A Day in the Life of a Search Agent

We caught up with Philippa Sole to find out more about this unique role and why more and more buyers are choosing to engage a search agent.

Firstly, what is the difference between a search agent and an estate agent?
The big difference is who is working for who. Estate agents are engaged and paid by the seller. When you enter negotiations with an estate agent you must remember that they act for the seller. As a search agent, my fee is paid by the buyer. I work directly, for you, to select your
perfect property.

How do you successfully combine your roles as a property agent and a search agent?
My role as a property agent uniquely informs my role as a search agent – it means that I am fully immersed in the BH13/BH14 property market. As a search agent, I take one fee only and that is from the buyer. This gives me the freedom to work solely and exclusively in your interest.

“You need someone to give you an edge over everyone else, someone who will work tirelessly and expertly to find you the right house, in the right location, negotiate the best price and then once all is agreed, ensure that everyone else gets on with their jobs to help complete the deal”

What would be your typical day as a search agent?
That very much depends on the point we are at in the search process. I undertake all aspects of the property search, right through to a successful completion; from finding the perfect property to undertaking viewings, property histories, mediation and negotiating the sale. Whatever is required, I am there to take the stress and hassle out of the process.

Is there a particular part of the role you enjoy?
Every day is different, but there are highlights. I will often collect clients from the station or their homes and take them to see the various villages and a shortlist of properties. Many are interested in discovering the local amenities; the best restaurants, schools, shopping haunts, everything from local yoga classes to the best dog-walking beaches. I always enjoy this element of my work because I am imparting really useful information to buyers that only comes with sound local knowledge. For example, where the sun rises and sets in relation to the property, property history, details of natural springs or subsidence, even local shortcuts, footpaths and beaches.

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Who are your typical clients?
Good question! Anybody and everybody. I work with people looking to relocate to the area, but also many locals who understand the competitive nature of this property market and who want to have an edge when it comes to finding their perfect home. My role involves a lot of hand-holding and employing my skills in my client’s best interest. I am often engaged by elderly clients or their relatives who don’t want the stress and worry that goes into finding the right property and negotiating the deal.

Surely using a search agent is a luxury?
Not anymore and certainly not in the areas I specialise in. These are some of the most beautiful and sought after locations in the UK. It’s a competitive and fast moving market and so all buyers are looking for an advantage. My clients range from first time buyers to retirees, really anyone who recognises the benefits of having someone actively working for them; able to move quickly when properties come on the market, or even before they come to market.

“A one lady army of such expertise and enthusiasm, who has transformed the usually painful, expensive and time consuming stress of trying to buy a house, into one of relaxation, choice, sound advice and excitement.”

Is engaging a search agent an additional expense, in an already expensive process?
Not necessarily, in fact my services offer remarkable value for money.  The majority of my clients are interested in the time and stress I can save them in the long-term, not to mention the money that they save by engaging an experienced negotiator. More often than not this more than covers my fees. 

“Pippa is nothing short of miraculous.  Pippa found us the perfect property, which wasn’t even on the market, a deal was agreed and we are waiting to move in.”

What is the best part of your job?
Nothing beats the feeling than when I find my clients the perfect property, especially if it’s a property that wouldn’t have been available to them without my intervention. Sharing in their joy when they first look around their ideal property is simply brilliant. I’ve worked with clients in the past who have walked into a property I’ve sourced and just thrown their arms around me with sheer relief and excitement. It’s an exceptional feeling to know I’ve met all their requirements and made a real difference to their experience of buying in this area.

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To find out more about how I can help you find your dream home, please contact me directly, or watch my video at www.philippasole.co.uk.
t. 01202 747999
m. 07709 111797
e. pippa@philippasole.co.uk
w. www.philippasole.co.uk

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