Understanding Estate Agent Fees: What You Need to Know

Understanding Estate Agent Fees: What You Need to Know

Wellington Evans, your local estate agent in Hitchin, understand that when selling your home, estate agent fees are an important factor to consider. These fees should cover a range of services that are designed to help achieve a successful sale, and understanding what you’re paying for ensures you receive the best value. 

A good estate agent will provide you with an accurate property appraisal, handle the marketing of your home, arrange and conduct viewings, negotiate offers on your behalf, and guide you through the legal and administrative aspects of the sale.

As part of their estate agent fees, some companies may offer additional services such as professional photography, premium online listings, home staging advice and help with your onward move, so it’s always worth clarifying exactly what is included in the fee.

Choosing the Right Estate Agent

Choosing the right estate agent can have a significant impact on your selling experience. Local expertise is invaluable, as agents who know the Hitchin market well can provide more accurate valuations and attract serious buyers. Reputation is another crucial factor – researching reviews and testimonials can help you assess an agent’s past performance. 

Transparency is key, and a trustworthy agent should outline their fees and services clearly, without any hidden costs. It’s also wise to be cautious of agents who overpromise with unrealistic valuations, as this can lead to your home sitting on the market for longer than necessary.

What you can expect from Wellington Evans 

We work with a professional photographer to capture the beauty of your home and create an impressive video tour, ensuring it stands out. Our high-quality listings are designed to engage potential buyers, with specialist content writing available when needed. We use a professional copywriter for every property. 

We can also produce a video showcasing your home and its surroundings, providing valuable insight for out-of-town buyers. This premium marketing approach, combined with our expert strategies, generates more interest and helps achieve the best possible price.

Estate Agent Percentage Fees

Here at Wellington Evans, we agree a percentage fee that aligns our commission with the final sale price. This illustrates our commitment to selling your home for the best possible price.  For example, the average estate agent fee in the UK is around 1.18% plus VAT. For a £500,000 property, this would amount to £7,100.

What You Get for Your Money

When assessing an estate agent’s fees, it’s important to consider what you receive in return. Low percentage fees from national estate agents may seem appealing, but it could mean fewer marketing efforts, limited online exposure, and less hands-on experienced support throughout the sale. 

In contrast, our more value for money focused approach on fees includes comprehensive marketing strategies, highly experienced expertise and dedicated customer service, which can ultimately result in a smoother and quicker sale at a better price.

The Importance of Online Platform Coverage

In today’s digital age, online coverage is crucial. Most buyers start their search on property portals such as Rightmove, Zoopla and On The Market, so it’s essential that your home is listed on these platforms. 

The quality of the estate agent assigned to your sale also makes a difference. Our experienced agents, Nick and James bring strong negotiation skills and market knowledge, ensuring you get the best possible outcome. A proactive, knowledgeable agent can make the entire selling process far less stressful while maximising the final sale price.

The Benefits of Using a Local Estate Agent

Using a local Hitchin based estate agent, such as Wellington Evans, provides several advantages over larger national chains. We have an in-depth understanding of the area, its property market, and buyer demand. We can tailor our approach to suit the specific needs of your home and attract buyers who are actively looking in the Hitchin area. 

Our personalised service is another key benefit, as local agents we are often more accessible and responsive, ensuring clear communication throughout the sale process. Unlike national chains, with young – sometimes overly pushy – staff, which may adopt a more limited approach, we are invested in the local community and dedicated to achieving the best result for every one of our clients.

Making an Informed Decision

Understanding estate agent fees and what they include allows you to make informed decisions when selling your home. By choosing Wellington Evans, with our extensive experience and strong local knowledge, you can be confident that your property is being marketed effectively and that you’re receiving the service and expertise needed for a successful sale.

Do you want to know the cost to sell your home with Wellington Evans? Give James or Nick a call on 01462 229 555 and we will arrange a valuation of your home.

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“Do you want to find out the real value of your home? If you are considering selling your home, James or I would be delighted to offer you an accurate valuation and an insight in to current property market conditions. Please pop your details into the form below and we will be in touch.”

Nick Wellington, our Estate Agent in Hitchin