Online-only agents may lose you thousands
Research shows using an online-only agent could be a costly mistake, with High St. agents achieving a 5% better sale price.
Your choice of agent will determine how much your home sells for, and the difference between what a High Street agent will achieve compared to an internet-only agent can be as much as 5%.
The figure was discovered by The Advisory – an independent consumer advice group for home sellers. As well as quantifying that High Street agents achieved a 5% better sale price in almost 75% of cases, when compared to internet-only firms, The Advisory found internet-only agents were failing home movers by delivering fewer viewings and offers than their High Street counterparts.
The research is likely to have taken Purplebricks, Yopa, Tepilo and eMoov into account – although news has broken that Tepilo and eMoov have gone into administration, leaving 1,000s of customers stranded who have already paid their fees upfront.
Underselling your home is a real possibility with the remaining online agents. To understand how much less an internet-agent may achieve for your property, simply multiply your asking price by 5% and see for yourself the significant figure – it equates to £12,000 less for a £250,000 property.
The Advisory’s research also praised High Street agents for their proactive selling techniques, close relationships with potential buyers and their ability to negotiate better prices for their customers. In stark contrast, the research highlighted online agents’ sole reliance on portals, such as Rightmove and Zoopla, which led to fewer viewings and offers presented.
The Robinson Jackson Group has 30 branches & departments that call, email and meet hundreds of buyers every day. Our customers’ properties are on Rightmove and Zoopla but as the research suggests, the better buyers are more likely to come from our database rather than seeing a property on the internet.
We are currently working with customers who are seeking peace of mind by using a High Street agent having re-evaluated their initial decision to use an online agent. Your local branch would be delighted to show you some examples of success stories where customers have switched to us from an internet-only agent, so get in touch. We are available until late, even on Sundays.
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