Member Article

Think twice before using an online-only surveyor

Due to the proliferation of web-based technology, there has been a lot of talk about the value of online estate agents and whether they will eventually replace estate agents on the high street. While there are some noticeable advantages of using an online-only agent, the high street equivalent is still the best option.

Although using an online agent will be cheaper in most cases, it won’t necessarily provide better value for money. The vendor will have to do a lot of the leg work, which includes being available for all viewings. This will be difficult for people who have a hectic lifestyle and cannot get time off work for viewings during daytime hours.

Some online agents don’t use Rightmove and other well-known online portals to promote the vendor’s property. A high street agent would do this as a matter of course. Also, not all online agents are regulated by the Property Ombudsman or national recognised industry bodies such as the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). This means that they can get away with promising the earth and delivering very little.

A local high street agent will have expertise in the property market and will know the value of different properties in the area very well. An online agent may not have this depth of knowledge and experience.

A high street agent will do everything for the vendor, from advertising/ promoting the property to carrying out viewings. The vendor can meet the estate agent in person throughout the process to discuss any issues or problems that may arise.

The question is, which estate agent should a vendor choose? There are many agents on the high street in what is a very competitive industry.

The best advice is to pick one with a solid track record and sound knowledge of the local marketplace.

A chartered surveyor provides a much more comprehensive service than a traditional estate agent, who simply guides the seller to a suggested asking price and cannot be relied upon to provide objective and accurate valuations.

It is therefore a huge advantage to enlist the services of a chartered surveyor who can advise on the correct and current market value, which is essential to attract the right buyer. Chartered surveyors possess the experience and in-depth market knowledge required to accurately appraise the value of a property – a complex issue where many factors have to be taken into account.

Bradley Hall employs eight qualified chartered surveyors with a degree in estate management and the requisite industry training, which has given them the knowledge and understanding to conduct accurate property valuations and give thorough advice and recommendations to clients.

Homeowners who are about to put their house on the market need to think long and hard about who they call upon to help sell their property. Calling someone from Yellow Pages may not be the wisest move.

By Amanda Burbridge, chartered surveyor at Bradley Hall’s Gosforth office

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Bradley Hall .