Big Vs Small Real Estate Agency

It's a common question from home owners. Do we go with a local agency or a well-known brand Agency? We'll list the pros and cons for each and let you decide.

Pro's for a local Real Estate Agency

- Their agents often live within the area, their kids go to the school, they shop there and enjoy what the area has to offer

- They're more likely to of been in the area longer

- Local agencies are commonly family owned and operated. This can make them more family orientated and willing to build a relationship with you

- They don't have as many listings as a large agency which means they can dedicate more time and effort into your listing

- They know that the larger agencies are their competition, so they put in more effort and dedication into their every day

- Can be more flexible with marketing techniques, meetings, more accessible and fees

Con's for a local Real Estate Agency

- If they're a smaller agency, they may not have the same support as a larger, franchise agency might have

- They may not receive as much organic enquiry as a branded agency

- They haven't established as much of a reputation compared to well known brands (this can also be a good thing!)

Pro's for a branded Real Estate Agency

- They often have dedicated teams to support the entire business as a whole. Such as an accounts and marketing department, a Business Development Manager, multiple directors, a Commercial department, a Sales Administration, in-house photographers and buyers agents.

- They usually have support from their corporate head office with marketing tools, training and up to date systems

- They receive organic enquiry from their branding and reputation alone

- Because of their larger teams, they naturally get more exposure, assistance and referral from their other agents

Con's of a branded Real Estate Agency

- It's possible that you could become just another number and be lost or neglected

- It can become difficult to know who to speak to if you've dealt with a number of staff

- Often marketing techniques are strict, meetings and communication is limited and fees can be higher

- Sometimes agents can get very competitive with each other either between agencies or within the same agency. A roster between the agents can mean you don't get to choose your agent, you get given to the next one in line

- It can be harder for buyers to get in contact with them or feel as though they've had enough time with the agent if they're very busy

Both types of agencies have their benefits and downfalls. But it all depends what you're looking for as a home owner. Interview a number of agents from various agencies and most importantly, choose someone you feel you can trust, has good communicate and generally get along with! Do your research and you can't go wrong.