How to choose an estate agent | Key points to consider

Advice from Horton and Garton (Ad)



www.hortonandgarton.co.uk
161 Chiswick High Rd,
Chiswick, London W4 2DT
020 8996 5120

How to choose an estate agent | Key points to consider

How do you decide which estate agent to choose when selling a property?

From the agency’s track record and local presence to the team who will be representing you and your home, there are several factors to consider but ultimately, finding an agent who you trust and believe will achieve the greatest result is paramount.

How can I check an estate agent’s track record?

There are several ways you can check an estate agent’s track record. Rightmove has a feature which allows you to see an agent’s recent sold listings and Google offers great insight with reviews from customers.

Does being international matter?

No, not really. Before Rightmove and Zoopla having a global reach might have been a valid benefit to working with an international agent. Now that every estate agent lists their properties online, everyone is on the World Wide Web!

The right price

Strategy and pricing play a fundamental role. Whilst prices might be adjusted during marketing, there shouldn’t be a dramatic change if the right price is put in place from the start. When doing your research look at the volume of properties reduced in price by each estate agent you’re considering, not just volume of properties they have for sale. The longer a property is on the market the more difficult it becomes to achieve the asking price. A sensible listing price can generate multiple interest and competing bids, remember offers can be above as well as below an asking price!

Look at recently sold data for properties on your road and those around you, this is information an estate agent is likely to share with you during or after a market appraisal, to understand the right price for your home.

The most important part of an estate agent’s role

Property viewing might be one of the most obvious tasks that an estate agent undertakes, but in truth this is one of the least important parts of the job. Beyond accurately advising on price, marketing strategy and negotiating offers, the real hard work starts after a sale is agreed as it is then that experience, knowledge and good customer service will make the difference between a successful sale or collapse of the deal. It is after terms are agreed that all parties will need guidance on any one of the many challenges that can arise with lease queries, surveys, or mortgage financing. Keep this in mind when choosing an estate agent.

Meet the Horton and Garton team

Between them, the Chiswick team have an impressive many years’ industry and Chiswick market specific experience.

Louise Jones, Sales Manager

Now in her third year working with Horton and Garton, Louise is known for her calm tenacity leading the Chiswick team in securing successful results for clients.

Louise originally moved to West London when she was 10 years old, she went to school in the area herself and raised her own children locally – she now lives near Wendell Park. Louise brings considerable industry experience with her, having first begun working in agency in 2008, before setting up a property management company in 2014. Her industry knowledge isn’t limited to only selling which enables Louise to offer clients rounded advice, with the added benefit of her local experience.

Laura Evans, Sales Negotiator

Laura Evans has lived in Grove Park for over 20 years, she has raised her family here and still fondly attends the St Peter’s School Nativity each Christmas, as many alumni families do.

She first met John Horton when he sold Laura’s property 25 years ago, she remembers well his honest approach to pricing in their first meeting, a strategy Horton and Garton continues to recommend today.

Where would Laura potentially move to if she had to leave her current home? Her favourite roads include Flanders Road and Ennismore Avenue. If she was seeking an apartment, she would consider an artist-style studio on Gainsborough Road.

Kay Wright, Senior Sales Negotiator

Kay Wright first began her career as a Chiswick estate agent in 1987, her first role with a local independent located on Turnham Green, it was here that Kay first met Karen Blood. Though she chose to leave agency for a period, she returned to resume a role once more as Chiswick selling agent with one of the top independents in the area, this time working closely with Karen Blood.

Whilst Kay and Karen have known each other for over 35 years, it wasn’t until 2004 that they began sharing their role, and they’ve now worked together in a joint position for almost 20 years.

Having sold hundreds of properties together with Karen, Kay says she is fond of many parts of W4, but when pushed she admitted Bedford Park is her favourite.

Karen Blood, Senior Sales Negotiator

In 1986 Karen Blood took a role with Bushell’s Estate Agent, a Chiswick independent, it was in this role that Karen first met Kay but at the time Karen did not pursue a career in agency and left the business to open a sandwich shop in Hammersmith which she ran for 8 years.

Karen returned to estate agency in 1998, taking a role with Fletcher’s on Turnham Green Terrace. When Kay joined the business some years later, they began to share their role.

Over the years selling property in Chiswick, since sharing their role, they admit people often confuse one for the other. The beauty of having worked in a joint role for almost two decades is that they know how one another works and have had exceptional success together.

Kay and Karen joined Horton and Garton together, bringing with them a wealth of local knowledge and experience that buyers and sellers alike benefit from access to.

Louise Worthington, Sales Support

As she approaches nearly 30 years as a Chiswick resident, Louise Worthington has considerable local knowledge. This together with her passion for property which has seen her renovate several homes and assist with property management over the years, enables her to provide excellent sales support.

Having lived in Chiswick through so many life stages, and having raised her family here, Louise understands the needs and hurdles to overcome, and is eager to ensure the journey is smooth and stress-free for those moving in W4.

Chiswick property experts

If you’re considering selling or letting your Chiswick property, our team would be delighted to assist. Get in touch.

 Advertorial

May 18, 2023

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