How much does it cost to hire Buyers Agent or Homefinder?

What are the costs of hiring a Buyers Agent?

When we first receive an enquiry, this question is usually top of the list. However, to understand a property search agent’s fee, you need to understand what you are paying for.

1. Time and energy saving: finding the right property can be very time consuming and if you don’t know where or what you are looking for, you risk wasting a lot of time and energy.
2. Local commuting knowledge: where is the best place to live for your requirements and what are the best commuting options. A home finder service has all the answers.
   See our commuting map here
3. School knowledge: A relocation agent can help to find the right school or nursery for your child and will advise regarding catchment and availability of places.
   See 5 tips on finding new schools
4. Research hours: In order to find the right property for you, thorough research is key.
   See our day in the life of a Relocation Agent
5. Contacts: Relocation agents know who to speak to and what results they can expect. They have the inside track on local knowledge and will have access to off market properties.
   See our off market properties blog
6. Networking: A good relocation agent will spend time at networking events speaking to solicitors, architects and other local professionals, making connections and finding out about any properties likely to come to the market – for example through probate.
   See a day in the life of a Relocation Agent – networking
7. Driving: A lot of time is spent driving to view potential properties. If you are moving to the countryside, it can mean many miles between viewings.
   See day in the life of a Relocation Agent driving
8. Tackling complexities: Understanding whether the proposed property will be affected by HS2 or neighbouring planning permissions or whether noise pollution, for example, is going to be a deciding factor.
9. Negotiation: Your fee will include experienced negotiation skills regarding your proposed offer and expert knowledge as to how to proceed if the sale goes to sealed bids. Often a skilled property search agent can negotiate the cost of their fee off the purchase price.
   See our 8 secrets to winning a sealed bid
10. Continued work after the offer has been accepted: A property finder’s service doesn’t stop until the keys are handed over. A property search agency is also on hand for any queries post move in. Arranging solicitors, surveyors, architects, builders, gardeners, local doctors and dentist, cleaners etc is all part of the fee. See case study of moving to forever home from Notting Hill