How to choose an estate agent
Finding the right estate agent can mean the difference between selling your house quickly, getting the best price possible, or not selling it at all. Moving house is expensive and can be stressful. With homeowners only moving house every 11.7 years* on average, it's not surprising that most of us need some guidance when it comes to finding an estate agent. Here are some tips to help you get moving.
Reputation
There's nothing like getting a recommendation from someone you trust. Ask neighbours, friends and family who they've used and their experience.
Know what you're getting
Unfortunately, estate agents are not regulated. However, there are trade associations that enforce strict codes of practice. Don't take the agent's word for it, check to see if they are a member of the following associations by checking their websites:
These trade bodies offer a good way of appealing should something go wrong and their aim is to ensure members provide the highest level of service to UK buyers and sellers.
Now HIPs have become compulsory, estate agents marketing homes with Home Information Packs must become members of a redress scheme. The Ombudsman for Estate Agents (OEA) offers such a scheme.
To find the names and addresses of local estate agents, you could look in the local paper, the Yellow Pages and other business directories. However, you could search members of the Ombudsman for Estate Agents (OEA) database and/or the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA). Both of these bodies have strict codes of practice that are enforced and offer a good way of appealing should something go wrong further down the line. Their aim is to ensure member agents provide the highest level of service to its clients.
Location, location, location!
Think about where your agent is based. They should be as near to where you live as possible and well acquainted with selling properties in your area already. After all, if buyers are after a house in your town or village, they will naturally make a beeline for the nearest agent. If you live in-between two towns, find out which location has more agents that cover your area, or instruct an agent from both towns to cover a wider target. Consider the address of the agent's office too. Is it prominently situated in a busy high street or is it tucked away on the 2nd floor of a dry cleaner's down a back street? You may attract different buyers if the office is in the smart part of town rather than the scruffy end.