The process of selling your property can be very stressful and every week it seems like there are new things to do and remember, deadlines to meet and documents to sign. On top of all of this, the last thing you want is an under-performing estate agent. We’ve come up with a step-by-step guide of what your estate agent should be doing so you can figure out whether they can walk the walk or simply just talk the talk…

Step 1: You’ve figured out your finances and chosen an agent. Next you must agree an agent fee.

Step 2: Your agent should value your home. Take a look at the local market and if you’re not happy with the price then question it. Pictures should have been taken and your advert should be up and running. Again if there is something that you feel is missing from the advert then discuss this with your agent. They’ve got a very important job and you want it done well. The marketing of your property is imperative to its sale.

Step 3: By now your advert should have been getting lots of enquiries and people should have been coming to view your home. Make sure you are available for evening, early morning and weekend viewings and ensure that your agent is present at every visit. Estate agents are the communication between parties so make sure you keep informed and up to date.

Step 4: Your agent should have recommended a solicitor to handle the legal work to transfer ownership of the property. You should decide which firm you want to use before you agree the sale– but you can only instruct them after you have agreed an offer.

Step 5: After a number of viewings, your agent should help get you the best offer. Your agent has to inform you about all offers and if you aren’t happy with them, reject it. Once you are happy with an offer, you need to formally accept it. You should then instruct the estate agent to take the property off the market.

Step 6: You and the buyer should be negotiating a draft contract and once exchanged, this becomes legally binding and if you pull out you will have to pay the buyer costs.

Step 7: Once you have moved in, you must settle up with the solicitor and estate agent.

If you are not happy with your agent or would like to speak to an expert then please get in touch.