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When you’re looking for an estate or letting agent, smooth talking and slick sales patter can be seductive, but what you really need is an agent who’s genuine, honest and ethical.
Here’s how to spot an ethical agent.
1. They don’t overvalue
The dirtiest trade secret of unethical agents is to promise an unrealistically high price (or rent) to get you to sign on the dotted line when instructing them to represent you.
Overvaluing can look wonderful on paper. However, the truth comes out when viewings and offers don’t materialise, and the price then ends up being slashed, wasting precious time.
Ethical agents will always offer an accurate market valuation based on evidence.
And explain why it’s correct and realistic …. even if it’s not the highest one you receive.
2. They won’t tie you down
If you’re offered a sales or lettings contract with a long lock-in period, don’t touch it with a bargepole.
Ethical agents have fair and open terms. Always ask any agent about their terms and termination clauses.
3. They shun conditional selling
Conditional selling is when an agent pressures buyers, sellers, or landlords to purchase products like finance or insurance before they’ll proceed further. It can usually affect buyers, but not exclusively.
It’s sharp practice, pure and simple.
As ethical agents, we shun conditional selling like Dracula shuns garlic.
(We can suggest trusted partners if you need them. But we’ll never insist you use them.)
4. They’re honest to a fault
An unethical agent will tell you exactly what you want to hear.
But if something’s not right – if the price or rent you want is unrealistic, if an offer is weak, or there’s some other snag – an ethical agent will tell you straight.
5. They keep in touch
Ethical agents will keep you updated on enquiries, viewings and offers. And on progress once a sale or let is agreed.
They won’t leave you in silence. Or to do all the chasing up yourself.
6. They put people before profit
To an ethical agent, people aren’t just deals. They genuinely love helping local people buy, sell, rent or let a home.
Ethical agents are happy to go the extra mile – even if it doesn’t immediately boost their bottom line.
7. They have a great local rep
Ethical agents have top-notch reviews on Google – and many recommendations and testimonials from past customers – to prove they’re as good as their word.
Feel free to check out our reviews.
It’s important to choose wisely.
The agent you choose can make or break your sale or letting.
Choosing the wrong agent can result in wasted time, money, and significant stress.
Get it right and you’ll find an ally who advises you honestly, works hard for you and always puts your best interests first.
An ethical agent won’t always tell you they’re an ethical agent. They’ll prove it to you in everything they do.
To learn why we believe our approach to helping you achieve your property goals is unique, please get in touch with us today.
If you know someone who might find this article useful, please share it with them.
There is another way
We are proud members of the Ethical Agent Network (EAN).
A national group of independent agents who have been independently tested to ensure we meet strict standards of honesty, service, professionalism and community care.
To find out more about what we do and why we passed the EAN and are
The only local agency in the network, contact us today.
