Jonathan Hopper from Garrington Property Finders shares how a professional buying agent can be of value when searching for and securing your next home
Finding and buying a property can be a time-consuming and sometimes confusing process, often with unforeseen hurdles appearing along the way. In many areas of life we turn to a professional to solve more complex problems, yet those looking to move home often overlook the fact that help and advice is available from a professional property finder.
Unlike estate agents, who act solely for the seller, property finders represent the interests of the buyer, ensuring the property being purchased is what they need – a property that fits their lifestyle and personal requirements – and that the agreed purchase price is appropriate. The benefits of using a property finder will differ from one buyer to another, but invariably they can assist with the following:
Local insight
Unless you’ve lived in an area for some time, it can be challenging to get a real feel for a place, but this is where a professional property finder can assist. Their local knowledge and ability to assess whether an area meets preferences and priorities is often invaluable to clients.
It’s not just knowing the distance to the nearest shop, but understanding what roads might become congested for the school run route, or if there is any risk of flooding or noise pollution from roads, airports, quarries, or even kennels! A buying agent’s local insight can be the secret to finding your perfect property in an ideal location.
Finding hidden gems
Buyers are increasingly aware of the off-market and discreet sales that take place away from online property portals. Professional property finders are understood to represent only serious and committed buyers, meaning they will often be the first to be informed of upcoming opportunities by a selling agent. Furthermore, buying agents will source property directly from sellers who might be considering a private sale. These scenarios are particularly true of most prime property markets across the country, so engaging the services of a buying agent will give a buyer confidence they are accessing the entire market.
Expert negotiation
A property finder’s analysis of a property’s merits (and shortcomings), the current market conditions, and comparable properties that have sold in the area, coupled with the expertise of a seasoned buying agent, ensures price negotiations are based on sound thinking and facts.
With the current nature of the market where both sellers and buyers alike are price-sensitive, careful brokering by a trusted advisor on the side of the buyer can help navigate around problems and lead to a successful outcome for all concerned.
Objective problem solving
While many buyers believe that finding a property is the hardest part of buying a home, the buying process after an offer has been accepted can sometimes be the most challenging part.
A skilled property finder will co-ordinate the due diligence process, bring in experts when specialist advice is needed, problem solve, and give impartial advice on whether an unexpected issue is surmountable, or if it would be prudent to walk away.
If you are considering moving home and would like more information about how to better navigate your local property market, contact Jonathan Hopper.
