Whether it’s your first property sale or your hundredth, the journey can always be difficult. Preparing the property, attracting the right buyers, conducting viewings, arranging the paperwork, securing the best deal… there is a lot to navigate to ensure you get the best price and smoothest process possible.
That’s where an experienced estate agent can help to relieve some of that pressure. Especially in London where the market is always competitive, having that industry expertise, local knowledge and hands-on service can be game-changing for your property sale.
But no two estate agencies are built the same. When enlisting the help of a professional, you have two options: an independent estate agent, or a nationwide/corporate agency.
While some people will opt for bigger agencies due to familiarity, you might find that an independent agency is better suited to your needs. Here are just some perks that you get from working with an independent estate agent over a corporate chain.
Local expertise
When selling or letting your property, you’d be surprised at how beneficial local knowledge and expertise can be. London is a big city, and every region or borough has its own ‘micro’ property market with its own trends and qualities.
An experienced independent estate agent will be able to offer more granular, regional knowledge that helps them not just sell the house to prospective buyers, but also sell the area. From local schools to restaurants, cafes, transport links, community events and more – they become local experts with a working knowledge of what viewers are looking for in that specific area, and how you can best present your property to attract them.
Trusted reputation
Typically, independent estate agents are deeply embedded in their community. They will likely have supported a large number of local residents on their own property journeys – be it to sell, buy, let or rent – which means they come with a trusted reputation.
Often relying predominantly on word-of-mouth recommendations, independent estate agents benefit from the reputation they have already established in the local area, meaning they can leverage this to better promote and market your property. In a property market as competitive as London’s, simple word-of-mouth promotion can be exactly what you need to stand out.
Personalised service
You might think a large, corporate estate agency will offer higher quality service simply due to their namesake, but that’s not always the case. Larger firms will also have a wider portfolio to balance, and targets to meet. As a result, they might not take the time to get to know you or your property on a deeper level – you could be seen as just another number on their spreadsheet, and you will often be competing for their time and attention.
Working with an independent estate agent, you will receive a much more personalised, tailored and hands-on experience. No two properties or property journeys are the same, and an independent agency takes the time to consider exactly what your needs and goals are, and tailors their service to help you achieve them. They become your property partner, not just a means to an end.
At Urban Village, we have the freedom to tailor our offerings to fit your needs. We only get paid when we sell your house, so our energy isn’t misplaced – it all goes into getting the best deal for you.
Total transparency
There are a lot of things to consider and prepare for when selling or letting your property – but surprise costs shouldn’t be one of them. When you enlist the help of a real estate expert, you’re trusting them to guide you on your journey and what could potentially be a seismic moment in your life. That experience is somewhat soured when you’re hit with additional fees and costs that weren’t agreed upfront.
With an independent estate agent, you will often have these conversations initially to ensure total transparency when it comes to fees. This will help to establish trust between you and your agent from the outset, and also gives you peace of mind that you know exactly what services you’ll receive, and the price tag attached.
At Urban Village, we pride ourselves on being completely upfront with our fees, with no over-inflation, hidden costs or altered prices once the proposal is drawn up. What you see is what you get – and we make that one of our core values.
Urban Village: Your local independent estate agent in South London
Positioned right on the commuter belt, South London’s property market is not only highly competitive, but also ever-changing. If you’re looking to enter the market, you need the right support to help you navigate the waters.
Based in the heart of Camberwell, our team at Urban Village Homes are your local independent estate agent for South London, armed with the local knowledge, expertise and dedicated service to help support you on your property journey. Give our team a call: 020 3519 9121