NEVER LIMIT THE EFFECTIVENESS OF YOUR ESTATE AGENT BY EXPECTING HIM TO WORK "UNDER THE RADAR"

While it is true that a good estate agent will outshine his rivals in every circumstance - even the most difficult - it is also true that some home sellers make it very difficult for their agents to perform optimally.  They do not allow them to use their "full armoury", the "tools and weapons" that they have at their disposal.

Such clients, says Rowan Alexander, Director of Alexander Swart Property, often want the home sale to take place "below the radar", with minimum publicity and fanfare. In practice this means they may refuse to allow for Sale boards to be placed on their properties, they cannot countenance having their home on the social media platforms, they try to limit exposure in the property media and will not tolerate the "undignified" practice of holding show days; perhaps the best "tool" the agent has.

The reasons for this attitude, says Alexander, may stem from factors that have led to their selling in the first place. It may be a result of family- or marital break-up, failing finances, severe ill health or other personal problems, in which case it is understandable that they may want as few people to know as possible. However, he adds, the agent should be the one person to confide in and trust. If not, it means they have the wrong agent. "If you look at the top performers in Alexander Swart's sales team, it is quite clear that they all have human relation qualities; they are sympathetic people in whom others can confide and rely on in any situation."

He adds, whatever your relationship with your estate agent, it is disastrous not to allow him to use the full range of "tools", including those mentioned above.  If you limit your agent you are like a general sending troops into battle knowing full well that they are inadequately armed and supplied, increasing the agent's chances of failure and setting yourself up for a prolonged sale period, far longer than usual. At the end it may be likely to sell the home below its true market value.

"The tried and tested mechanisms of residential property marketing have proved their value over the years and the best agencies make full use of them all. It is absolutely imperative that any home seller backs and even encourages the full-scale use of these."

For further information, please contact Rowan Alexander, Director of Alexander Swart Property, on cell phone 082 581 3116 or by email: rowan@asproperty.co.za