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Selling Your Home?
Memberships:
Make sure you employ an estate agency that subscribes to the highest standards of professionalism, evidenced by membership of the RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) or the NAEA (National Association of Estate Agents). Better still, use an agent who belongs to the Ombudsman for Estate Agents Scheme (OEA). Agents in the OEA Scheme have undertaken to abide by a particularly stringent Code of Conduct, and also to be judged by an independent third party if a complaint is made, and to abide by whatever that judgement is, thereby avoiding the delay and expense of legal proceedings.
Ombudsman:
Anyone can become an estate agent in this country without any qualifications or minimum service standards! Agents who wish to demonstrate their commitment to consumer protection will be members of the Ombudsman for Estate Agents scheme, which has a rigorous Code of Practice. The Ombudsman is independent and impartial and can listen to any complaints and award binding financial compensation without the expense and hassle of having to go through the courts. The sale of your property is too important to entrust to just anyone. So we recommend you choose an agent who is a member of the Ombudsman scheme.
NAEA (National Association of Estate Agents) Membership:
One of the most important aspects to consider is whether your agent is a member of the National Association of Estate Agents, which sets down a stringent code of conduct and provides extensive training for its member.
Mayfair Membership:
Agencies who are members of the prestigious "Mayfair Office" benefit from having their clients' property showcased in the heart of London, from where your property can be marketed to a host of cosmopolitan buyers.
Financial Services:
Make sure you appoint an agency that has close ties with a stable and efficient financial services provider who can help buyers with their funding. This can be pivotal in clinching a sale and making sure that it sticks!
Change of Address:
The best agents tend to be involved right the way through the whole moving process - not just the sale. For example, a small indication of this is that, on exchange of contracts, we supply all our buyers and sellers with change of address cards. One more moving headache avoided!
Ultimately, you are best served by choosing a locally based agent who holds values similar to your own.
One who has time to listen; one who understands your needs and concerns; one who can offer real, straight-talking advice; one who takes pride in his/her integrity, combined with a passion for results.
Needless to say, Hudson Moody not only fulfils, but also goes beyond many of the recommendations outlined here.
You owe it to yourself to make the right choice. So when the time comes to sell, choose wisely.
