Choosing an Estate Agent: Three Questions to Ask Before You Commit

Choosing an Estate Agent: Three Questions to Ask Before You Commit

Property Sarah Mains 27th February 2023

When hunting for a professional to sell your home, you’ll probably compile a list of property-related questions to fire off at prospective estate agents. 

 

What’s the property worth? What changes need to be made before it’s listed? And what’s the best way to market it?

 

All wise questions worth asking, but please, don’t stop there! No matter how keen you are to get your property on the market, you need to uncover a few more facts about how the agent does business before making a final decision. 

 

Not getting enough detail can be a costly mistake that means you:

 

● Achieve a lower selling price.

● Pay unexpected fees later down the line.

● Spend months locked into a deal with an agent who is missing in action.

 

So, before you commit, here are three important questions you need to ask.

 

Am I getting value for money?

 

Agents typically charge a commission on the price the property sells for. If the property doesn’t sell, you don’t pay a thing. 

 

Your initial thought might be to go with the agent who charges the lowest commission, but it’s not always that simple. If an agent with a slightly higher commission can get thousands or tens of thousands more for your home, you’ll actually be much better off going with them.

 

The alternative is an online agency, where you pay an upfront flat fee (regardless of whether you sell) for a limited service. You can opt-in for additional services, although charges apply. This approach often costs more in the long run because, as time passes, sellers tire of doing so much legwork themselves.

 

What services are included?

 

Be clear about what you’re paying for. Most traditional estate agents include photography, copywriting, online advertising, floorplans, viewings and negotiations. With online agencies, you get the bare basics.

 

How long am I tied into a contract?

 

Sometimes, sellers don’t read the fine print and get locked in for 24 weeks with a 28-day notice period. So, they’re tied to that agent for six months, no matter how good or bad the service.

 

Tie-ins are negotiable (steer clear of agents claiming otherwise). Great agents don’t need to tie you in for half a year because they know their strategy works.

 

If you’d like a free property valuation, contact us here at Sarah Mains Residential on 0191 487 8855.

 

Market Appraisal

   
 

Newcastle Office
119-121 St George's Terrace
Jesmond
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE2 2DN
0191 240 3333

js@sarahmains.com

Low Fell Office
4 Beaconsfield Road
Low Fell
Gateshead
NE9 5EU
0191 487 8855

lfs@sarahmains.com

Whickham Office
8-10 The Square
Whickham
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE16 4JB 

0191 488 9999
ws@sarahmains.com

About Us

Sarah Mains Residential Estate Agent | Branches throughout Newcastle and Gateshead. 

Open 9am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 1pm Saturdays

2021 © Sarah Mains Residential Sales & Lettings. All rights reserved. Terms and Conditions | Privacy Policy | Cookie Policy | Complaints Procedure | CMP CertificateDisclaimer
Sarah Mains Residential Ltd. Registered in England & Wales.  Company No: 04324202.  Registered Office Address: 8-10 The Square, Whickham, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE16 4JE . 
Sarah Mains Residential (Whickham) Ltd. Registered in England & Wales.  Company No: 05774118.  Registered Office Address: 8-10 The Square, Whickham, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE16 4JE . 
Sarah Mains Residential (Newcastle) Ltd. Registered in England & Wales.  Company No: 04919065.  Registered Office Address: 8-10 The Square, Whickham, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE16 4JE .