Which one will you choose?

How do you pick a good Estate Agent? How are estate agents all different? Read our step by step tips to ensure you find the right one for you!

1. Do your research and make a shortlist of Estate Agents in your area

Create a list of about 6-7 estate agents you would consider using. If you are new to this, have a look at OnTheMarket and Zoopla where you can search for the agents in your area. Take a thorough look at their websites, ask friends and neighbours about recommendations, look at their social media presence, advertisements and even the shop window. Which ones are smart and appealing? Make a note to do more of a thorough search in the next step…

2. Traditional or an Online Estate Agency?

What is the difference? Well you can choose a traditional full service agency where there is an office and with the service you can guarantee they take care of every stage of the selling process from start to finish. Also there is a no-sale no-fee bases, so traditional estate agents don’t see a penny until your home is sold!

Online agencies generally don’t have any offices you can visit as it is all online, there are usually up-front fees to put the home on the market, also there can be further charges for extra marketing materials such as floorplans and photography etc. You will also have to carry on the sale process once an offer has been accepted dealing with solicitors and surveyors.

3. Take a closer look – and choose your top 3

The agents that should be in your top 3 should be ones that you feel are trustworthy, appealing and professional – also that will market your home to the best it can be. Start off by doing a thorough search on their websites, this is where your property will be listed so look at the different quality of marketing. Compare each estate agent on their good quality photography, floorplans and property descriptions. If you go with an online agent you will be without a chance to market to those walking past a shop window. So ask yourself, would you be happy to see your home on their website? In their shop window? You should now be able to narrow down your list to three agents that can be called out to your home.

If you are still stuck then look at their social media pages, Facebook is a good one – you can see how many people interact with the company, how well they are perceived within the community by the number of “likes” and it shows how trustworthy they are.

4. Mystery Shop – go and see them 

If you really are struggling to figure out which estate agent to choose – why not put them to the test on their customer service? If you make contact, whether it be over the phone or face to face you will really get a sense of what they are like – you are about to hand over your most valuable asset so you want to know that the people selling it are trustworthy and that you can get on with them. There are a lot you can consider, were they helpful? Did you feel welcome?

Ask lots of questions! If you want to know what they do once a sale is agreed, ask them. If you want to know what they do to market the property, ask them. The right agent for you will have all the answers.

5. Money Money Money – What can you expect from agent fees

The agent will charge a fee to sell your home. A good estate agent will explain all the details and that there should be no hidden costs. The actual amount you pay will depend on what service the agent is providing. You could be using two estate agents so the fee may be different. You can shop around for cheaper rates but you need to ask yourself – what are you paying for? If you get a good marketing package and more of a chance to sell your home then would it be worth going for the higher fee? You do get what you pay for.

6. Choosing the right agent for you

Now you have met the agents, had their opinions about the price of your home and you have found out the service they provide and the way they market. By now you should have an agent in mind that you want to use. You’ll almost certainly like some individuals better than others.

7. The dream team – you and your agent

So you know who you are going to choose – so go and call them up and give them the good news! The process will soon start with instructing a photographer, combining the contracts together and getting ready for a successful launch! Your agent is working with you to help you get to where you need to be! You’ll be more likely to succeed in selling your home if you work closely together, be prepared for viewing feedback and regular communication – you both want to same goal.

Not every estate agent fits every homeowner, not even homeowner is the right fit for every agent, but if you want the very best price, want to work alongside your agent to help you get where you need to be then we will help you every step of the way. We have been there, shared memories with homeowners and helped them create new ones, screamed and jumped up and down in their kitchens with happiness and helped them settle into their new home after the sale has completed!

If you want an informal chat with one of our team please do get in touch on 01970 636 000 or fill out the form below and someone will get back to you soon.

Many thanks,

The alexanders team.