Most estate agents see their role solely as a “purveyor of buyers”, and they understandably pride themselves on their ability to find the right buyer for a property and to negotiate attractive terms for the seller.
But estate agency has moved on. Indeed, finding a buyer is arguably one of the most straightforward aspects of selling a property. Wise sellers now seek other attributes in their estate agent.
We all know how emotionally traumatic a house move can be. Yet many agents fail to recognise their ability to reduce this overall burden by becoming thoroughly involved not only in the actual sale of an individual property, but also in the move as a whole. We feel this provides a great opportunity for the service-focused agent to deliver a level of customer service that really makes a difference. A service based on empathy. In other words, “seeing the world though the eyes of the buyer/seller”. With this vision, agents can then anticipate and proactively respond to the very real needs of the house-moving public.
An example of an obvious contribution that agents can make is a hands-on approach to any related property transactions, rather than blaming solicitors for any delay. A chain is only as strong as the weakest link, yet many agents sit back and wait once a sale is agreed. Madness!
So if you are to make your move enjoyable rather than simply endurable, choose an agent who believes passionately in supportive customer service. Choose Oakfield Estate Agents.
Neil Newstead, FARLA MNAEA
Chief Executive Officer