The Benefits of Estate Agents: How You Can Make a Difference for Buyers and Sellers
Does any other industry have to work quite so hard to justify its existence? This (sadly) being our reality, we need to come prepared. Before we begin, it’s imperative to know the value you bring to the table - any insecurity and it will show, for they smell weakness.
So, remember, an estate agent isn’t just a go-between, we are in fact the only qualified party that can look after the process of sale from listing to completion, delicately tying all loose ends together in an intricate dance. Our roles include being psychologists, artists, gatekeepers, negotiators and accountants.
So next time you’re in a listing meeting the client indicates that we may no longer be relevant or needed, in world of online listings, proptech and DIY deals, don’t suffer in silence - here’s how to respond:
For Sellers: Ask if they REALLY know what’s involved in getting this done?
Selling a property is ALWAYS overwhelming. The vendor will have to deal with valuing their home, taking the photos (generally doing a terrible job of it), listing on property portals, client calls and emails and that’s before the viewings begin.
Emotionally involved and inexperienced, they won’t have the necessary skills to filter the clients effectively, opening their home to all manner of time wasters. And then IF they are lucky enough not to put the client off with poor pricing and presentation they make get an offer. And that’s where it gets really complicated….
We Negotiate for THEM
Make them aware that contrary to popular belief, negotiating isn’t just about securing any offer—it’s about getting the right offer, because if it doesn’t work for them, it won’t wash. The process of negotiating a good offer does NOT begin when the offer is received, it begins as soon as the agent has contact with the client and this is your added value.
Many sellers stress about agent fees, but a good agent’s negotiation skills mean they actually come out with a higher net amount than they would by trying to do it themselves.
And it never harms to point out that we work on a percentage, so the better for them, the better for us.
We Handle the Stress, So They Don’t Have To
From filtering clients and organising viewings, to managing the back-and-forth of offers, counteroffers and legal documentation, we take on a world of pain so the client has the head space to focus on their upcoming move with something of a clear head. Selling a home should be exciting, not traumatic. Do they really want to risk getting it wrong and having a house on and off the market?
For Buyers: We’re Your Guide and Your Guardian
Buying a home is wonderful—but it can also be nerve-wracking, especially so if they are buying overseas. A trustworthy estate agent is often the deciding factor in getting it right or getting it very wrong indeed, leaving both emotional and financial scars .
1️⃣ Local knowledge, tailored to the buyer
Nobody knows more than an agent when it comes to local market trends - for it is our very lifeblood and we’re talking to people all day long. Add to that info on the different neighbourhoods, the schools, where to eat and where to avoid, we can help fill in the gaps that google can’t and guide the client to the right place for their unique set of requirements.
We also know the ins and outs of the properties in question, and their potential, and finally, we’ll know from experience which builders, mortgage brokers and lawyers work well, and which they’ll be wasting your time (and money) with.
2️⃣ We Protect Buyers from Costly Mistakes
Buying a home isn’t just emotional; it’s a huge financial decision. We’re here to guide the client through the potential pitfalls, whether it’s spotting a red flag in the paperwork or steering them away from an overpriced property or one in a dodgy neighhorhood. Think of us as your safety net, catching things you might not even know to look for.
3️⃣ The Voice of Reason
Sometimes, buyers fall in love with a property that might not be the best fit—or they’re hesitant about a hidden gem that ticks all the boxes. Other times, one party is all for buying a property and the other isn’t, and they need a little assistance to come together. As the agent, we can see what they often can’t, and can give more objective advice so everyone makse the right decision..
For Both Buyers and Sellers: Humans are still required
Despite the growing automation in our lives, estate agents bring something no algorithm can: human empathy. We understand the emotions tied to buying or selling a home, and we’re there to listen, guide, and support every step of the way.
For sellers, it’s about helping them achieve the best outcome without the stress. For buyers, it’s about making sure the dream home doesn’t turn into a nightmare. In both cases, the agent adds a hell of a lot of value —not just in financial terms, but in the clarity peace of mind, and security we bring to the process.
So, the next time someone asks, “What’s the point of an estate agent?”—you’ll know the answer. It’s about making a complicated process seamless, protecting your interests, and being the calm in what can sometimes feel like a storm.
