Online Estate Agents Survey Results - Be Part Of It!

What is a theory without the facts? After carrying out my own survey to analyse the trends on how you search for property and what choices you would make when selling your home reveals the online estate agency model is the way forward. After all there are a few big names in business who realise the change and making huge investments in the online property industry.
Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou of EasyJet
Steve Smith of Poundland
Paul Pindar former Capita chairman
James Caan the Ex-Dragon

If you are still unsure on the concept or future of online estate agents, these results should help you.

1. When searching for property do you start by looking online?
Yes   100%
No    0%


2. When searching for property do you;
Go to estate agents websites individually   5.56%
Go to property portals such as Zoopla & Rightmove   94.44%


3. When searching for property do you visit the estate agents shop?
Yes   11.11%
No    88.89%


4. When arranging a viewing at a property, what are you most likely to do?
Call the agent   66.67%
Email the agent   33.33%
Visit the agents shop   0%


5. Online estate agents are known for offering lower fees so when selling your property would you use an online agent or high street agent at a higher fee?
Online agent   76.47%
High street agent   23.53%


6. When selling your property which payment method would you prefer?
Pay a low upfront fee and no fee on completion   52.94%
Pay no upfront fee and be charged a percentage of your sale price on completion   47.06%

Do you see the pattern emerge? 

From a business model point of view for Beth Alexandra Property I not only save you money by offering Flexi-Fees (pay upfront or pay percentage on completion) but provide a high quality service, continue to change the face of estate agency and deliver what you want!

7. Would you be more likely to use an estate agent on recommendation?
Yes   94.44%
No    5.56%

8. Please rate your previous experience with estate agents;
Poor   33.33%
Fair    16.67%
Average   33.33%
Good   16.67%
Excellent   0%

If you would like to take part in this survey please click the link
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/95HL32P

Gazumping!

Gazumping is when the property vendor, after accepting your offer then accepts a higher offer from another buyer. 

After hearing a story yesterday about an lady unfortunately experiencing this, now is the time to make you aware that gazumping is rearing its ugly head again! As the property marketed continues to move onwards and upwards you must be extra vigilant. It was rife in the nineties and early noughties when the property market was at its height but since the crash in 2008 it became a less common occurrence. 

How do you avoid it happening to you?

• Insist the property is withdrawn from the market once your offer has been accepted. 
• Offer a non-refundable deposit to show your commitment.
• Make sure you have your mortgage in principle and all your finances are in place.
• Instruct the property survey asap.
• Speed up the sale, the less time the property is on the open market the better.

From an agents point of view we are obliged to inform our vendors of any offers so it is unfair to hold an agent responsible but I do believe in the event of a higher offer situation it should be dealt with fairly and professionally.

Do you want an honest and trusted agent? Beth Alexandra Property Specialists is who you need to contact!

Making ''Scents'' When Selling Your Home

So, you have a viewing at your property? Its surprising how many viewers will follow their noses, this being our strongest sense if the aroma isn't right that could be one less box ticketed for your potential buyer. Make your home smell too good to resist, you may think this is over the top but do you notice the elegant fragrance the minute you step into Next? Appealing isn't it, this is the same impact we want your viewer to feel. 

In 2010 a study found that on average 31.8% of shoppers spent more money when the store was scented, it proved that aromas can affect cognitive functions in the same areas of the brain involved in decision making. Now every property is different, you decide which environment you want to create. Here are some of my suggestions;

Homely smells like baked bread or freshly ground coffee this will create a warm and cosy atmosphere, ideal if it is cold dark day outside. 

Your property may suit the refreshing and crisp scent of lemon and orange, the citrus savour implements the distinctive summertime feeling.

The traditional vanilla and sandalwood could be the one a comforting and original scent, the perfect neutral option.

Whichever you pick my key tip is to frequently open those windows! Allow the fresh air to flow through the property and take note of the BIG no no's!

No pet smells

No stale smoke odors 

No overflowing rubbish bins

No damp washing

Beth Alexandra Property Specialists are here to get you moving!

Put A ''Spring'' Into Your House Sale

Put A ''Spring'' Into Your House Sale

Spring is finally upon us! After a scorcher last weekend, lets hope it was a taster of whats to come. 
This is the most popular time of year for property listings, you've done the clear-out, cleaned the windows, touched up the paint work and pruned the garden....its picture perfect. 

If you read my blog last week you will know that 95% of buyers go online to start their property search so its important your pictures are on top form, especially the frontage. The front external photograph is the first to be seen so a clear blue sky day is a must when the picture is taken, yes the British weather is hard to predict but at Beth Alexandra Property we will not settle for less. 

As the buyer takes their journey through in internal photographs every one should be 'showhome-esque', no clutter, no mess. Not only is this attractive to buyers, it can make a room look generous and fresh. Speaking of 'fresh' when it comes to the viewing your potential purchasers senses are on high alert so.....we will go into that next week. 

In the meantime there will be non of this!!.....

Yes this property was recently marketed! Please click the link to see further pictures...if you dare. 
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2569251/A-real-fixer-upper-just-tidy-help-Squalid-property-sale-114-000-owners-bothered-make-beds-clear-rubbish-strewn-floors-washing-up.html