How to Find The Best Estate Agent in The UK

Buying or selling a home is one of the biggest financial decisions of one’s life. For that, finding an experienced estate agent is very important. There are plenty of real estate agents looking for jobs via postcards, yard signs, online ads, flyers. But with so many professionals to choose from, you can feel overwhelming to find the best estate agent in the UK.

4 Simple Steps to Find the Best Estate Agent in the UK

Following these steps would help you find your perfect pro: 

1. Do your Research

When you sell property, it’s vital that you find the best estate agent for you. Firstly, make a shortlist of possible agents. It’s always a good idea to ask others about their first-hand experience. So, you should start by asking friends, family, and neighbours for their recommendations.

Keep an eye on newspapers and online, but also walk or drive around your area to see which agents are marketing other flats and houses in your area.

Once you’ve identified some recommended companies that are selling properties, visit their websites and offices. Whilst comparing facts, like how quickly and successfully they sell properties, how close they come to achieving asking price, what their success rate is.

You’ll also want an enthusiastic, experienced, and good estate agent who is punctual, friendly, and helpful, also able to offer some expert advice.

You can also take a look at their listing on OnTheMarket, Zoopla, Rightmove, and check their marketing relationships and strategies before you commit.

Some websites provide customer reviews which can be helpful to choose the right agent. You can check out TrustPilot, Feefo if you are searching for reputable companies and honest customer feedback.

2. Choosing the perfect Agent

After finishing your shortlist of three or four potential agents give them a call and ask them to provide a valuation and a brief selling strategy for your property. Here is your chance to check their communication skills, professionalism, and knowledge in the field.

You should keep in mind what Katheine Hutt says before hiring “The more effort they put into a presentation for you, the more effort they’ll put into presentations when they are working for you. You want someone who is really savvy.” 

When it comes to making a decision about who you want to give the job to sell your home, make sure you gather as much information as possible. And asking questions would be a great help. 

Questions to Ask

Here’s a list of important questions you should ask the candidate before hiring:

• Where do you live?

• What can you tell me about the real estate market in my area?

• How many properties have you sold in this area?

• What kind of prices have you achieved for sales similar to mine?

• How long have you been in the real estate business?

• Do you work alone or have a team?

• What are your working hours and will you or a colleague be contactable on weekends?

• What will be your strategies to market my property?

Based on their answers and appearance you will have decent knowledge about their skills and experience. Above all, trust your gut.

Go with an agent you trust and feel comfortable to work with as Herman Chan says “If everything checks out, but you just don’t vibe with that person, don’t go with them. There are plenty of other real estate agents out there that will be happy to help you that might be a better personality fit.”

3. Talk about the fees

Thirdly, you will need to do is look at the contract and the agent’s fees.  Traditional and high-street estate agents will typically charge a percentage of the price paid by the buyer which is called commission.

Again, some agents charge a single and flat fee. However, the commission rate is negotiable and varies from time to time.

Before signing you have to go thoroughly through the whole contract paper. In order to avoid unexpected events, don’t sign if you aren’t clear about anything. 

4. Know the Marketing plan

Finally, ask your agent how they plan to market your property. Take a close look at how they advertise and make sure of the picture quality and floor plans. Whoever you choose should be advertising on at least one or two major property web-portals.

If possible, ask them to provide information on homes they’ve sold in recent years. Contact those clients to find out their experience and what type of support the company provided throughout the process.