Finding the right estate agent to sell your house is essential. With the right agent, you can expect them to get your home sold quickly and for a great price. They can even add extra value to the process to justify their fee.
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Remember: the agent works for you
Bear in mind that the estate agent is working for you. Choosing an estate agent should be a pleasant experience, so if you don’t feel comfortable speaking with them, look for another firm.
Estate agents on the high street usually charge a fee based on a percentage of the sale price of your home. This means that if they don’t successfully sell your property, they won’t get paid. It is advantageous for all parties to get off to a good start.
How do I find the best estate agent near me?
To find the ideal estate agent in your area, follow these steps:
- First, look at the ‘For Sale’ signs around you. This will give you an indication of the more popular estate agents in your area and the type of properties they usually list.
- Next, ask family, friends, and neighbours for their recommendations. Having a personal suggestion can be very helpful.
How to choose an estate agent
Once you’ve compiled a list of potential estate agents, you’ll need to narrow it down to your top three. Invite them over for a valuation and to discuss how they work. When choosing who cuts, consider these facts.
- How quickly do they sell properties? How close do they come to the asking price?
- Confirm the estate agent has experience with properties like yours by checking their shop window, website or property portals.
- Are they taking good pictures and writing clear, relevant descriptions? How many properties do they have listed? Are the prices competitive or are a lot of them marked as “reduced”?
Don’t feel obligated to hire the estate agent who sold you your house, but if you were pleased with their services, add them to your shortlist.
Meet at least three estate agents
This meeting is an ideal chance for you to pose some extra inquiries to the estate agent to help discover the best person to sell your home. You could ask:
- When was the last time they sold a house like yours and did it reach the asking price?
- What is their justification for the value they want to list your property at? They should be able to prove that they are familiar with the local market and have done their research.
- Are they members of an accredited independent ombudsman service? They should be either a member of the Property Ombudsman or the Property Redress Scheme.
- What would they do if your property isn’t selling as swiftly or at the price you anticipated?
- Make sure the estate agent will accompany potential buyers when you are not there, or all the time if you prefer them to take the lead. If there is a particular agent you like, ask if they will be the one conducting the viewings
- Find out about their standard terms and conditions, particularly their standard commission rate and usual tie-in period. Get informed about what they offer and understand what the commission rate and tie-in period usually are.
How much do estate agents cost?
When you’re looking to find the best estate agent, you’ll want to consider their fees.
Generally, agents will charge a percentage fee, which can be anywhere between 0.9% to 3.6% (including VAT) of the agreed selling price of your home, depending on the type of contract and how well you negotiate.
On average, estate agent fees in 2023 are usually at 1.42% with VAT. So for a £275,000 house, this would mean estate agent fees of around £3,900
What makes a good estate agent?
When it comes to finding the best estate agent, it pays to consider what makes them great. These are some important qualities to look for:
- Enthusiasm: You’ll know you’ve got a winning estate agent on your hands when they are enthusiastic about selling your home during your valuation meeting.
- Proactivity: Make sure the estate agent is proactive in marketing, arranging viewings and chasing up offers. Even if they’re busy, they should still have plenty of time for your property.
- A good track record: Check the facts before you decide. Are they successful at selling homes quickly and for a good price? That’s how you’ll be able to find the best estate agent.
Choosing the best estate agent to sell your house
In summary:
- If you’re looking for the best estate agent, it’s important to shop around and find one that’s performing well in your area. You must get along with your estate agent and feel like you can trust them. They will be the first point of contact for prospective buyers, so they must represent you and your property appropriately.
- It’s also important to check the estate agent fees and see if you can negotiate on the price to find the best estate agent at the best rate.
- When signing the contract, make sure to read it carefully and check the sole agency tie-in period and the required notice period. If there’s anything you don’t understand, ask. If you’re not happy with anything, don’t sign the contract.
- A good estate agent has your best interests at heart and can accommodate your needs. This applies to the actual property sale and how you prefer to work. They should take into account your desired buyer type, price range, and timeline.
- Additionally, they should respect how you prefer to communicate. For instance, if you would rather receive updates via email rather than over the phone, they should oblige. Similarly, if you require weekly updates instead of every two weeks, they should also comply.
- A good estate agent understands that a satisfied customer will lead to positive reviews. Therefore, it is in their best interest to get you the best deal while ensuring a smooth, pleasant working experience.
Sell to us!
At Property Saviour, we are passionate about providing superior expertise and customer service. Our clients rely on us to identify the ideal deal for them. If you are interested in renting, buying or selling a property, contact us today!
Property Saviour Price Promise
- The price we’ll offer is the price that you will receive with no hidden deductions.
- Be careful with ‘cash buyers’ who require a valuation needed for a mortgage or bridging loan.
- These valuations or surveys result in delays and price reductions later on.
- We are cash buyers. There are no surveys.
- We always provide proof of funds with every formal offer issued.
We'll Pay £1,500 Towards Your Legal Fees
- No long exclusivity agreement to sign because we are the buyers.
- You are welcome to use your own solicitor.
- If you don’t have one, we can ask our solicitors for recommendations.
- We share our solicitor’s details and issue a Memorandum of Sale.
Sell With Certainty & Speed
- Our approach is transparent and ethical, which is why sellers trust us.
- 100% Discretion guaranteed.
- If you have another buyer, you can put us in a contracts race to see who completes first.
- Complete in 10 days or at a timescale that works for you. You are in control.
