Top tips when using an online estate agent

So you’ve decided to use an online estate agent to either buy, or sell your property, but how do you know you’ve got the best deal?

Firstly you need to carry out a search on the web. The biggest online estate agencies may not always be the best and looking at opinions of previous customers and forums may also give some idea on the ones to look out for.

Is the website professional? Poorly designed websites can sometimes reflect the team who work for the company.

There are many factors you need to consider when deciding which online estate agency to work with. Things such as the best value fees, the biggest advertising networks, the full package that they provide such as home visit, advertisement layouts (photos, for sale board, floor plan etc) and whether they are members of the National Association of Estate agents Ombudscheme and the Rics.

Fixed fees are also a positive factor to look out for. Agencies such as WOW property offer a fixed fee irrespective of the value of your property. It will cost just £899 plus vat on completion of your sale with no up front fee or any hidden extras.
You also need to look out for the company’s level of customer service or how much information they provide about themselves and the way in which they aim to make your process an easy one. The company should also post hard copies of your property details to potential buyers upon request.
You need to make sure that the company you have chosen will manage all enquiries on your behalf (keeping organised is the hardest part of selling privately so it\\\'s important that you are provided with some help) and arrange all viewings including calling the buyer for feedback on your behalf saving a lot of time and hassle.
When searching for a new home, if you see details of a property that you like on the site, be prepared to move quickly. If you are the first person to view, you stand a better chance of getting the property should you decide it\\\'s the one you want.
Whilst dealing with your viewers, be sure to obtain all of their details from the agent when arranging dates and times. Check they are the correct details of each viewer, and ask the viewer to confirm all the details to you upon their arrival
Keep in touch with the estate agent to check on the progress of the sale and ask them to call you should anything happen. One in three property chains break down - so just because your dream home is under offer does not mean it’s lost forever. If its chain should collapse its owner may need to find a new buyer in double quick time. If you’re lucky you could even find a cheeky offer is gratefully snapped up!

Check on the site to see how experienced the company is. This information is usually on a frequently asked questions page or request the answer yourself through email.
Finally the company needs to ensure that your property is advertised until sold at no additional cost.
Happy hunting.

About the Author:
Oliver works for Wow property. an online estate agents where you can sell property online and buy property online, Guilford online estate agents