A shoulder to lean on when buying a property

The seller has the estate agent on his side. The buyer can also recruit a valuable ally. But is a buying agent an essential safeguard or an expensive luxury looking for a new home?

On average one in three property transactions fail to exchange contracts and the reasons for these failures only reinforce the fragility of the whole process. Do we need help to buy houses?
Is there a way we can maximise the chances of finding the right property and then enhance our likelihood of securing it?

Yes, this is where property consultants can help. Sometimes known as buying agents, relocation agents, search agents or even ‘acquisition agents’, they are there to make the process as smooth as possible. So what is their role and how to they make buying a property easier?

Premier Property Search, is one such company. “We act for the buyer and only the buyer,” explains director Nigel Sellers. “What many people do not consider when looking for a property is that selling agents have a duty to represent only the vendor. There is obviously a huge imbalance here. Purchasers are left to fend for themselves, while vendors are supported in the transaction by the professional help of the estate agent.”

Estate agents now expect most of those looking for property in excess of £1million to be represented by a buying agent. Premier Property Search however, often helps clients from £750,000 upwards because they can be just as discerning.

But is using a buying agent an essential or an expensive luxury?

The market today has shifted. Some homes still attract competition from those willing to pay the premiums, while others will be open to negotiation. So how do you know how far to push it, which buttons to press, the tactics to be adopted? How do you know that you are buying the right house at the right price?

Nigel Sellers says: “The perception that many people have of buying agents is that we simply charge around the countryside looking at beautiful houses. In reality the actual search is only 30% of the service. Where we prove our worth comes in negotiation and handling the buying process, liaising with professionals and dovetailing any related chain. Our job is to help buy the best property for our clients at the cheapest possible price and because we deal with the market day in, day out, we are in the ideal position to advise on value and strategy.”

“We tailor our service to suit individual requirements and adjust our fees to reflect,” says Nigel. “We thoroughly research the area around the property for hidden problems. We will also liaise with solicitors, surveyors, architects, builders, planning consultants and many more professionals to ensure that our clients’ brief is realized, without being compromised in any way.”

“Buying a house in this country can be a long journey, both in terms of time and emotion. We can be a shoulder to lean on as well as a friend to laugh with, because we share all that our clients go through, while managing to take the brunt of the stress.’ Yes, employing a buying agent can be expensive, but it has to be balanced against the saving in stress, time and expense. Buying agents are here to stay and, if they don’t represent you, they may well be helping a competitor buy the house that you were waiting for.”

If you would like to find out more about how we can help you find and secure your perfect property Contact Us and we would be delighted to talk.