Five Reasons to Leave Property Viewings to the Experts
In this two-minute read, we look at why it pays to get an experienced estate agent to handle viewings.
When it comes to selling a property, many people overlook the important role viewings play in the process.
They mistakenly believe that viewings are simply about opening doors and making sure would-be buyers don’t nick any valuables.
In fact, buyers share crucial information during viewings that can be helpful during negotiations and push up the final selling price.
Cutting corners on viewings – as many low-fee and online-only agents do by insisting the seller handles them – only chips away at the end result. Here are five reasons to entrust viewings to an experienced professional.
1) Honesty
Brits are a polite bunch who don’t like hurting other people’s feelings – which is lovely if you’re hosting a tea party, but not much use if you’re selling a property. Buyers are much more likely to give honest, constructive feedback to an agent than an owner.
2) Personal safety
When you open your front door for a viewing, you’re essentially letting a stranger in to wander around your home. In most cases, buyers are genuine and well-meaning, but many sellers prefer to have a professional in charge for peace of mind.
3) Buyers prefer it
There’s a reason why sellers are asked to remove family photos and personal belongings before a viewing: too much personal information is a turn-off for buyers. Similarly, buyers can feel awkward when an owner, especially one with a strong emotional attachment to the property, conducts viewings.
4) Spot genuine buyers
Viewings are an opportunity for the seller to suss out if a buyer is for real. As well as achieving top price, you’re looking for a buyer who won’t mess you around or drop out at the last minute. A good agent will ask the right questions during a viewing to glean if the buyer means business.
5) Negotiation
If you’ve never negotiated a large transaction before (and let’s face it, selling your home will probably be the largest transaction of your life), why start now when so much is at stake? Let an experienced agent with a proven track record handle it for you. They’ll be calm and level-headed and immune to any buyer shenanigans.
To learn more about our sales success in Scotland, get in contact with us here at Scottish Property Centre.