If you are thinking of selling your home, one of the first things you will need to do is choose an estate agent. And if you are already at that stage, you have probably realised there are a lot of us. You will have stumbled across the big national chains, the local independents, the online-only guys, and everyone in between, all promising excellent service, great results, and probably a free valuation tomorrow afternoon. We are not here to say why none of them are as good as us. But we are here to help you choose the right one…which hopefully will be us!
We have been in the property business for a long time; in fact, the team has been around the block a bit and seen the market rise, fall, and do all sorts of odd things in between. If we had to summarise what actually matters when choosing an estate agent, it is this: pick someone you trust to be honest with you, and who understands the local market. Sounds pretty simple when we put it like that, but let’s dig a little deeper…
What ‘local knowledge’ actually looks like
Every agent will tell you they know the area. But local knowledge isn’t just about recognising the names of streets or knowing which pub has the best Sunday roast, although that is important. A good local agent can tell you why houses two streets apart sell at completely different prices. They will also have a good idea of what is selling fast and what is not, and they will be able to explain why.
One of the best ways to test this is to have a proper conversation. Yes, we are old-school and believe that the traditional approach is the best. We need to talk, get to know each other, and see if we are a good fit for you. It is also your opportunity to ask questions, and lots of them! You will quickly get a sense of who really knows their stuff and who is working from a script (or has been busy on Google).
Fees and what they don’t tell you
Next, let’s discuss money, as it is always a factor in the decision. Agents usually charge a percentage of the final sale price and sometimes offer fixed fees or tiered packages. At first glance, it may seem sensible to opt for the cheapest option, but it is not always that simple.
An agent who charges more isn’t necessarily trying to rip you off. Sometimes, they charge more because they spend more on marketing, professional photography, or premium listings. On the other hand, a low fee doesn’t always mean poor service, but it can sometimes indicate a more hands-off approach or less time spent focusing on your property. The key is understanding what you are actually getting for the fee. If an agent can justify their price with evidence of successful local sales, that is worth listening to. And if anyone insists they can get a much higher price than everyone else, without explaining why, take it with a pinch of salt.
Valuations: Who is right?
One of the trickiest aspects of choosing an agent is navigating valuations. You might invite three agents round and get three very different figures. So, who is right? The truth is, a valuation isn’t an exact science. No two homes are identical, and no two sales go the same way. Agents should be basing their valuations on a combination of recent local sales, current market conditions, and their experience of what buyers are actually looking for. What you want is the agent who explains their valuation properly. Not just the number, but how they got there. And they shouldn’t look nervous about this question.
Online or traditional?
There have been significant changes in estate agency over the past decade, particularly with the rise of online models. The low fixed fees and the promise of simplicity tempt some sellers. And in some cases, it does work – especially if you are confident in handling viewings yourself and aren’t in a rush.
However, this is the important part: you need to be clear about what you are actually getting.
Some online agents do little more than list your home on Rightmove and leave you to manage the rest. Others offer a more hands-on service, but it typically comes at an extra cost. And one of the biggest differences is that most online models charge upfront, so they get paid whether your home sells or not. With traditional agents, the fees are usually higher, but they are also tied to results. If they don’t sell your home, they don’t get paid. That can be a strong motivator. Additionally, with a local agent, you often receive more support with tasks such as negotiating offers and keeping the entire process moving in the desired direction: forward.
It comes down to how much involvement you want and how confident you feel managing the process. If your situation is complex, then your hand may need a little more holding than an online company can offer. And we are pretty good at that.
The ‘gut feeling’
We know it might sound vague, but sometimes it really does come down to your gut. Selling your home is a big deal – emotionally, financially, and practically. You will be speaking with your agent frequently and trusting them with a process that is extremely personal. You are not looking for a new best friend, but you are looking for someone who doesn’t treat you like just another listing. Offering the personal touch is at the centre of what we do.
Online reviews aren’t everything, but they can give you a helpful snapshot. If multiple people mention good communication and honest advice, that is a good sign. It is also worth asking around, as friends, neighbours, colleagues – anyone who has sold recently – can often give you a real sense of how an agent works. If you feel like you can have an open, friendly conversation with them, even when it is about difficult things, that is a good sign.
We have been in the property business for a long time; in fact, the team has been around the block a bit and seen the market rise, fall, and do all sorts of odd things in between. If we had to summarise what actually matters when choosing an estate agent, it is this: pick someone you trust to be honest with you, and who understands the local market. Sounds pretty simple when we put it like that, but let’s dig a little deeper…
What ‘local knowledge’ actually looks like
Every agent will tell you they know the area. But local knowledge isn’t just about recognising the names of streets or knowing which pub has the best Sunday roast, although that is important. A good local agent can tell you why houses two streets apart sell at completely different prices. They will also have a good idea of what is selling fast and what is not, and they will be able to explain why.
One of the best ways to test this is to have a proper conversation. Yes, we are old-school and believe that the traditional approach is the best. We need to talk, get to know each other, and see if we are a good fit for you. It is also your opportunity to ask questions, and lots of them! You will quickly get a sense of who really knows their stuff and who is working from a script (or has been busy on Google).
Fees and what they don’t tell you
Next, let’s discuss money, as it is always a factor in the decision. Agents usually charge a percentage of the final sale price and sometimes offer fixed fees or tiered packages. At first glance, it may seem sensible to opt for the cheapest option, but it is not always that simple.
An agent who charges more isn’t necessarily trying to rip you off. Sometimes, they charge more because they spend more on marketing, professional photography, or premium listings. On the other hand, a low fee doesn’t always mean poor service, but it can sometimes indicate a more hands-off approach or less time spent focusing on your property. The key is understanding what you are actually getting for the fee. If an agent can justify their price with evidence of successful local sales, that is worth listening to. And if anyone insists they can get a much higher price than everyone else, without explaining why, take it with a pinch of salt.
Valuations: Who is right?
One of the trickiest aspects of choosing an agent is navigating valuations. You might invite three agents round and get three very different figures. So, who is right? The truth is, a valuation isn’t an exact science. No two homes are identical, and no two sales go the same way. Agents should be basing their valuations on a combination of recent local sales, current market conditions, and their experience of what buyers are actually looking for. What you want is the agent who explains their valuation properly. Not just the number, but how they got there. And they shouldn’t look nervous about this question.
Online or traditional?
There have been significant changes in estate agency over the past decade, particularly with the rise of online models. The low fixed fees and the promise of simplicity tempt some sellers. And in some cases, it does work – especially if you are confident in handling viewings yourself and aren’t in a rush.
However, this is the important part: you need to be clear about what you are actually getting.
Some online agents do little more than list your home on Rightmove and leave you to manage the rest. Others offer a more hands-on service, but it typically comes at an extra cost. And one of the biggest differences is that most online models charge upfront, so they get paid whether your home sells or not. With traditional agents, the fees are usually higher, but they are also tied to results. If they don’t sell your home, they don’t get paid. That can be a strong motivator. Additionally, with a local agent, you often receive more support with tasks such as negotiating offers and keeping the entire process moving in the desired direction: forward.
It comes down to how much involvement you want and how confident you feel managing the process. If your situation is complex, then your hand may need a little more holding than an online company can offer. And we are pretty good at that.
The ‘gut feeling’
We know it might sound vague, but sometimes it really does come down to your gut. Selling your home is a big deal – emotionally, financially, and practically. You will be speaking with your agent frequently and trusting them with a process that is extremely personal. You are not looking for a new best friend, but you are looking for someone who doesn’t treat you like just another listing. Offering the personal touch is at the centre of what we do.
Online reviews aren’t everything, but they can give you a helpful snapshot. If multiple people mention good communication and honest advice, that is a good sign. It is also worth asking around, as friends, neighbours, colleagues – anyone who has sold recently – can often give you a real sense of how an agent works. If you feel like you can have an open, friendly conversation with them, even when it is about difficult things, that is a good sign.