The invisible market

Knowing where to find properties, to which others do not have access, is a big advantage of using a buying agent.

Many buyers happily register with estate agent’s websites or collective portals like Zoopla, Rightmove and Primelocation and set up alerts when suitable properties match their criteria. Few realise that estate agents do not upload all their available properties. Why? It costs the estate agent time and money to market a property when one phone call to a keen buyer will suffice. Also, estate agents are protective about their own instructions and fearful of poaching by rivals.

There is always a bottom drawer. An agent in Farnham, when asked what was available, walked across to his filing cabinet and said “Well there is this…not on the open market at the moment, but due on next year. But I know my client will be happy to give you a one-off viewing.” Deal done. No one else knew about it. When you want to find something special, don’t expect to find it where everyone else is looking.