Should you choose a traditional high street Estate Agent vs an online Estate Agent?
This might seem like an easy decision. After all, online Estate Agents seem to offer a fast and convenient way to buy or sell a property and often promise low fees.
However, when it comes to buying or selling your home, the reality is different. Selling your home isn’t just about uploading it to a website, crossing your fingers and hoping for the best. We aren’t buying the latest wide screen TV or booking our next holiday. But making key financial decisions that will affect the rest of our lives.
In any case. high street Estate Agents are already active on the internet. With their properties listed as standard on Rightmove, Zoopla and OnTheMarket. So online coverage is guaranteed.
For a successful property transaction, you also need in-depth knowledge of the local property market. Finely tuned strategy, expert timing, intelligent negotiation and the ability to build real human relationships.
This is where traditional high street Estate Agents like Cobb Farr shine. With our combination of insider knowledge, expertise, experience, targeted marketing strategies and support, we can make buying or selling your home an easier and more profitable experience.
So, what is the real difference between online Estate Agents vs high street Estate Agents? Which is the right solution for your unique needs?
Keep reading to learn more about these approaches, our opinion on hybrid Estate Agents and why trusting an experienced team with deep local roots can make all the difference.
1. Real people vs call centres
By choosing a high street Estate Agent, you’ll be choosing professionals over algorithms and data.
They understand that relationships are key, care about you and your property purchase or sale and have in-depth knowledge of the local property market. All essentials when it comes to a successful property transaction.
Best of all, they will guide you through the entire process from valuation to exchange of contracts and will provide that expert support you need to navigate the process.
On the other hand, online Estate Agents operate on scale and are unlikely to provide the help, advice and guidance you need. When you request for support, they will probably route your calls through national or international call centres. Who are unlikely to understand your unique circumstances or needs.
Additionally, online Estate Agents usually don’t meet with their clients. Making it hard to build a trusting relationship and get the most from your property transaction.
2. Local insight & experience vs data
Understanding the local property market and having up-to-date insight is crucial when buying or selling a home. This is exactly what high street Estate Agents like Cobb Farr can provide and where many online agents fall short.
We have roots in Bath, Bradford on Avon, Wiltshire and Somerset. A deep understanding of what buyers are looking for, current market conditions, the best time to list a property and which areas are popular (and could tick all the boxes for you). As well as what kind of person you are likely to find as your neighbour and even provide local advice on schools, amenities and transport.
With this comprehensive service, they are more likely to help you find your dream home, sell your current home faster and ensure you can enjoy the lifestyle you want.
However, online Estate Agents can’t provide this in-depth service because they operate nationwide, not locally. They rely on data and algorithms instead of insight and instinct, which means they may not get it right.
3. Bespoke pricing vs fixed fees
Many online Estate Agents offer their clients a ‘no no-sale-no-fee no fee’ option or ‘fixed fee’ which can help you reduce the cost of buying or selling your home.
However, cheaper isn’t always better and you could actually end up paying more. Using a ‘one-size-fits-all’ model can limit your options and reduce your opportunities. Which can cause you to face problems later on if your property doesn’t sell or you chose the wrong time to put your home on the market.
Often, these promotional fee packages mean fewer services. For example, many leave you to handle property viewings yourself, with little or no support or guidance and no follow-up with the viewer.
Most traditional high street Estate Agents charge bespoke and transparent fees based on what you need for a successful, stress-free property sale. This includes everything from professional photography and expertly crafted listings to targeted marketing, agent property viewings and even follow-up and negotiation.
We believe that every property viewing is a chance to sell. Which is why we will be there with you, walk prospective buyers through your property, highlight details that matter to them and answer any questions. We’ll also gather honest feedback which we can use to adjust our strategy together for better results. An approach that online Estate Agents usually fall short on.
4. Full support vs DIY approach
Buying or selling a home can be stressful and emotional.
That’s why high street Estate Agents like Cobb Farr provide full support, every step of the way. We can answer your questions, flag potential risks, negotiate intelligently, handle complex tasks such as setting an asking price, handling enquiries and closing the sale so you don’t have to. They act as an interface between buyer and seller. So you can remain at arm’s length and not get involved (unless you choose to, which is also alright).
Often, this is not the case with online Estate Agents. You’re expected to manage those complex tasks yourself, without any insider knowledge, training, expertise or support.
Of course, you can read through their online help and support articles, conduct your own research and do your best to manage what is needed. But it will never match the ease and peace of mind you enjoy when an expert takes care of it for you.
What about hybrid Estate Agents?
Hybrid estate agents are a relative newcomer and attempt to combine the best of both online and high street Agents. However, they sometimes fall short because nothing beats working with a real human.
Often, they lack local property knowledge, there are more hidden costs, there’s less support than you were expecting and they use a generic one-size-fits-all approach to buying or selling a property. These shortcuts can end up costing more than they save.
Again, nothing beats working with a real professional from a high street Estate Agent who understands the local area. Who has the insight, skills and experience needed to help the process remain as stress-free and profitable as possible.
Summary: Online vs High Street Estate Agents
So, which should you choose in the online Estate Agents vs high street Estate Agent debate?
It depends on your needs.
We advise that you consider your current situation, assess your options and get clear on the pros and cons of each before making your decision.
Remember that buying or selling a home is a major life event that deserves full support. The kind of support we offer here at Cobb Farr Estate Agent.
We are fully embedded in the Bath, Bradford on Avon, Wiltshire and Somerset property markets and bring in-depth local knowledge, experience, expertise and personal support that no algorithm can match.
Whether you’re buying or selling a home, we’ll guide you through every step. We won’t leave you to handle viewings yourself and you certainly won’t be expected to figure out the complexities of the process. Everything will be taken care of so you can focus on your future.
We believe in real people, real service and real results. Get in touch today to discover how we can help.
