Selling Well Starts With the Right Conversations
If you’re planning to sell your home, choosing the right estate agent matters more than you might think. One valuation gives a price, but speaking to more than one agent can shape not only how your home is sold, but the experience you have and the final result you achieve.
Many things set agents apart, and it's knowing the right questions to ask. Below are a few things that you could look into when choosing the right agent for you.
Marketing Price/"Value"
A valuation is one person's opinion, yet it’s often what sellers base their decision on. In reality, the right marketing price is carefully agreed between agent and seller, shaped by market conditions and the outcome you want to achieve.
Different agents may:
• Price to win the instruction- often set high to secure the listing, but without a clear strategy, this can lead to a slow sale, limited interest, and a price reduction later on.
• Priced conservatively- often to avoid later price conversations, but if you have time on your side, there may be scope to test the market with a stronger price, build interest quietly, and create momentum before a full launch.
• Or price strategically- based on demand, buyer behaviour, and how your home will be positioned in the market- a sensible option, giving you a mix of both the above methods.
By speaking to more than one agent, you can explore which approach best suits your timeframe and priorities and clearly see the difference between being given a price and being offered a proper plan.
Not All Agents Sell Homes the Same Way
It’s easy to assume estate agency is a standard service. List the property, upload it to the portals, conduct viewings, and negotiate an offer.
But the reality is more nuanced.
Ask yourself:
• How will my home be presented- photography, wording, positioning, marketing in general. Will your agent focus on this to get you the best results out there, or are they looking for the cheapest, fastest way to get your home on the portals?
• Who is the likely buyer- and how will they be targeted? Will content be uploaded regularly to encourage viewings and push the property in front of the right people?
• How proactive will the agent be once the property is live? Is your agent looking at their database regularly and trying to contact people who are matched to your home, or are they sitting back and letting it fester on Rightmove?
• Will you receive weekly reports keeping you informed of what they're doing each week to try and generate a sale, or will you be ghosted until an offer comes through...
• What happens after an offer is agreed? Does your agent have a dedicated sales progressor, or will they pass it on to solicitors and never contact you or your buyer again, leading to possible complications which they can't help with later down the line?
These are the areas where agents quietly differ and where results are often won or lost.
Fees Are Only Part of the Equation
It’s natural to compare fees, especially early on. But a lower fee doesn’t always mean better value.
Consider:
• Time spent trying to match a buyer to your home, even in tougher markets
• Will you end up doing the bulk of the work? Your own viewings, chasing feedback, dealing with the solicitors with no help once an offer comes in?
• Does the agent genuinely care? It's too easy for agents to forget that someone is sitting at home unaware of what's happening with the market/their sale. Regular reports and updates should be given to you as a home seller; you shouldn't be chasing your agent after weeks of no contact
Remember, when it comes to one of your largest financial transactions, choosing the cheapest option isn’t always the smartest move.
If you’re thinking of selling your home, we’d be happy to offer a free, no-obligation market appraisal and help you plan your next move. Call us on 01748 834373 or email hello@lovepropertyuk.co.uk.
