Homeowner’s preferences for estate agents vary.
Some people prefer local experience, and others focus solely on price.
(Some prefer no estate agent at all…)
If you need help on how to choose an estate agent, then don’t worry – you’re in the right place.
Factors to consider when choosing an estate agent
1. Local experience
Arguably, the most crucial consideration is experience in your local area.
Each town across the UK has a unique housing market.
The demographic of potential buyers may change, as will the local selling points.
An estate agent who knows your area well will have several advantages over one that doesn’t, including:
- Contact details of local buyers
- Up-to-date knowledge of similar properties that have sold recently
- Amenities close to your house that make it attractive
- Local promotional tools that will maximise your house’s visibility – e.g., neighbourhood magazines
- Insight into significant future developments, such as new schools or major roads.
These factors collectively impact their effectiveness at selling your house – before, during, and after viewings.
How to establish whether your estate agent has local experience?
Ask all estate agents about their experience in your local area. For example:
- How long have they lived or worked in the area?
- Do they have a network of potential buyers that they can contact?
- Have they sold houses on your road before?
2. Online reviews
Another way to decide between different estate agencies is to check their online reviews.
You should not rely on the testimonials featured on their website. After all, they are unlikely to include the negative ones.
Search for their name in the following sources:
- Trustpilot
- Yelp
- Facebook.
Compare the reviews of all your options. Look for ones that have:
- Emphasis on good service
- 100s of independent reviews
- At least a 4.3-star rating, and maybe higher
- Reviews made in recent weeks and months.
It would help if you searched for reviews that specifically mention an estate agent by name. It’s worth noting that the abilities of each company agent can vary.
So, find out who you will likely be dealing with, and see if any reviews match the name.
The estate agency might even be willing to give you the contact information of references. This can reassure you that you’ve made the right choice.
3. Recommendations from friends and family
Feedback from people you know and trust is very valuable.
Ask your friends and family about their experiences selling a house.
Have they done so in the local area? And if so, how was their experience with the estate agent they chose?
This is helpful because your friends and family can name the specific agent they worked with. You contact the company and ask for them directly.
It’s even better if you’re selling a similar type of property as your loved one.
4. Price structure
For some homeowners, price is the most important thing.
Estate agents’ commission rates vary. The average figure tends to fall between 1.5% to 3% of the selling price.
You can ask each estate agency their figure, then compare. The lower figures will save you money.
The structure of fees might be important, too. Some companies don’t take a commission at all and only charge a flat rate.
This is common with online estate agencies. Other firms might offer to cover your conveyancing costs.
Just make sure you don’t compromise quality by selecting the cheapest option.
There is often a reason why a company’s prices are so low. You could receive slow responses, mistakes, and a lack of viewings, making it more costly in the long run.
5. An honest valuation
You should be cautious when you bring in an estate agent to value your house.
Just because one estate agent gives you a higher valuation than others, that doesn’t mean you should pick them.
Estate agents sometimes exaggerate a valuation to encourage sellers to sign up with them.
But the price will inevitably ‘correct itself’ further down the line – when no buyers are interested in your inflated figure.
In other words, unrealistically high valuations aren’t usually achieved. They are more likely to slow down deals.
They can indicate fundamental dishonesty and even potential bad service by the estate agent who offers it.
Using an independent valuer
Get an independent valuer to inspect your house and give you their opinion.
You should then see which estate agent lands closest to this. They are the ones being honest, and thus the more trustworthy.
6. Rapport with the estate agent
You will always want to sell with an estate agent that you get along with.
How easily you build rapport with the estate agents you meet may thus factor into your choice.
You will meet estate agents when they give a free valuation on your house. You can chat with them over the phone or even book a meeting.
Just clarify that the person you’re talking to is the same one who’ll be selling your house.
7. Data about average selling times and potential buyers
When you speak to an estate agent, ask what data they can provide to prove they are the best to sell your house.
This might include their average selling times compared to other estate agencies in the area. Or it might be their list of potential buyers currently looking for a house.
Which estate agent is best for me?
Your personal preferences will decide which criteria you pay the most attention to. All of them are important in their own way.
You should outline the two or three things that matter the most and then shop around until you find a ‘perfect fit’.
Take your time with a decision. An exaggerated valuation or a low commission rate can often coincide with poor service.
It’s a balancing act between the two. Good luck!
Alternatives to estate agents
Selling a house can be a complex process. Traditional estate agents are the most common option, but several alternative channels exist.
- Online estate agents offer a cheaper way to list your property but may have limitations in terms of service and local expertise
- Auctions can be a quick and potentially lucrative way to sell, but there’s no guarantee of a sale
- Cash house buyers (like We Buy Any Home) offer a fast and hassle-free sale but typically pay less than the market value.
Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages. So, it’s important to consider your needs and circumstances when choosing between them.
