly two bedroom terrace with two more bedrooms in the roof at a price similar to the detached!

djedga

It's all about maximizing the potential footfall to your house... The more people you have the more likely a sale.

Some people still use local agents, some go online and some use the local papers!

To hit all of those places the easiest is to use an agent who will advertise in their shop/website/at least 2 of rightmove, primelocation, zoopla et all and the local paper. And they will normally have a database of buyers who they will send information to via post or by phoning round.

There is obviously the fee to pay... which is always negotiable.

Same applies in reverse for searching, if you want to be first you have to cosy up with the agents as well as searching online..