What to Look for When Choosing an Estate Agent

Choosing an Estate Agent is important, but how do you separate the good from the bad? It can be hard to know what to look for and what makes a great Estate Agent, which is why we've put together a guide to help you find an Estate Agent that is the right fit for you.

Marketing Channels 

It’s really important when choosing the right Estate Agent, that you find out how they intend to market your property. 

In today’s world, all Estate Agents need to be able to provide a strong online presence, featuring your property on their website, social media and also platforms like Rightmove or Zoopla. Ensuring your property is advertised across multiple online platforms will help your property get seen by the right people. 

Ask them about other forms of marketing too. Do they do flyer drops, do they have databases of potential buyers they can talk to, do they send out newsletters? Asking these types of questions will help you build a picture of how your property will be marketed, and what has been a successful marketing channel for them in the past. 

Selling Style 

An Estate Agents job is to sell your home, but there’s a right and wrong way to do it. 

Getting an understanding of their selling style will help you determine if that Estate Agent is the right fit for you. It can be hard to know what that style is until you start working with them, but there are a few things to look out for which will give you an indication of what you can expect. 

If an Estate Agent asks you lots of questions, are good listeners and take a genuine interest in you and your property, it’s a sign they’ll do a good job selling your home. These are the Agents that tend to care more, putting your needs above their own. 

They also do a fantastic job when it comes to viewings. It’s so important that your Estate Agents knows key details about your home and the area, as they will be able to answer questions potential buyers have with ease.

So many people have told me stories of Estate Agents who are unprepared, talk about themselves throughout the viewing or go for the hard sell which have put buyers off.

Good Knowledge of the Local Area

A common question I get asked when taking potential buyers around a property is about the local area. What are the schools like, is there good access to public transport, what amenities are close by? 

Choosing an Estate Agent with good knowledge of the local area can be a real advantage, especially during viewings. Being in the know about what’s going on locally can be the difference between someone putting in an offer or not. 

If an Estate Agent knows the local area, they’ll also have a good understanding of the local housing market which means they’re more likely to give an accurate, true valuation of your property.  

Estate Agent Fees 

All Estate Agents charge a fee for selling your property, this is usually a percentage of the selling price. There may be additional costs for things like photography or advertising, and there may even be a fee for withdrawing the property from the sale if you change your mind further down the line.

All Estate Agents do things slighting differently when it comes to fees, but a good one will explain in detail what those are, ensuring there are no hidden costs. 

It’s up to do to make a judgement on whether the fees are good value for the level of service the Agent will provide. Just remember that cheapest doesn't always mean best, it’s usually the opposite.  

What do Past Clients Think of Them?     

If you really want to get to know an Estate Agent, or any business for that matter, look at reviews/testimonials from past clients. You might be able to find testimonials or case studies on their website. You can also look at Google reviews and reviews left on their social media platforms. Reviews left on these types of platforms are less likely to be filtered too. 

If you’re thinking of selling your home, get in touch with our friendly team today on Tel:  01423 582020 or Email: enquiries@tlc-properties.co.uk. With years of experience and knowledge of the housing market, our estate agents will value your home as well as giving their recommendations on the best strategy to sell your property.