Some of the most common complaints when selling are about Estate Agents. The estate agent you select when selling a property can impact on the time it takes to sell the property and the price you achieve so it’s worth getting it right.

Do your research first

• Research properties in your area to find out what similar properties are selling for.
• Find out which estate agents are most visible (for-sale boards, offices close by, presence on online search engines.)
• Find out which agents have similar properties on their books.
• Treat with suspicion estate agents who have many properties for sale, but few sold. They are likely to be over-pricing properties to get instructions.

Get prices from agents

Ask three agents who have sold properties similar to yours in your area. Ask them for the following:

1. A price they would put the property on the market at (the asking price).
2. The price they would expect to make (if not the asking price).
3. How long they think it will take to sell the property.
4. How much commission they will take on the sale.

Remember that commission prices are often negotiable especially when there is a lot of competition. If time is an issue, see if they will take one commission level for a quick sale (1-4 weeks) and a lower commission for a sale after that time. ‘Sale’ usually means ‘agreed offer’.

Finally, find out who can offer the best service. Ideally find an agent that has someone in the office who will ‘progress the sale’ once you have received an offer.  And don’t be afraid to call them regularly for updates!

Find out more about selling:

Key legal steps to selling >

HIPS explained >

Preparing your home for sale >