Estate agents often juggle multiple responsibilities, and setting target completion dates in property chains might be another to add to the list. But what are the benefits?…. Should we be doing it?…. In the UK, the average property completion time frame is approaching size months. (Shocking). This timeframe or uncertainty causes so my anexity for all involved. However, sellers and other parties involved typically aim for a much shorter period of 8-12 weeks. This discrepancy can lead to frustration and unrealistic expectations. So how do we handle this as agents? Rushing to meet an overly ambitious target can be damaging, as many factors in the conveyancing process are out of the agent's & and sellers control, such as searches, surveys and mortgage approvals. Setting a realistic time frame, on the other hand, can manage expectations better and reduce stress for all parties involved. Do you think estate agents should prioritize setting these realistic completion dates? Or always aim for asap, which can cause a lot of stress for all concerned. Share your thoughts below! #property #propertysales #ukproperty
I think the key is to communicate well amongst all parties and keep them in the loop. There will inevitably be delays but if they understand the reason it is easier to cope with. The worst part for buyers and sellers is the lack of control over such an important event in their lives. They have so much to contend with and plan, whilst possibly dealing with concerns about immense change. A little compassion and understanding go a long way.
We set a date for our own home and let all Parties involved including clients, agents and solicitors the expectation. It worked for us. However we also took control of the small chain x
My thoughts would always be procrastinate the conversation for as long as you possibly can, as honestly you have no idea how long or short the process might be so why raise expectations if you can’t back it up? It simply leads to disappointed buyers and sellers because you have overrun a hypothetical date. Most of the public have an optimistic opinion on how long it takes to move into a home once an offer has been accepted to start with so you’re simply making your life harder by playing into this imaginary line situation
Timeframes are a good thing if handled correctly. My clients will expect that I clearly communicate with all parties to drive the sale forward. There is nothing wrong with setting timeframes for actions which are within the buyers and sellers control. Setting unrealistic timeframes, you will set yourself and most importantly your clients and stakeholders up for failure leading to stress and frustration. Clear communication, forward thinking and influence are key. I once progressed a sale successfully in two weeks on a leasehold property with a mortgage buyer who was involved in a contract race. Where there is motivation, there is a way.
In my 22 years I have learned the hard way trying to assist with aim for dates. This annoys conveyancers and this is most definitely their responsibility to agree to on dates. Unfortunately if you say, it should be ready by next Friday, it will depend on who you say that to as it's then your fault when it doesn't happen.
It's good to set a target date, but most solicitors will ignore it
Empty property, cash purchase, not that bothered about searches as he feels he knows the area…. Surely it's ok to say 28days
I would simply say no!
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6moProbably going to spark some outrage with my thoughts on this part of the business Agents can’t impact, influence or control the actions or behaviours of lenders, lawyers or emotional human beings. Setting arbitrary target dates at the outset of a traction is pure insanity due to there being so many known unknowns & variables. None of us could predict or order the weather for the 4th September 2025 at 1pm…it would be madness to even try & do it. Best course of action for an agent includes Hard data & facts around average time scales Hints & tips to speed up a sale Common blockers How we can work together to get you moved Those things have a degree of control but don’t make arbitrary, unlikely, impossible to control dates which then stresses out all involved.