You seized the opportunity presented by the stamp duty holiday and the housing boom. You put your home on the market and waited for the offers to come rolling in … but they didn’t. Months later your property remains unsold. You’re starting to question whether your home is less desirable than you thought—or whether your estate agent is to blame. Are they lazy incompetent or simply not doing enough to help?
Underperforming Estate Agents
Before taking drastic steps like breaking a contract (which could cost you money) it’s worth taking a step back for a reality check. Is your property failing to attract interest or are viewings not turning into offers? Could you do more to present your property in the best possible light or is your estate agent not pulling their weight?
Selling a property can be complicated especially in a dynamic market influenced by interest rates market fluctuations and changing buyer priorities. Even experienced estate agents face challenges in the current market. However if your agent isn’t addressing these challenges proactively or lacks the skills and commitment necessary for success it might be time to reassess.
To help you decide if your estate agent is underperforming watch out for these tell-tale signs:
1. Their Communication is Underwhelming
Good communication is the foundation of any successful property transaction. Poor communication can leave you feeling frustrated and uninformed about your property’s progress on the market. If your estate agent is often unavailable, doesn't return calls or emails promptly or appears disinterested it’s a clear red flag.
Successful estate agents understand the importance of maintaining open and transparent communication with their clients. They provide regular updates, answer questions promptly and share insights about market trends and buyer feedback. When this doesn’t happen it may signal a lack of professionalism or commitment.
How to Fix It:
Arrange a meeting with your estate agent to discuss your concerns. Clearly express your need for regular updates and transparency. If things don’t improve, consider escalating the issue to a senior member of the agency.
2. Your Property Isn’t Getting Enough Exposure
One of an estate agent’s primary responsibilities is to ensure that your property gets the visibility it deserves. In a competitive market a robust marketing strategy is essential for attracting buyers.
Step back and evaluate whether your property’s marketing aligns with what the agent promised. At a minimum your property should be advertised on major property portals such as Rightmove, Zoopla or OnTheMarket. It should also feature prominently on the agent’s website, social media channels and email marketing campaigns. Offline exposure such as brochures, flyers or a presence in the agent’s window is equally important.
If your property isn’t receiving sufficient exposure your agent may not be using effective marketing strategies to showcase your home.
How to Fix It:
Request a detailed marketing report from your agent. This should outline where your property has been advertised and the results of those efforts. If exposure is lacking, ask your agent to revise their approach to include more diverse and effective marketing channels and materials.
3. Your Listings Don’t Do Your Property Justice
In the property market a compelling listing is often the first point of contact between a buyer and a home. Poorly written descriptions, low-quality photos or outdated information can severely harm your chances of securing viewings.
A good listing should highlight your property’s best features while providing accurate and engaging details. Skilled estate agents understand how to craft listings that capture buyers’ attention and inspire interest.
How to Fix It:
Critically review your property’s listing. Are the photos professional and well-composed? Does the description emphasise your home’s unique selling points? Share feedback and suggestions with your agent to improve the listing.
4. You Never See the Same Person Twice
Consistency matters in the property market. Working with a dedicated agent who understands your needs and your property is crucial for a smooth sales process. If you’re constantly dealing with different people at the agency it can lead to miscommunication and inefficiency.
Estate agencies should assign a key negotiator or point of contact for every client. This person should manage your property’s marketing and sales strategy, keep you informed and address any concerns.
How to Fix It:
Speak to your agent about the lack of consistency and request a single point of contact for your sale. If they can’t accommodate this it may be time to consider switching agencies.
5. They’ve Over-Priced Your Property
Setting the right price is one of the most critical factors in a successful sale. An experienced estate agent will conduct a thorough market analysis and provide a realistic valuation based on comparable properties in your area. However some agents deliberately overprice properties to win business leading to them sitting unsold.
Interest rates, local market conditions and buyer sentiment all affect how properties are perceived. If your property is priced significantly higher than similar homes nearby it could be deterring potential buyers.
How to Fix It:
Research comparable properties in your area. If your property seems overpriced, discuss adjusting the price with your agent. A small reduction might attract the right buyers and generate offers.
6. They Lack Local Market Knowledge
The property market is highly localised and a successful estate agent needs a deep understanding of the area they serve. If your agent is unfamiliar with local market trends, buyer demographics or key neighbourhood selling points it’s a major concern.
Experienced agents provide tailored advice and proactively address challenges to ensure your property stands out. If you find yourself taking on these tasks it’s time to question their expertise.
How to Fix It:
Ask your agent for market data and insights demonstrating their knowledge of the local market. If they can’t provide actionable advice it may be time to explore other options.
What to Do Next
If these issues resonate with you it’s time to take action. Start by having an honest conversation with your estate agent. Share your concerns and seek their perspective on why your property isn’t selling.
You might discover presentation or pricing issues that need addressing or you may confirm that your agent’s performance is the real problem.
Review Your Contract:
Before switching agents carefully review your agreement’s terms. Many contracts include exclusivity clauses or cancellation fees so ensure you understand your rights and obligations.
How to Choose the Right Agent
Choosing the right estate agent at the start can save you unnecessary stress later. When interviewing agents ask about their experience marketing strategies and track record with similar properties.
Pay attention to their professionalism, communication skills and local market expertise.
Key Questions to Ask:
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How will you market my property?
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What are the current market trends in my area?
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How will you address any issues that arise?
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What makes you a better choice than other agents?
Talk to Us
Whether you’re considering switching estate agents or starting your property journey we’re here to help. Our team of experienced professionals is dedicated to delivering outstanding service and results. Contact us today for a no-obligation consultation and let us show you how we can make your property sale a success.