Questions to Ask an Estate Agent When Selling Your House

Published: 07/08/2024

Selling a house can be stressful and difficult. To make the process as seamless as possible, it is wise to choose a reliable and professional estate agent. Knowing which questions to ask an estate agent  can help you make an informed decision and pick the best agent to market and sell your home successfully.

How to Start a Conversation with a Property Agent

Choosing an estate agent is the first step in selling your home, so start with a conversation to understand how they will support you.

• Be Prepared: Research the agent and market trends. Familiarise yourself with the basics of property selling and have a list of questions ready.
• Build Rapport: Establish a good relationship by showing interest in the agent’s background and experience. This can help build trust and open communication. It will also enable you to find out how much experience they have and their understanding of the local market.
• Set Clear Objectives: Outline your goals and expectations clearly. Let the agent know your priorities, such as the desired sale price, timeline, and specific requirements.

Top Questions to Ask an Estate Agent When Selling a House

1. How much will you charge?
Understanding the fee structure is crucial. Estate agents may charge a flat fee or a percentage of the sale price. On average, UK estate agent fees are around 1.42%, including VAT. Be prepared to negotiate, especially for higher-value properties.

2. Will they offer a sliding fee scale?
A sliding fee scale can benefit sellers by adjusting the agent’s fee based on the final sale price. For instance, a lower percentage would indicate a lower sale price and a higher percentage would indicate a higher sale price. However, if you need a quick sale, you may need to reduce the price, which will impact the agent’s fee, so be very clear if your timescale is tight.

3. Are there any other costs?
Clarify all potential costs upfront. Ensure the quoted fee includes all essential services such as marketing, photography, and listing on property portals. Beware of hidden costs for services that should be included in the standard fee.

4. Do you charge a withdrawal fee?
Understand if there are any fees if you decide to withdraw your property from the market. Some agents charge for marketing and administrative costs incurred during the listing period.

5. Do I need an EPC?
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is legally required before property marketing. Check if your old EPC is still valid or needs a new one. EPCs typically cost between £60 and £120.

6. When do I pay estate agent fees?
Estate agent fees are usually paid upon completion of the sale. The agent’s invoice is forwarded to your solicitor, who deducts the cost from the sale proceeds before transferring the balance to you.

7. What homes have you sold recently?
Ask about their recent sales, especially on nearby or similar properties. Agents who have sold properties like yours recently are likely to have a good understanding of the current market.

8. What's the market like at the moment?
Understanding current market conditions helps you set realistic expectations. An experienced agent should provide insights into market trends, buyer behaviour, and price movements.

9. How will you market my home?
Effective marketing is crucial for attracting buyers. Ensure the agent uses a mix of online and traditional marketing methods. This should include listings on major property portals like Rightmove, Zoopla, and OnTheMarket, as well as social media advertising and local print media.

10. How much is my home worth?
Ask the agent how they determine the property’s value. They should base their valuation on comparable properties, market trends, and the condition of your home. It’s advisable to get valuations from multiple agents for comparison.

11. Have you recently sold any other properties in the area?
Agents with recent sales in your area likely have a list of potential buyers and a good understanding of the local market. They may even have buyers waiting!

12. Is now an excellent time to sell?
Market timing can significantly impact your sale price and speed. An experienced agent can advise you on the best time to sell based on market conditions and seasonal trends.

13. What type of contracts do you offer?
Understand the different contract types:

• Sole Agency: The agent has exclusive rights to sell your property. If you find a buyer, the agent does not charge a fee.
• Sole Selling Rights: The agent receives a fee even if you find the buyer.
• Multi-Agency: Multiple agents market the property; only the selling agent gets a fee.
• Ready, Willing, and Able Purchaser: Avoid this; it obligates you to pay the agent even if you decide not to sell.

14. Am I tied into a contract for a particular time?
Contract duration varies; typically 10-12 weeks. Shorter contracts offer more flexibility, allowing you to switch agents if needed without a long-term commitment.

15. Will I have any future liability if I take my home off the market and sell it with another agent later?
Ensure the contract clearly states any future liabilities. Understand what constitutes an introduction to avoid paying double commission if you switch agents.

16. Who will my lead estate agent be?
Know who your primary contact will be. This person should be experienced and knowledgeable and your main point of contact throughout the selling process. You should be able to easily reach them.

17. When will you conduct viewings?
Clarify the viewing schedule and ensure it aligns with your availability. If needed, check if the agent can conduct viewings outside of regular office hours.

18. Who will conduct viewings?
Ensure the person conducting viewings is well-informed about your property and can effectively engage potential buyers. Meeting this person beforehand can help you gauge their suitability. You should conduct your viewings and ensure you discuss this if this is the case.

19. How quickly can my property be up for sale?
Speed to market is essential, especially if you need a quick sale. Ask about the timeline for listing your property, including photography, description writing, and floorplan creation.

20. What would you recommend I do to the property before I put it on the market?
An experienced agent can provide valuable advice on staging and preparing your property. Simple improvements like painting, decluttering, and minor repairs can enhance the property’s appeal and value.

21. Why should I trust your valuation?
Understand the basis for the agent’s valuation. They should provide a detailed explanation backed by data on comparable sales, market trends, and the condition of your property.

22. If I appoint you, who will show my property?
Confirm who will be responsible for showing the property. Ensure they are experienced and capable of highlighting the property’s best features.

23. What makes you different from any other agent?
Identify the agent’s unique selling points. This could include their marketing strategies, client testimonials, local expertise, or additional services they offer.

24. How long have you been an agent?
Experience matters. An agent with a long track record will likely have more profound market knowledge and a proven sales strategy.

Contact the team at Cavender Estate Agent

Choosing the right estate agent is crucial for a successful property sale. By asking these detailed and specific questions, you can ensure you select an experienced, transparent, and capable agent who can meet your needs. A good agent will provide clear, honest answers and demonstrate their commitment to achieving the best possible outcome for your sale.

At Cavender Estate Agent, we pride ourselves on our integrity, local expertise, and client-focused approach. Whether buying, selling, renting, or developing a property, our team is here to support you every step of the way. Contact us today to sell your house; simply call 01483 457728