Agents bemoaning lack of fresh properties coming to market should look at their own viewings policies and procedures, have a re-think about the true value of quality online videos and also be clear about exactly what they will do to help their clients find and secure their next home, suggests leading West Country agent, Roger Wilkinson.
Managing Director of Devon based Wilkinson Grant & Co., Roger says “After a year of record high volumes of sales, escalating prices and continued strong buyer demand resulting in fresh stock coming to market being snapped-up, the shortage of available properties for sale is deterring many serious would-be home movers from putting their own properties on the market.
“Agents who have ridden the wave of the recent property boom are now complaining about the lack of fresh stock. However, many are failing to do much about it – other than telling people that it’s a great time to sell but they can’t view a property unless they are on the market themselves, or in many cases, unless they have buyer (we have even heard instances of agents refusing viewings to people not on the market wit them!) Not surprisingly, with little for them to choose from, many potential home-movers are cautious about putting their own property on the market for fear of letting down potential buyers. Or – even worse – putting themselves under pressure to find, or move into rented accommodation
“Yes, we all must continue to be vigilant when it comes to Covid health and safety procedures (horrendously , long before the lifting of restrictions on 19th of July, we have heard of too many agents dropping their insistence of masks and gloves on appointments -despite clear UK Gov guidelines). And yet , those same agents are using the excuse of “you have to be on the market – or even , sale agreed before we can show you this property”! Of course, neither are true – UK Gov guidelines state : “in-person viewings should only take place when buyers are seriously considering a property”. Certainly no mention that you can only show properties to cash-rich out–of–area buyers and leave local people struggling to get a look-in.
“For whatever reason, many agents who have chosen not to invest in quality narrated walk-though videos – to help regulate the demand for in-person viewing. Many completely missing the point by saying “who would buy from a video?” (Several, actually but the real value for us is that every initial in-person viewing is , in effect, a second viewing and when people are interested, they can view again online and share with friends and family as many times as they like). Certainly, judging from many comments we hear, it seems that the majority of agents are making little or no attempt to help local would-be sellers find their next home.
At Wilkinson Grant & Co , we understand the issues. We are happy to show properties to people who are intent on moving but have a house to sell (subject, of course , to Covid procedures). We create quality narrated online videos to help in the process and also provide a free search and acquisition service to help our seller clients find and secure their next home – After all, often selling is only half of the problem!
For more details call 01392427500
