Clever questions to ask your Estate Agent
December, 2017

Moving home is one of the most stressful times of life and choosing your estate agent is one of the most important jobs in the entire process. However before you sign on the dotted line, it’s important to get the answers to these questions…

How much do you charge?

Agents usually charge a percentage fee of the agreed selling price of your home. However this depends on the type of contract that you choose. It is also important to consider other costs associated such as legal fees and removal costs. Legally you have to have applied for an EPC before you put your property on the market but if you haven’t done so yet, then now is the time to ask the agent how much they can provide one for. 

How much is my home worth?

The burning question that everybody wants the answer too and ultimately depends on current market conditions, your home’s size, location and its unique features. Booking a market appraisal is the best way to decipher the best asking price.

How will you market my home?

Successfully is no doubt the answer you want to hear. Knowing that most people now find properties online, you should ask the agent about their specific online strategy, along with their traditional marketing techniques such as window displays, leaflets and an open house method. Make sure you are happy with their answer and if you want something done in a specific way, suggest it.

What type of contract do you use?

There are various different types of contract and each has pros and cons.

• Sole selling rights – This means that the estate agent in the contract is the only one allowed to sell your home during the period stipulated. Many estate agents are now opting for sole selling rights contracts due to the increased marketing via social media.
• Multi-agency – This contract means that you can use as many agents as you like and only pay commission to the one who sells your property. The more agents, the more potential buyers and potentially the higher the offers you will get – but you will pay higher fees.
• Sole agency – This is the same as sole selling but if you find your own buyer, you won’t have to pay anything to the estate agent.

What happens if I change my mind?

It is essential that you read and double-check your contract for anything relating to liability and terminating the contract. Look for a contract with no withdrawal fees and also check the tie-in period. Do not sign anything that you don’t understand or aren’t 100% happy with.

Is my house ready for sale and is there anything I should change?

Your house needs to be staged like a show room for every single viewing – after all you never know which viewing will be the last one. Think about improvements you can make that will help fetch the best price such as touching up paintwork, replacing broken lights and broken tiles. In addition to this, a good spring clean will only benefit your property. Your agent should advise you on this topic and once again prove that they are the best person for the job.

Whilst the property market can be daunting, it is important to try and enjoy the process, which is why having an estate agent who you trust and like is imperative. By asking any potential agents these questions, you’ll be able to decipher if they can really walk the walk. For more information, please get in touch today.

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