Choosing an Estate Agent from the Next Town: Compromise or Advantage?

Fri 08 Sep 2023

The decision of choosing an estate agent is a crucial one. Most home sellers speak with up to three estate agents and they often find themselves contemplating whether hiring an agent from the neighbouring town could potentially compromise the sale of their property over the agent “down the road”. Let's dive deep into this topic, and explore the various factors surrounding it.

Knowledge and Expertise Know No Boundaries

While the importance of local insight cannot be discounted, a well-experienced estate agent's prowess is not restricted to the confines of their immediate town or village. As many homeowners have experienced, seasoned agents have a commendable grasp of the wider housing market, spanning neighbouring towns and beyond. This wide understanding can be largely credited to the information now available on the internet – platforms such as Google Maps and the back office software that Rightmove and Zoopla provide estate agents have transformed the way agents undertake their research, monitoring activity in the housing market and how properties are marketed and sold. In essence, in today's digital age, estate agents have the tools to effectively sell properties from virtually any corner of the world.

The Changing Dynamics of the Property Market

Traditionally, having an office nestled in the heart of the village or town where the property was located was seen as advantageous. However, the property market dynamics are rapidly shifting. Today, a significant chunk of property inquiries emerges from online portals like Rightmove and Zoopla. Hence, the emphasis on physical location has considerably waned. What truly matters is the agent's familiarity with the area, understanding of local house prices, insights into recently sold properties, and knowledge of nearby amenities. The crux is, as long as your estate agent is well-informed about the locale, their physical presence in your exact town or village isn't paramount.

A Broader Client Base: The Hidden Advantage

Estate agents from neighbouring towns or villages often bring to the table a unique advantage – a varied client base. These agents might cater to clients who are specifically looking to move to a location with better transport links or other amenities. As these clients broaden their search, they might stumble upon your property, adding to the pool of potential buyers.

Qualities of a Stellar Estate Agent

When it boils down to ensuring the successful sale of a property, location plays a role, but perhaps not the starring one. Homeowners should prioritize estate agents who epitomise honesty, integrity, hard work, and unmatched customer service. An in-depth knowledge of both the local and national housing markets is a must, but this expertise isn't solely the domain of agents within the town – agents in neighbouring areas can equally be adept.

Overcoming Potential Challenges

That said, there could be challenges. The effectiveness of an estate agent from another town is inextricably linked to their commitment to knowing your area and being present. Issues arise when agencies, irrespective of their location, don't invest time in understanding the locale or don't accompany prospective buyers during viewings. If your chosen agent, from the next town or otherwise, accompanies viewings and discusses local market intricacies with potential buyers, the chances of any hiccups are minimized.

In Conclusion

In an era where digital platforms are reshaping the property market, the location of your estate agent’s primary office becomes less of a defining factor. Instead, their knowledge, commitment, and expertise take centre stage. So, if you're pondering over hiring an agent from the next town, remember: It's their skills, not their address, that will seal the deal for your property.

At Langford Rae Property Agents, we have a physical office on Windsor Drive in Chelsfield, but we have been helping people move from all over the Bromley Borough and Sevenoaks District since 1986. If you’re considering selling your property, either imminently or in the next couple of years, our team of experienced and knowledgeable agents would welcome the opportunity to discuss your plans with you.