10 Questions to Ask a Local Estate Agent?

What experience do you have in the local area?

How long have you been working in the local property market?

Farrell Heyworth has been working in the local property market for over 30 years. Our extensive experience in the area has allowed us to develop a deep understanding of the local property market and we take pride in offering our clients the best advice and guidance possible. Our branch teams are here to help.

Can you provide examples of successful sales you've made in the area?

Over the years, we have successfully sold countless properties in the area, ranging from apartments and townhouses to larger family homes and luxury properties. We are proud to have helped many families and individuals find their dream homes and to have played a part in shaping the local property landscape.

What are the current market conditions in the local area?

Currently, the local property market is experiencing strong demand, with a shortage of properties available for sale. This has resulted in a highly competitive market, with properties often selling quickly and for the asking price or above. Of course, we cover a diverse area from Barrow to Westhoughton. Your local Farrell Heyworth team can provide you with the most up-to-date information about the market in your area.

How will you market my property?

Which online portals/platforms will my property be listed on?

At Farrell Heyworth, we understand the importance of effective marketing in selling your property quickly and for the best possible price. Our experienced team will create a bespoke Boost marketing package for your property that includes social media advertising, an i-Pack digital brochure, a virtual viewing and a listing on the UK's largest property portal, Rightmove. This ensures that your property is seen by the widest possible audience and generates the highest levels of interest.

How will you reach out to potential buyers, and how frequently?

To reach out to potential buyers, we use a variety of marketing channels, including targeted email campaigns, social media, and online advertising. We also attend regular viewings to give potential buyers the opportunity to view your property in person. Our team of experienced sales negotiators will stay in touch with you regularly to provide updates on the marketing of your property and to discuss any feedback from potential buyers. You can also access all this information, and more 24/7, by setting up a personalised account within our MyFH portal.

How much will it cost to sell my property?

What is your commission fee, and how is it calculated?

As for our fee, it's calculated as a percentage of the final sale price of your property and includes a deferred marketing cost. The exact percentage will be agreed upon before we begin marketing your property. It can vary depending on factors such as the type of property, location, and level of service you require.

Will I need to pay any upfront costs?

Our fees are only payable upon the successful completion of the sale, so there are no upfront costs to worry about.

Are there any additional costs I should be aware of?

Additionally, there may be other costs to consider, such as stamp duty, which is a tax on property transactions that vary depending on the value of the property.

As a buyer, we would also recommend you pay for a survey of the property you intend to buy. You may also need to pay for solicitor's fees and other legal costs.

We're here to help you understand and navigate all the costs associated with buying or selling a property, so please don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or concerns.

How many other properties are you currently marketing?

How many properties do you currently have on the market?

We sell thousands of properties every year across the North West, so we will have hundreds of properties on the market at any one time. This breadth of experience means that our sales teams can provide you with the very best and most up-to-date advice about the market in your area and how to sell a property like yours.

How do you ensure that my property stands out from the crowd?

Professional photography, as standard, in combination with our exclusive property marketing service, Boost, will ensure that your property is seen by more buyers.

How long does it typically take for a property to sell?

Are there any factors that can affect how long it takes to sell a property?

The length of time taken to sell a property depends on a variety of factors, such as location, property type, price and marketing. Our property specialists will be able to provide information and guidance about sales of properties just like yours in your local area so you know how quickly we can sell a home like yours.

What steps do you take to speed up the selling process?

Time is of the essence when it comes to selling your property. That's why we take a proactive approach to ensure a speedy sale. We offer a range of marketing techniques as part of our Boost package, including professional photography, virtual tours, and prominent online listings to attract as many potential buyers as possible.

Our expert agents work closely with you to ensure your property is priced competitively, and we'll advise you on any necessary repairs or improvements to help increase its appeal. We also have a large database of potential buyers, and we'll work hard to match them with your property quickly. Finally, we use cutting-edge technology to streamline the sales process, ensuring everything is completed as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Can you provide references or testimonials from previous clients?

Do you have any testimonials on your website or social media pages?

We proudly publish all our reviews on our website. To view them, simply navigate to your nearest branch page. We also post reviews on our social media pages, such as Facebook, and reviews can be seen on Google. We are proud to share the positive experiences that our clients have had with us, and we believe that these testimonials are a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team at Farrell Heyworth.

What feedback have you received from previous clients?

At the time of writing, we had over 3,500 reviews on our website from previous clients. Here's a selection:

"Excellent customer service from start to finish. I would highly recommend Farrell Heyworth to anyone looking to buy or sell a property."
- Ms Jones, Chorley.

"Excellent service from first phone call through to completion. They were always helpful, always professional, and they kept me informed on all aspects of the sale. Would fully recommend to anyone"
- Mr Sharples, Lancaster.

"Thank you to everyone at Farrell Heyworth for making the process of selling our home stress-free. We really appreciate your professionalism and expertise."
- Mr and Mrs Smith, Preston.

How will you keep me updated throughout the process?

How frequently will I receive updates?

We understand that communication is key, and we aim to provide regular updates to our clients on the progress of their sale or purchase. We typically update our clients every week or as soon as there is any significant development in the process.

Will you provide updates via phone, email, or in-person meetings?

We are always available to answer any questions or concerns you may have and will keep in touch with you throughout the process, usually by telephone, email or WhatsApp, depending on your communication preferences. Our clients can also track the progress of their property sale or purchase via our unique online dashboard MyFH, which provides real-time updates on the status of their transaction.

What information will be included in these updates?

Typically, our team will be in touch to give feedback about upcoming viewings or viewing feedback, offers made or specific enquiries about your property. We'll also contact you to discuss the performance of your marketing and to offer advice about any changes we would recommend making to our strategy. Once you have agreed on a sale, our sales progression team will be in touch to keep you informed of any progress made in the sale or purchase of the property, such as updates from the solicitor or mortgage provider. Additionally, we will be available to answer any questions or concerns you may have at any stage of the process.

What's your strategy for negotiating offers?

How do you approach negotiations with potential buyers?

Our approach to negotiations with potential buyers is always professional, respectful, and transparent. We believe that open communication and honesty are the key to successful negotiations. Our experienced agents are skilled in handling negotiations and will work tirelessly to get you the best price for your property.

How will you handle any issues that arise during the negotiation process?

Our goal is to ensure that the negotiation process is stress-free and that you feel informed and confident every step of the way. We will listen to our client's needs and concerns and do our best to find a resolution that works for everyone involved. If any issues do arise, we will work diligently to resolve them quickly and efficiently to ensure a successful sale.

Do you have experience with the type of property I'm selling/buying?

Have you worked with similar properties to mine before?

We have over 30 years of experience in the property industry, and we have helped thousands of clients successfully sell their properties every year. We have worked with a wide range of properties, from apartments and townhouses to larger family homes and luxury properties. Therefore, we are confident that we have worked with properties similar to yours in the past and probably more recently. Why not search to see the properties we currently have on the market, just like yours?

What challenges do you anticipate with the type of property I'm selling?

When we come to value your property, our specialist property valuers will spend time getting to know your home inside and out. They will combine that information with their knowledge of the local market to anticipate any challenges, give you guidance on work you may wish to carry out to the property, set an achievable asking price that works for you and design a marketing plan to reach the widest possible range of buyers.

How will you overcome these challenges?

Our experienced team has the knowledge and expertise to understand the unique features and attributes of your property and can develop a tailored marketing strategy that meets your specific needs and goals. We will work closely with you throughout the sales process, providing regular updates on the marketing of your property and feedback from potential buyers.

What sets you apart from other estate agents in the area?

What unique qualities do you bring to the table as an estate agent?

At Farrell Heyworth, we believe that our unique qualities as estate agents set us apart from the competition. Firstly, we have over 30 years of experience in the property industry, and we have developed a deep understanding of the local property market. This knowledge and expertise enable us to provide our clients with the best possible advice and guidance on buying or selling a property.

Secondly, we have a highly motivated and experienced team who are committed to providing our clients with exceptional customer service. We pride ourselves on being approachable, proactive, and responsive to our client's needs, and we are always available to answer any questions or concerns they may have.

Thirdly, we offer a bespoke marketing service, Boost, designed to maximize the exposure of our client's properties and generate the highest levels of interest. We produce high-quality marketing materials, including professional digital brochures and virtual viewing videos. We also utilise social media advertising to reach thousands of potential buyers before they begin their search on traditional online portals and agents' websites.

What are your strengths compared to other agents in the area?

As the largest independent estate agent in the North West, we have the power to utilise the latest digital marketing innovations, online platforms and behind-the-scenes processes to equal or beat any national estate agent. But we're also a family business led by two of the original founders, so every property transaction we are part of is personal.

How will these strengths benefit me as a client?

We believe that our success is driven by our commitment to building long-term relationships with our clients. We understand that buying or selling a property is a significant life decision. We aim to support our clients throughout the process, providing them with the advice, guidance, and support they need to achieve their property goals.

• When it comes to experience, look for an agent who has been working in the local property market for a considerable amount of time. This can help ensure that they have a good understanding of the local market and can provide valuable insights and advice.
• Marketing is crucial when it comes to selling a property. Ask your agent about the marketing strategy they will use to promote your property, including which online portals they will list it on, whether they will produce marketing materials such as brochures or videos, and how they plan to reach potential buyers.
• The cost of selling your property can vary, so it's important to ask your agent about any upfront costs you may need to pay, as well as their fee and any additional costs you should be aware of.
• The number of properties an agent is currently marketing can give you an idea of how busy they are, as well as how much attention they may be able to give your property. Ask about how many properties they currently have on the market, how long these properties have been listed, and how they ensure that your property stands out from the crowd.
• The length of time it takes to sell a property can vary depending on a range of factors. Ask your agent about the average time it takes for them to sell a property, as well as any factors that can affect how long it takes.
• References and testimonials can give you valuable insights into an agent's previous experience and success rate. Ask your agent if they can provide contact details for previous clients who are happy to give a reference, and look for testimonials on their website or social media pages.
• Communication is key when it comes to working with an estate agent. Ask your agent how frequently you can expect to receive updates, what information will be included in these updates, and how they will provide these updates (e.g. via phone, email, or in-person meetings).
• Negotiating offers can be a crucial part of the selling process. Ask your agent about their strategy for negotiating offers, as well as their success rate in negotiating higher sale prices. Also, ask how they will handle any issues that may arise during the negotiation process.
• If you are selling or buying a specific type of property (e.g. a period property, a new build), it's important to work with an agent who has experience with that type of property. Ask your agent about their experience with the type of property you are selling or buying, as well as any challenges they anticipate and how they plan to overcome these challenges.
• Finally, ask your agent what sets them apart from other estate agents in the area. This can give you valuable insights into their strengths and how they can benefit you as a client.

Choosing the right estate agent is a crucial part of buying or selling your home. By asking the right questions, you can find an agent who has the experience, skills, and approach that are the right fit for your needs. Remember to ask about their experience in the local area, their marketing strategy, the cost of selling, their current workload, the time it takes to sell a property, references and testimonials, communication, negotiating offers, experience with your specific property type, and what sets them apart from other agents in the area. By doing so, you'll be well on your way to finding the perfect agent to help you achieve your property goals. This information is correct at the time of publishing. Please speak to our branch for up to date information on our charging structure.