We've just refused a new sales instruction!

As Estate Agents and being new business owners, you’d think we’d take any listing that comes our way, right?

Let’s set the scene behind our bold statement here - We were contacted by a potential client for a market appraisal, after having been recommended by a local tradesman. We had some lovely conversations in the run up to our first meeting, we undertook the preparation work involved before providing any sales advice; putting together our Rightmove comparable reports, recently sold property prices, currently listed properties etc, and made our merry way to the appointment, full of enthusiasm, excitement and optimism.

Upon our arrival, it was pretty clear we were facing a client whose expectations of an achievable sales price, were far beyond the realms of possibility. We have of course experienced clients who were maybe a little 'toppy' on price before, and we are always happy to work with people, putting our all into the prepping of the property, testing the market where we believe it to be appropriate, and guiding our sellers in the right direction, using weekly property reports to truly monitor their property's performance (after all, there is no exact science when it comes to the value of a home).

"EVERY MAN'S HOME IS HIS CASTLE"

(**a well known saying - as you know we do love an old fashioned quote)

The property in question had been owned by the same family since its build (50 years ago) sporting its original decor - needless to say, it will make a wonderful project for its new owners!

The seller, like most other clients looking to sell their home, wanted to achieve the best possible price, in the shortest time frame, with the least amount of viewings (to limit disruption), to 'a cash buyer only’….. Wouldn’t that be a dream? Being an Estate Agent would be a walk in the park if this is how every transaction panned out - but unfortunately, especially in today’s uneasy market, it’s very unlikely.

As part of our research, prior to our arrival, we had noted the ceiling price for a premium property within this private road; the property next door having sold last August 2021, in the height of the covid market.

We, with our professional hats on, began to explain how the property would have the best chance of achieving all of the above -

1. Decluttering & Staging

2. Professional Photography

3. Property Tours

4. Advertising on all available portals

5. Agent accompanied viewings

6. Negotiation

7. Sales handling

(Just to mention a few! )

We sat down to discuss the marketing and it was very clear that if we were to take on this instruction, we would be fighting a loosing battle, with the seller looking to market £100,000 above our already optimistic recommendation, with very little willing to take on any advice we had to offer.

Their reasoning being that as their neighbour had sold last year at a premium price, then why couldn’t they achieve the same?!

Whilst we are sympathetic to the emotional ties you can have to a property, there has to be a point in which you acknowledge the dated avocado bathroom suite and original 60’s kitchen is not going to compare to your ‘fully refurbished’ ‘immaculately presented’ neighbouring property. Whilst we can also appreciate things back then were made to last… they simply do not have a place in today’s modern aesthetics, which means these dated aspects will impact the value of your home. Not to mention the unprecedented market trends we are witnessing, which are far different to the 2 year property boom we saw during COVID.

We are professionals in this industry, our advice comes from over 20 years of experience, combined.

This is not us being defeatist, as we have both worked with clients with high expectations who perhaps need a little more guidance and evidence of the property market before entrusting us with their house sale - but by walking away, this is us choosing to place our time with another client who will take our expertise on board, and allow us to do our absolute best for them. It’s really important to remember we have the same goals. Unlike online agents who charge an upfront fee, we do not reap any financial reward until your property transaction completes. Trust us when we say, we will do all we can for you.

To end our story, we have politely declined this instruction, and wish the client every success. If we had a manager to appease to 'hit our target' perhaps we would have been writing a very different blog....

On that note, if you are looking for an Estate Agent covering Surrey, Hampshire and West Sussex, who truly knows the local market and has observed market trends over the years, do pop us a call. Our honest and proven advice is not a personal attack on your decor or home, its the professional advice you are paying for when hiring an expert in the field.

Written By

Abby & Michaela

Directors