Top tips for choosing an estate agent

Thousands of us put our faith in an estate agent to speed up a house move - turning that ‘for sale’ sign into one that preferably reads ‘sold’The process of selling a house can be extremely time consuming and, at times, confusing and that’s why thousands of us put our faith in an estate agent to speed up a house move - turning that ‘for sale’ sign into one that preferably reads ‘sold’.

It’s vital that you make the right decision when it comes to choosing an estate agent to facilitate your house move. Not only are you paying your chosen estate agent to market your home, any unexpected hitches could lead to the breakdown of your moving ‘chain’, missing out on the home of your dreams.

So what are the important tips to keep in mind when choosing an estate agent?

Use recommendations from family and friends
Consult family and friends over the most recent house moves and, if possible, act upon any recommendations you may receive. Any information regarding customer service and efficiency is certainly worthwhile, but you must ensure any recommendations you receive come from friends and family in the same area, as agents may have a number of branches that work differently.

Research your area
Watch the market in your area so that you are aware of which estate agents are particularly strong in selling your type of property. Some are very good within their specialist regions, such as selling smaller properties vs those renowned for the upper end of the market. Remember, potential buyers will be doing the same and will only register with estate agents they believe will have relevant types of properties.

Don’t be afraid to shop around
While the first estate agent you visit may appear to be offering you a good deal it is always important to shop around to bag an estate agent that is not only financially acceptable but has your best interests at heart. Most estate agent fees range from 1% to 3% but the agents that offer cheaper rates may not necessarily represent the best deal on the whole – there is plenty to consider!

Discuss your estate agent’s marketing plans
In order to make sure you get value for money from your eventual estate agent it is important to discuss their plans on marketing your property for sale. Whether it is internet-based or a mixture of the two you want to know that your property is receiving the best exposure possible.

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Looking for direction about your house move? Read our guide to selling your house.

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Avoid restrictive contracts
Always ensure that you read the terms and conditions of your contract before you sign on the dotted line. Overly restrictive contracts can stop you in your tracks. Some terms include a requirement that you remain tied to them for a set period before you can market your house with another estate agent. Always keep an eye out for ‘sole agency’ agreements which entitle the estate agent to commission even if you eventually complete your house sale privately.

Consider using multiple agents for a quick sale
It is not unheard of to use multiple estate agents if you are looking to maximise the exposure of your house for a quick sale. If that is your aim then ensure you read the small print and avoid tying yourself down to one particular agent. If time is of the essence you may consider a ‘multiple agency’ contract which entitles several agents to market your property although you will undoubtedly have to factor in higher fees and commission.

Choosing and working with an estate agent for your house move can be a stress-free experience if you make the right choice to enable the home removals process to run smoothly.