The process of selling involves interaction with many types of professionals including an estate agent. Learn more about estate agent fees.
In the following article, we have compiled a list of questions to ask when selecting an estate agent. So make an informed decision and get the best outcome for your sale.
Evaluating estate agent expertise and approach
1. What is your experience in selling properties like mine?
Ask your estate agent about their track record with homes comparable to yours. It helps to know how many other properties they've sold and the average time these sales took.
This information provides insight into their ability to handle your specific property sale.
2. How do you determine the asking price for a property?
Inquire how the agent arrives at their valuation. A competent estate agent assesses the local market, compares similar properties, and considers current housing market trends to ensure the price reflects your property's value and local conditions.
3. Can you provide references from previous sellers?
References from previous sellers offer a view into an agent's professionalism and success. Request these references to gauge their reputation and effectiveness.
Feedback from past clients can indicate the agent's ability to sell properties and manage the sales process effectively.
Estate agent fees and costs
4. How much will you charge for your services?
As a homeowner, you may be concerned about the cost of hiring an estate agent. They usually charge a fee, which can be a percentage of the property's selling price, generally between 1% and 3%, plus VAT.
Some agents prefer a fixed fee, which is more common among online agents. It’s wise to get a clear picture of this early on. Comparing the fees of several agents can help ensure you're not overpaying for the service.
5. Are your fees negotiable?
Many sellers overlook the possibility of negotiating estate agent fees. These fees are often flexible and can be discussed and reduced, especially in a strong seller's market or if your property has features that make it highly desirable.
Negotiating could lead to savings, given the overall cost of selling a property.
We have some useful tips on how to sell your house.
6. Are there any additional costs I should be aware of?
In property sales, unforeseen costs can arise. It's wise to ask your estate agent about any additional expenses beyond their commission.
These might include fees for advertising, professional photography, or organising open house events. Knowing about these expenses upfront helps you budget accurately and avoid unexpected financial surprises.
7. Do you charge for marketing expenses separately?
Ask whether marketing expenses are included in the estate agent's commission or billed separately. These expenses could cover activities like listing your property on major property portals, professional photography, or creating floor plans and virtual tours.
Discussing these costs early ensures you are fully informed about the financial aspect of selling your property.
8. When are your fees due and how are they calculated?
Generally, the fees are payable once your property sells. The calculation of these fees can vary a flat rate, a percentage of the selling price, or sometimes a combination of both.
Getting clarity on these points at the start helps prevent misunderstandings and ensures smooth financial transactions during your property sale.
Exploring the estate agent contract
9. What type of contract do you use?
Estate agent contracts in the UK vary, each with distinct terms and conditions. Asking this question reveals the nature of your agreement with the agent.
Familiarise yourself with common contract types: sole agency, multi-agency, and sole selling rights. Each type affects your flexibility and the fees you pay.
Sometimes having more than one agent helps bring in more options. A multi-agency contract means that you can use as many agents as you want. You will pay a commission to the one who sells your property.
Read more about no sale no fee agents.
10. What are the terms of the sole agency contract?
A sole agency contract usually means that one estate agent has the exclusive right to sell your property. Inquire about the duration of this agreement and any exclusivity clauses.
It's useful to know the implications of selling through another agent or independently during this period. Clarify what happens if the property doesn't sell within the agreed timeframe.
We also have an article about using multiple estate agents.
11. Does your contract include a tie-in period?
Tie-in periods restrict your ability to switch agents without incurring penalties. Ask about the length of this period and the conditions for early termination.
Knowing these details helps you assess your commitment level and potential exit strategies if your expectations aren’t met.
12. Can I choose to end the contract early?
Ending an estate agent contract early can have financial implications. Discuss any fees or notice periods required. Transparency in these terms ensures a clear understanding of your rights and responsibilities, preventing surprises.
13. What happens if there is a dispute?
Disputes, though uncommon, can arise. Ensure the agent has a clear dispute resolution process. This might involve an internal procedure or external mediation.
Knowing the protocol for resolving disagreements offers peace of mind and a sense of security in your dealings with the agent.
Read in detail about how to complain about an estate agent.
Marketing strategies and property exposure
14. How will you market my home?
Estate agents use various methods to market your home effectively. A good agent will use a blend of online and offline strategies for maximum exposure.
They may use property portals, social media, email marketing, and traditional methods like print advertising in magazines and newspapers. Ask about their specific plans for your property and any unique or creative methods they might employ.
15. Which property portals and online resources will you use?
The choice of property portals and online resources is an important factor in marketing your home. Most agents will list your property on popular portals known for high traffic and effective targeting. Online methods might include listing on high-traffic real estate websites, social media advertising, and email campaigns.
16. How do you utilise social media platforms?
Social media and digital platforms offer effective ways to market properties. Agents might use Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to reach a broad audience. They can showcase your home through posts, stories, and targeted ads.
Agents often use their websites and email newsletters to promote listings. Ask your agent about their digital strategy and how they plan to use these platforms to enhance your property's visibility.
17. Can you describe your traditional marketing methods?
A balanced online and offline marketing approach is important for wider exposure. Offline strategies might involve traditional methods like high street window displays, local newspaper adverts, and flyers. Inquire about the agent's plan for both online and offline marketing to get a comprehensive view of their strategy.
They might also feature your property in specialised magazines or local publications, attracting different types of buyers, from local residents to national and international investors.
18. Will you provide professional photos and virtual tours?
Professional photos and virtual tours are important for showcasing your property effectively. High-quality images highlight the best features of your home. Virtual tours offer an immersive experience, allowing potential buyers to explore your property online. This can attract interest from buyers who may not be able to visit in person initially.
Evaluating property value and sales potential
19. How will you assess the value of my property?
Estate agents play a major role in setting your property's asking price. They consider factors like location, size, and condition. Ask how they arrive at their valuation. It helps to understand if they use recent local sales data, a comparative market analysis, or other methods. Their approach can impact your property's appeal to buyers.
You must also learn about some of the tricks that estate agents employ and how to handle them.
20. How does the local market affect my property's value?
Your property's value is influenced by the local market. Ask the agent about current market trends, such as demand for homes in your area or typical buyer profiles. This information can help gauge if your property's value might rise or fall in the near future.
21. How quickly can you sell properties like mine?
The speed at which an agent sells properties similar to yours is an important metric. Inquire about their average time on the market for comparable homes. This can provide insight into their efficiency and understanding of the local market.
22. What factors influence the speed of the sale?
Several factors affect sale speed, including market conditions, property characteristics, and pricing strategy. Discuss with the agent how they plan to handle these aspects. Their strategy should match your selling goals.
23. Have you recently sold any properties in my area?
Agents with recent sales in your area likely have relevant local knowledge and an existing pool of interested buyers. This can be advantageous in achieving a swift and successful sale.
Preparing your property for sale
24. Is my property ready to sell, and how can I best stage it?
Staging a property influences buyers' perceptions. Estate agents often suggest decluttering and depersonalising your home. This approach helps buyers envision themselves living in the space.
Consider repainting walls in neutral tones and fixing any minor repairs. A clean, well-maintained house suggests to buyers that the property is well cared for.
25. What improvements can increase my property's appeal?
Small improvements can make a noticeable difference. Updating fixtures like doorknobs or light fittings can modernise your home. Ensure the garden is tidy and the front of the house is appealing, as first impressions matter. Inside, make sure all rooms are well-lit, and consider rearranging furniture to maximise space.
Here are some interesting ideas to help with your house sale.
26. Do I need a 'for sale' sign in front of my house?
While not mandatory, a 'for sale' sign can increase exposure. It alerts passers-by and neighbours, who might know interested buyers, that your property is on the market.
Most agents recommend it as part of their marketing strategy. However, discuss with your agent if you have privacy concerns or live in an area where such signs are uncommon.
Managing the viewing and negotiation process
27. Who will conduct viewings and how are they scheduled?
Estate agents often handle property viewings. Their approach to scheduling these viewings is an important aspect of the selling process. As a homeowner, ask about the agent's policy on viewings to understand who oversees them and the flexibility in scheduling.
It’s beneficial to know if viewings are conducted during weekdays, weekends, or evenings, aligning with potential buyers' availability.
28. How do you handle multiple viewings?
Multiple viewings can indicate high interest in your property. Inquire about an estate agent's strategy for managing these situations. A good agent will have a structured approach to ensure each potential buyer receives adequate attention and information. Their response indicates their ability to create a competitive environment, possibly leading to better offers.
29. How do you negotiate offers with potential buyers?
An estate agent's skill is often most evident during offer negotiations. Ask how they handle offers to gauge their expertise in securing the best price. Understand their approach—whether they are proactive in seeking offers, how they handle below-asking-price bids, and their strategy for encouraging competitive offers.
Their ability to balance firm negotiation with maintaining buyer interest can influence the outcome of the sale.
30. What is your approach to handling counteroffers?
Counteroffers are common in property transactions. Knowing an estate agent's approach to these situations is important. A skilled agent will have strategies to manage counteroffers effectively, aiming to secure a deal that closely matches your expectations. Their response should reflect their negotiation skills and how they maintain the balance between seller satisfaction and buyer engagement.
Additional services and recommendations
31. Can you recommend surveyors, solicitors, and removal firms?
Choosing surveyors, solicitors, and removal firms is an important step in selling your property. An estate agent often has a network of trusted professionals they can recommend. These recommendations are based on their experience with these professionals' reliability and service quality. Considering these suggestions can streamline the selling process.
32. Do you receive commissions for these recommendations?
Estate agents often have financial agreements with service providers they recommend. Ask whether the agent receives a commission for their recommendations. Transparency about these arrangements ensures you make informed decisions about using their suggested services.
33. Do you offer advice on mortgages and financial planning?
Estate agents might provide guidance on financial aspects related to selling a property. This can include advice on mortgages, especially if you are buying another property at the same time.
Some agents work with mortgage brokers or financial advisors and can refer you to these experts for more detailed advice. The scope of financial guidance your estate agent offers can assist in planning your next steps.
34. Am I obligated to use services recommended by you?
Estate agents often suggest additional services like mortgage brokers or solicitors. It's important to know that using these recommended services is not mandatory.
Ask whether the agent receives any commission for these referrals. This helps ensure that their recommendations are based on service quality rather than financial incentives.
You have the freedom to choose your service providers based on your research and preferences.
Other related queries
35. What are your opening hours?
Inquiring about an estate agent's opening hours is practical. These hours determine when you can contact them or schedule viewings.
Traditional high street agents often have standard business hours, but modern, hybrid agents might offer extended or more flexible hours. Matching your availability with their schedule is useful, especially if your commitments limit your free time.
36. How long will you list my property for sale?
Discussing the listing period with your estate agent affects how long your property is actively marketed. A good estate agent might suggest a shorter listing period, indicating confidence in selling your property swiftly, while another might propose a longer period for more time on the market.
This question helps gauge the agent's selling strategy and aligns it with your expectations.
37. Will I have to pay estate agent fees if I sell the property privately?
If you find a buyer independently, understand the financial implications according to your agreement with the agent. Some contracts, especially those with sole selling rights, might require you to pay the agent's fee even if you sell privately.
Clarify this aspect to avoid unexpected expenses. Understanding the specifics of estate agent contracts, particularly regarding private sales, can help avoid unforeseen financial obligations.