Should you buy your property from an individual or go through a real estate agency?

Going through an individual may seem like a good idea to buy your house, but it is not always ideal. Yes, of course, this allows you to avoid agency fees, but perhaps not to get a bad deal! A third of real estate transactions are between individuals, and fortunately, some sales go well. However, to avoid cold sweats, using a real estate agency can be a wise decision. Read also: How can I assess and know the value of my real estate assets?

Can buying a property from an individual represent a risk?

Buying a property from an individual, is it a good solution?

Why are sales prices so different from one property to another?

Becoming a homeowner is generally a thoughtful decision. All you can do is find the house or apartment of your dreams. So, you comb through the real estate ads to look for homes for sale in your area. You have in mind the characteristics of your future home and your budget. However, some properties that appear quite similar appear at very different sales prices from each other. And it is not necessarily the selection of apartments offered by real estate agencies which is the most expensive. However, you thought that buying an apartment directly from an individual would cost you less. In reality, it depends both on the property itself and the real estate valuation carried out. Any real estate agent will tell you: no good is identical to another. This observation is based on its experience and on objective criteria of the real estate market. Thus, the real estate professional is able to estimate a property at the right price. Which is more difficult for an individual to do. And this is where the risk comes in for the buyer. That of acquiring your apartment at too high a price.

How do sellers set the price of their property?

The seller's objective is to sell at the best price according to his own estimate. The most serious sellers request a real estate valuation from a professional even if they do not entrust them with the sales mandate. Real estate agencies offer this service free of charge. Some sellers find out about the local market and compare other homes to theirs to set the sale price. Others rely on the average real estate price per square meter in the city where the property is located. Still others are based on a high range. In all cases, without an opinion of value issued by a professional, zero risk does not exist. This does not mean that the seller is dishonest. An estimate is difficult, and the sentimental value of a house can affect the price set. Visiting a house with its owner necessarily means trusting a person who may lack perspective. Do not hesitate to ask many questions and find out about standards and regulations. If the seller does not provide you with the obligatory diagnostics, he may be held responsible for hidden defects if the installations require work. As a buyer you can turn against him, but you might as well avoid getting to that point! Read also: 5 advantages of becoming a real estate advisor

Go through a real estate agency to buy without risk

Of course, agency fees represent between 3 and 10% of the price of your new home. These correspond to the agency’s fixed costs as well as the services it provides. It is also the price of tranquility. A sale carried out by a real estate agency means a fair real estate price set by a proper estimate. You benefit from total transparency on the condition of the house or apartment thanks to the diagnostics provided. No unpleasant surprises regarding the work to be planned await you. You will be able to make a purchase offer with peace of mind. The real estate agent offers you real support at each stage of your real estate project. Do not hesitate to contact a Citya Immobilier agency to benefit from valuable real estate advice. Read also: Why invest in life annuity?