Selling the Scottish Way
Monthly Column by ESPC Chief Executive, Malcolm Cannon
From penicillin and the flush toilet through to the television and the refrigerator (and not forgetting modern economics), Scots have a track record for innovation, creativity and making things work better.
Although the concept of solicitor estate agents may not have travelled across the globe in the same way, when you take a step back and think about it, there are many obvious benefits for property buyers and sellers.
The most important part of the ESPC is the "S". Solicitors have formed the backbone of Scottish property sales since records began and remain the first port of call for the majority of people selling their house in Scotland.
Why use an estate agent when you can get all you need under one roof with a solicitor? Not only will they sell your house – they sell more houses between them in East Central Scotland than all non-solicitor estate agents put together - but they also have access to the latest database of what is selling for how much and where in order to advise you on pricing. They will guide you through the selling and buying process and will handle all communications throughout. They are trusted professionals working to a strict code of conduct regulated by the Law Society of Scotland and it is their duty to work to the best interest of the client at all times. These are things you will not necessarily get if you choose to use a non-solicitor estate agent.
When the ESPC previously undertook research on the perception of our brand, the areas that scored well included trust, professional, good customer service and reputable. As the public face of ESPC, we are firmly of the belief that it is the service delivered by our member firms that creates these perceptions of ESPC.
Every community and area has their local solicitor office. Individuals who live and work in the area, know what is going on and use this knowledge in partnership with their legal training. That is a very good ally to have in your corner when considering the biggest financial commitment most of us will ever make.
Please remember, your feedback is extremely important to us so whether it is a comment made through the website, by email or a note dropped in or posted to our offices, we welcome any suggestions and even criticism. Only through this type of communication can we seek to improve our service to the customer.
Have a wonderful festive season and don’t forget to look out for special events in the showroom in the New Year.