7th January 2025
A property Buying Agent can find you the house of your dreams - even if it’s not yet on the market. Acting solely on behalf of the buyer, a Property Buying Agent (also known as a Property Finder or Property Search Agent) will possess the knowledge and skills that can make you significant savings in time and money. But how do you find a Buying Agent and how can you make sure that you choose the right one?
A first-hand recommendation from a happy customer is always the best way to find a Property Buying Agent you can trust. Have any of your friends or relatives used a Property Buying Agent in the area you are looking to move to? Would they recommend their Buying Agent? If not, ask the Estate Agents in the area you are looking if they have any recommendations. Read the testimonials on any prospective Buying Agent’s websites.
The Association of Relocation Professionals is the Professional body representing the Relocation Industry in the UK. As well as adhering to the ARP's code of conduct, any Full Member must have been trading for more than two years, and hold both Professional Indemnity and Public Liability Insurance. To see a list of ARP members, click here and select "Property Finders" from the list of Services as well as your preferred region.
The Property Ombudsman is a government-approved scheme to provide independent redress in relation to disputes between consumers and property agents. All members of TPO sign up to The Property Ombudsman's Codes of Practice for Residential Estate Agents and Residential Letting Agents. Registered Property Finders will be listed on the TPOs website under "Find a Member". You can look under "Property Sourcing Agent" and search for any companies working in the geographical area that you are interested in.
When looking for a professional Buying Agent, it's important to check that they have all the necessary Insurance in place (Professional Indemnity and Public Liability Insurance are both a must).
Consider the fees charged. These may vary from Buying Agent to Buying Agent. Make sure you understand what is included within the fees and whether there is a time limit on your search.
And last, but not least, do you like what you hear? It’s important to have a good rapport with your Buying Agent - they will be the eyes and ears of your property search. Chat with a few buying agents that specialise in searching in your preferred area and get a feel for how they work.
As Professional Surrey based Property Finders, we know Surrey inside out! We support clients looking to make the move to or within Surrey. If you are thinking about moving to Surrey, we can assist you on your journey to find the perfect property in the right location. For a confidential chat about your property search, please call Surrey HomeSearch on +44 1483 905160 or email info@surreyhomesearch.co.uk.