When you’re selling your home, it’s crucial to choose an estate agent which is experienced, helpful and honest and that you don’t automatically choose the agent that suggests the highest asking price. 

The agent providing the highest valuation won’t necessarily achieve the best price for your property and can often lead to price reductions.  Choosing the right agent can make all the difference, enabling you to sell your home quickly and for more money. 

Capture Buyer Attention 

A good agent will quote a realistic price based on their experience of buying and selling properties in their area, an analysis of local market data and their ability to negotiate.  Listings on property portals such as Rightmove, Zoopla and OnTheMarket will get the most exposure in search results within the first week, so it’s vital to set the right price from the outset to maximise interest and viewings.      

Be Realistic 

Some agents will quote a high initial asking price in order to win your business.  It’s nice to hear that your home is worth more than you thought, but the reality is that price is ultimately determined by offer and demand.  Quite often, what will happen is that your property won’t sell simply because the asking price was too high from the outset and, the longer it doesn’t sell, the more buyers assume there’s a problem with the property.  Agents will then urge you to start dropping the price and, in some instances,  the property sells for less than if it had been realistically priced in the first place.

Market Evidence 

There can be many reasons why a property is reduced in price and it is often something that estate agents don’t like to discuss when talking to new potential clients. At PPP we will always believe in offering complete transparency and honest information on the local market conditions. We share this knowledge to help people to progress with their plans and to make decisions based on facts and market evidence.

Fortunately, a number of national property portals allow agents to track not only sales agreed or new listings in specific areas, but also price reductions.

The latest independent data from Rightmove, the UK’s largest property portal, shows:

Price Reductions across all of Perthshire:

1st January – 31st December 2019

    Agent 1 – 178

    Agent 2 – 95

    Agent 3 – 58

    Agent 4 – 47

    Agent 5 – 43

    Premier Properties – 55                 

"Perhaps rather alarmingly, the agent top for price reductions across Perthshire actioned 178 price changes in total. A significant difference from ourselves on 55 and even the agent in 2nd place on 95. Over July, August and September alone they actioned 62 price reductions. Whilst it’s interesting data to look at and consider, the info isn’t publicly available as such and we aren’t permitted to name any agents or solicitors firms, other than ourselves. We do believe this info would be very useful for clients and vendors to access freely so hopefully there may be a change on that policy with the property portals."
Katie Hall
Director
This is one chart we are happy to be lower down on. We feature high on the sales agreed for the year and this evidence shows that it’s not because we are having to reduce the price of properties to achieve this. For us, we believe this shows that we are continuing to be quite accurate with our pricing of properties and also that our marketing continues to be one of the most effective across Perthshire. What owners need to be wary of is being overpromised by an estate agent simply to get their business and inevitably down the line a price reduction, or sometimes multiple price reductions, will have to be actioned to help find a buyer. Another important point to make is that there is always an ongoing debate regarding the online agent approach versus a local estate agent approach and it’s interesting that the UK’s largest online agent features very high indeed on this price reduction table, despite being much lower down the sales agreed table for the year."
Gary Robertson
Head of Estate Agency
"Clearly we always want to achieve the best possible price for any client we work with but we will only give our advice based on our own experience in the local area and market evidence where possible. We will never value a property higher than we believe it’s worth just to secure business. Owners should choose an agent based on who they trust to deliver the best possible price and experience."
Alan Keddie
Director
"If a property is marketed correctly, priced correctly and the agents appointed are working flat out across all available methods then there is no need for a change in price to be considered or discussed in the majority of cases. When an agent gives an indication on the value of the property, owners should be prepared to ask how the agent arrived at that opinion and are well within their rights to do so."
Laura Green
Sales Negotiator
"Even with the best of intentions or down to a seller’s own timescale or situation, it may be worth considering lowering an asking price to help generate fresh interest in a property along with some other things that can assist and it should never be the first and only thing to try."
Cloe Wyllie
Estate Agency Assistant

Questions To Ask Your Agent

So, when deciding on an agent, you should be prepared to ask the following questions:

  • How many price reductions have they actioned for the year?
  • How many sales have they agreed compared to number of properties listed for the year?
  • How much over the asking price are they achieving for their sales?
Contact us for a FREE Valuation and we'll happily answer all of the above!

What our clients say about us

Testimonials
Geraldine Johnstone (May 2022) – “I felt that Premier Properties were both fair and realistic in negotiating the best price for our property and I felt listened to and valued as a customer. I would have no hesitation in recommending Premier Properties as the service we received was of a high quality and always courteous and friendly.”Geraldine Johnstone (May 2022) – “I felt that Premier Properties were both fair and realistic in negotiating the best price for our property and I felt listened to and valued as a customer. I would have no hesitation in recommending Premier Properties as the service we received was of a high quality and always courteous and friendly.”Estate Agency & Lettings Client – George Street, Perth | 2 Bed Flat

"We were already using Premier Properties to let out the flat and had been very happy with the service.

Well marketed with excellent, true-to-life photos and video.  Excellent customer service with on-going communication with the same agent who was knowledgeable about the current market and able to offer sensible advice. He also listened to any requests made and agreed to them, taking our wishes into consideration at all times.  We were kept completely informed of the progress of the sale and all missed phone calls were quickly returned.

I felt that Premier Properties were both fair and realistic in negotiating the best price for our property and I felt listened to and valued as a customer.

I would have no hesitation in recommending Premier Properties as the service we received was of a high quality and always courteous and friendly."

 

Richard Garland (May 2022) – “I was disillusioned with my previous estate agent. I had a meeting with Katie. I decided there and then to move to them.  It was a smart move! Yes I would recommend. Absolutely! The reasons in three words… Professionalism, Efficiency, Class.”Richard Garland (May 2022) – “I was disillusioned with my previous estate agent. I had a meeting with Katie. I decided there and then to move to them.  It was a smart move! Yes I would recommend. Absolutely! The reasons in three words… Professionalism, Efficiency, Class.”Estate Agency Client – Leonard Street, Perth | 2/3 Bed Ground Floor Flat

"I moved to PPP from another estate agent that I usually used as there was no clear guidance and plan when viewings slowed down. My property was quite difficult to sell.

Friends and family recommended PPP, and after noticing their sale boards everywhere, I had a meeting with Katie. I decided there and then to move to them.  It was a smart move!

The whole process was so easy from start to finish. Professionalism and efficiency with a touch of class.

Communication, advice, and expertise was excellent from the whole team...it made no difference who you spoke to in the office. I knew exactly what was happening, and how this would be actioned.

Special thanks to Debbie who looked after my case and was the first point of call for me. Thank you!

I was disillusioned with my previous estate agent. Moving to PPP was a smart move and they lifted me out of that hole with the way they handled things.  My property was a difficult sell...PPP sold it!

My views are all positive.  Yes I would recommend. Absolutely! The reasons in three words...

Professionalism

Efficiency

Class

Thank you to all at PPP. Your efforts have been appreciated.  Stay focussed and keep doing what you do!"

 

Stuart Rae (May 2022) – “The overall experience made me feel in control at all times.  I always recommend PPP –  keep up the good work.”Stuart Rae (May 2022) – “The overall experience made me feel in control at all times.  I always recommend PPP –  keep up the good work.”Estate Agency Client – Angus Road, Scone | 3 Bed End Terrace Cottage | Sold in 2 Weeks Over Home Report Value

"I know Alan personally and have only heard good things about PPP.  Excellent marketing and very professionally done.  Communication, staff knowledge, advice - all great.  Negotiation and sale all handled very well. The overall experience made me feel in control at all times.  I always recommend PPP -  keep up the good work."

 

Maxine Kay (May 2022) – “They were enthusiastic about the sale, and communication was the best, the whole process was first class.”Maxine Kay (May 2022) – “They were enthusiastic about the sale, and communication was the best, the whole process was first class.”Estate Agency Client – Feus, Auchterarder | 3 Bed Semi Detached House | Sold in 8 Days Over Home Report Value

"Chose PPP due to their positive attitude to selling our home. Marketing was first class.  Amazing communication, from start to finish.  Overall, it was stress free, excellent service.

100 % would recommend.  They were enthusiastic about the sale, and communication was the best, the whole process was first class.  Thank you."

 

Bill Powrie (April 2022) – “Superb negotiation.  The whole experience made me feel happy.  Would 100% recommend. Thanks.”Bill Powrie (April 2022) – “Superb negotiation.  The whole experience made me feel happy.  Would 100% recommend. Thanks.”Estate Agency Client – Chaise Road, Bridge Of Earn | 2 Semi Detached Bungalow | Sold Over Home Report in 9 Days at Closing Date

"My nephew Mark recommended PPP as he had rented from them.   Photos and virtual tour were excellent.  Excellent customer service, I liked the updates keeping me informed on viewings etc.  Superb negotiation.  The whole experience made me feel happy.  Would 100% recommend. Thanks."

 

 

Tom Barron (March 2022) – “They understood what I was trying to achieve. Straightforward and professional. PPP know the property market in Perth very well.”Tom Barron (March 2022) – “They understood what I was trying to achieve. Straightforward and professional. PPP know the property market in Perth very well.”Estate Agency Client – Atholl Street, Perth | 1 Bed Flat | Sold in 4 Days Over Home Report Value


"Went with PPP as they understood what I was trying to achieve.  The property was very well presented throughout the marketing.  Customer service was excellent.  Straightforward and professional.  Very pleased with the overall experience.  Would recommend, PPP know the property market in Perth very well."

 

 

Barry and Yanni Lawrence (March 2022) – “Thanks for all the effort, endeavor, patience and support. If we find ourselves investing in property in the Perth Area again, you’ll most definitely be our first port of call.”Barry and Yanni Lawrence (March 2022) – “Thanks for all the effort, endeavor, patience and support. If we find ourselves investing in property in the Perth Area again, you’ll most definitely be our first port of call.”Lettings & Estate Agency Client -Allison Crescent, Perth | 2 Bed Flat

"I just want to say thank you for all your help since 2017 managing, and then selling, our property in Allison Crescent on our behalf.  You've been great to work with in what was my wife and I's first attempt with property.   Thanks for all the effort, endeavour, patience and support.

If we find ourselves investing in property in the Perth Area again, you'll most definitely be our first port of call.

All the very best, Barry and Yanni."

 

Lee Murray (February 2022) – “It made me not so stressed having you at the other end of the phone whenever I needed.  You made the process less frightening, it was something we had been thinking about for years, but never had the courage.  Your team was so understanding, can’t thank you all enough.”Lee Murray (February 2022) – “It made me not so stressed having you at the other end of the phone whenever I needed.  You made the process less frightening, it was something we had been thinking about for years, but never had the courage.  Your team was so understanding, can’t thank you all enough.”Estate Agency Client – Bute Drive, Perth | 3 Bed Terraced House | Sold in 8 Days Over Home Report Value

"PPP were recommend to me.  The marketing could not have been better.  Amazing how they dealt with potential buyers.  All staff were very, very informative, helpful, polite and very caring and understanding.  Brilliant negotiation.

It made me not so stressed having you at the other end of the phone whenever I needed.  You made the process less frightening, it was something we had been thinking about for years, but never had the courage.  Your team was so understanding, can't thank you all enough.

Would absolutely recommend.  Keep up the great work, such a positive and friendly team.  Thank you again."

 

 

Chris Purvis (February 2022) – “Well executed negotiation. Honest, professional and reliable – good company.”Chris Purvis (February 2022) – “Well executed negotiation. Honest, professional and reliable – good company.”Estate Agency Client – St Johns Place, Perth | 1 Bed Flat | Sold at Closing Date Over Home Report Value

"Excellent customer service.  Professional and well executed negotiation.  Very happy overall.  Honest, professional and reliable – good company."

 

 

Anna Young (February 2022) – “Delighted with how the negotiation worked. Overall experience was great – personal service and a brilliant outcome.”Anna Young (February 2022) – “Delighted with how the negotiation worked. Overall experience was great – personal service and a brilliant outcome.”Estate Agency Client – Abbey Park, Auchterarder | 4 Bed Detahced Villa | Sold at Closing Date Over Home Report Value

"Chose Premier Properties Perth due to personalised service and local market knowledge.  Excellent marketing - it looked wonderful and sold quickly (twice!).  They were very thorough as to people's situations, interest and follow up.  Brilliant customer service.  Delighted with how the negotiation worked.

Overall experience was great - personal service and a brilliant outcome.  We already recommended you - you just sold my Mum's House. You provided great service and were quick, efficient and effective."

 

 

Latest Properties