Estate Agent Myths: What Waterford Sellers Need to Know

How much of what you know about estate agents is really true? This three-minute read exposes a few common urban myths.

The digital revolution has given rise to several assumptions about estate agents, but we’re here to tell you they’re not true. It’s time to separate fact from fiction and expose four myths about estate agents.

Estate agents just post stuff on Daft. Anyone can do it.

Given that most people search for their next home online, any selling strategy that doesn’t have a strong digital element is a failed one (but more on that in a minute). When selling a property, dozens of decisive calls are made before and after a home is listed online. You must nail the asking price, presentation, photography, viewings and negotiations. Then, once a sale is agreed, you need a professional in your corner to keep the process moving, paperwork ticking along, and wrap up the deal quickly. Did you know that most sales fall through due to the length of time it takes to complete?

Agents are redundant. Properties sell themselves these days.

You can sell a property, or you can sell it for top price. Which one would you prefer? (Bear in mind that, even after fees, the difference could be tens of thousands of euros in your pocket.) There are companies out there that encourage sellers to do it themselves or offer quick sales at less than the market value. But as selling your home is probably the biggest (and most stressful) deal of your life, do you want to take that risk or lose out on your investment? Don’t short-change yourself. Get a professional estate agent to help you do it properly and more profitably.

Digital selling strategies just involve property portals.

There’s no doubt that property portals such as Daft and MyHome are essential, but great agents take their digital strategy so much further. They’re active on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok and work hard year-round to engage their local community. Before choosing an agent, analyse their social media presence and website. The best agents are proactive, professional and have engaged databases that help when it comes to selling your home for the best price.

The best valuation is the highest.

Don’t be swayed by ridiculously high valuations. Sellers these days are more price-conscious than ever as a huge amount of information about past sales is available via the property price register. Lenders are also unwilling to provide a mortgage if the price is outside market norms. If your valuation is astronomical, you’ll put off prospective buyers and drag out the sale (and wind up dropping your price eventually). Always go with an agent with a good track record, who gives you comparable evidence and who tells it to you straight.

If we can help in any way do get in touch on 051 85 81 82 or sign up here for a free valuation.