There is quite a lively debate raging within the property
world regarding the merits of traditional high street agencies versus internet
based estate agents. Below we have outlined some of the major differences,
myths of online agents and how at Boardwalk we sit in the middle giving you the
best of both worlds, traditional and online based service. We provide you with low
cost fees and a friendly professional service.
Online agents are cheap but charge up
front costs. It is true opting for
an online agent rather than a high street one could save the average homeowner
over £3,000 in estate agency costs however one of the main arguments in favour
of using a local agent is they charge nothing upfront. Therefore if you don’t secure
a buyer or decide to withdraw your property from the market, you are not left
out of pocket. However at Boardwalk we have competitive low fees like those of
online agents but you still benefit from the service of traditional agents and don’t
have to pay anything up front.
You have to conduct your own viewings
with online agents. In
most cases, yes with online agents they arrange viewings on your behalf but the
seller must conduct viewings. In our busy working lives this can be a hard
thing to manage and fit into your schedule. However at Boardwalk we aren’t one
of those cases, we provide a service with both on site valuations and
accompanied viewings so need to worry if you’re not around.
High street agents have more knowledge
of the local area and properties.
The majority of online agents cover the
whole of the UK and the downside of being national is no focus on a particular
geographical area resulting in limited local knowledge and expertise. Typical
high street agents tend to market and research properties specifically for the
area their office is based. At Boardwalk we aren’t a national online agent but
rather local and city focused estate agent. We have three offices and cover all of the
Bristol area. Our property consultants also are well equipped to inform you on
any local information from recommended schools and restaurants to trending
house prices and market competition.
How will people find my property if I
use an online agent? Like high street agents,
online agents use Zoopla, Right move and other property portals to market property. So while
people won’t find your photo in a high street agents’ window as they go for a Sunday
stroll, serious buyers will regularly check the portals. As the days of
window shopping for property in an agent’s windows are fast fading with the
majority of people looking to buy using the internet as their first point of
call, more and more vendors are seeking agents that provide them with the best online
coverage.
Research recently conducted by Halifax
discovered that over the last five years, 62% of people who purchased property
started their search using the internet. They predict that over the next five
years, 80% of people looking to purchase property will begin their search
online. Due to this increase and their very nature, the majority of internet
agencies have comprehensive marketing coverage on various these property
portals. Usually the advertising coverage given by an online agent will far
exceed that to be expected on the high street and at Boardwalk we are no
exception. We invest in extensive online coverage to reach the maximum number
of potential buyers giving you best interest.
At Boardwalk we pride ourselves in
offering the best of both worlds. We are an estate agents without the shopfront but with
traditional service so you can pay less and still receive more.
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