House hunting can be a time consuming and stressful business. If you are looking for your forever home but are feeling ‘time poor’ and lacking local knowledge about areas, schools and social amenities then you may be considering using a Buying Agent to help you. Having such expertise on hand is invaluable and with so many properties now being sold ‘off market’, Buying Agents can open up a wide range of potential properties that would be impossible to find by yourself.
If you are thinking of hiring a Buying Agent here are the questions you need to ask:
- Ask to see evidence of their property portfolio to see what properties they have sourced for clients. This will give you an idea of the range of properties that the Buying Agent helps to secure.
- Ask to speak to a previous client for a reference regarding the service provided. You will instantly know by chatting, if the Buying Agent delivered as promised.
- Get to understand their level of expertise in the industry by asking about their experience in the property market.
- Ask how the Buying Agent has access to the off-market properties – does the agent have a wide range of personal links to estate agents and solicitors for example?
- Ask how many properties have been bought ‘off market’. This area of sales is currently very buoyant due to numerous factors.
- Does the Buying Agent have a negotiation strategy when a property has been chosen?
- Does the Buying Agent have a good track record in Sealed Bids processes?
- An important question to ask is how many clients does the Buying Agent deal with at the same time? How do you know that your search will be prioritised?
- Additionally, will the Buying Agent deal with more than one client looking for similar criteria at a similar budget? You do not want to be competing against other clients.
- How easy is it to contact the Buying Agent? Will they be available to respond in the evening or at weekends if that is the best time for you? Being responsive is a hugely important part of the service.
- How well do they know local schools – state, grammar (if applicable) and private?
- Where are they located? You want your Buying Agent so be based in the heart of the area where you are looking to move.
- Do they have links with local professionals such as financial service experts, conveyancing solicitors, architects, builders etc.
Most importantly you need to feel a connection with the Buying Agent. This is someone you will be communicating with and spending time with on a regular basis. A good Buying Agent understands the drivers for your move and your personal and family dynamics and is someone you can really connect with to find your ideal home.
If you would like some guidance to answering the above questions or have any further questions, speak to Chiltern Relocation to find out more about our home finding and relocation service. Please do contact us on 01494 672086 or email enquiries@chilternrelocation.com
