Most of us think in terms of saving money where possible, however when issues of security and trust are involved this attitude may well turn out to be a false economy.
A smarter way to navigate the property market
PropertyAgentFinder lists every UK Property Professional. Connecting you to the best sources of property information we link directly to over 30,000 estate agents, letting agents and management agents, plus surveyors and valuers.
Whether you are a vendor, a buyer or just looking, use PropertyAgentFinder as a research tool. The ‘Search Results’ pages allows you to refine your search, find location maps, preview agents’ websites, and of course click through to the sites themselves to view the agents properties and services offered.
Your Recent Searches are automatically saved for your convenience. Favourites may be saved to the ‘My Agents’ page, along with any notes you make. This information is available to be viewed and revised whenever you return to our site using the same computer.
If you want to achieve a higher price when selling your house, increase the yield from a buy to let investment or track down that elusive dream home - then begin your “due diligence” right here.
To find property agents in a specific location, first select a category of agent, enter the location details (place name or postcode) in the search box and click the GO button. As you roll your mouse over each entry in your search results, you will access contact information, a preview of the website, a link to the agent's website, a map, and the My Agents button for saving favourite agents.
Different types of agent
Different estate agents sell different homes - some specialise in first timers, others like family houses, some handle the top end, so check around. Look at the length of time that estate agents have homes on their books and whether they then have to reduce the prices because they over-valued them to win instructions in the first place. A pattern will appear and the best agents will emerge. Select the three or four most suitable estate agents to come and value your property.
Agent valuations are key
If you find that an agent gives you a far higher than average valuation, be cautious. Never choose an estate agent purely on the basis of the promise a high price. They might be being greedy, and you can't afford to be - your property is only worth the amount a buyer is prepared to pay for it. Ask them why they have valued your home higher than equivalent properties in the district.
Similarly, if you find that you preferred one particular agent but the price they suggest is too low for you, discuss this with them. Find out if they think your house could be marketed at a slightly higher figure, or if there is anything you could do to increase the asking price.
You get what you pay for
Estate agent’s fees are another important point to consider. Do not to be drawn in by the agent with the lowest charges purely on that basis. Fees generally range between 0.5% and 2.5%, but the chances are you will get what you pay for. You will be offered lower charges if you choose one company as your sole agent, but this will mean limiting your exposure to buyers.
Agent's viewing policy
Ask the agent about their viewings policy, whether they will show potential buyers around personally, how much notice they will give you and so on. Online agents will usually prefer you to carry out your own tours of the property, but conventional estate agents will often hold keys so that they can show people round when you're not home.
Written details of offers
Find out too how they will present offers. The Office of Fair Trading says estate agents must give their clients written details of any offers received from potential buyers, promptly, either by hand, post or fax. They should also keep a written record of any offers that they receive for your property. You can ask them not to bother to contact you with offers below a certain level, though.
Associations and memberships
Find out which of the estate agents are members of the National Association of Estate Agents. This is the industry body that requires members to adhere to a comprehensive code of practice.
Your local agent’s knowledge and expertise is essential when it comes to ascertaining the current value of your home accurately.
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A professional estate agent will actively market your home.
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Your agent will negotiate the best possible sale price allowing for the current market conditions.
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If difficulties occur at any stage of the buying or selling process, they will advise you on the best course of action to get things moving again.
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A good estate agent will liaise up and down the chain of sales and with solicitors, making sure the sales process goes smoothly.
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The best estate agents will use all the modern marketing methods thus ensuring that properties have the greatest chance of reaching the widest possible audience.
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Despite the growing popularity of the internet, most of us still prefer to find their property locally by dealing with a real person.
