Thinking of moving? How to decide which kind of estate agent is right for you?
Selling your home is one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make. It’s emotional, significant, and deeply personal. Your home isn’t always just an asset; it’s where life happens. So when it’s time to pass it on, you want to feel confident you’re getting its true worth and that the process feels right.
The national online agent
Roger and Kim, both busy professionals, chose an online agent. They wanted control, low fees, and were happy to handle viewings and negotiations themselves. It seemed simple: pay less, do more, and move fast.
But when a house across the street sold for more, they realised how much local market knowledge matters. Research shows homes sold through online-only agents can achieve 5–10% less than those sold by local professionals.
When their first buyer pulled out after seven weeks, the stress set in. Re-listing, renegotiating, and juggling their next purchase became a full-time job. They did move in the end, exhausted and vowing never again.
Vital info:
Pros
- Lower or no fees
- Control over the sale
- Fast to get on the market
- Direct negotiation with buyers
Cons
- You handle viewings, viewings admin, and offers
- Around 30% of buyers won’t book online
- Limited personal service or after-sales support
- Often lower final sale prices (up to 10% less)
The traditional high street agent
Justin and Josh were selling their parents’ home. They followed a recommendation and chose a local agent who listed the property quickly, with basic photos, no floorplan, and no real strategy.
After months with little interest and minimal contact from the agent, they realised how outdated the “traditional” approach can be. Many agents still focus on speed over quality, chasing the first buyer rather than the best one. Poor marketing, low communication, and rushed listings can all eat into your home’s value, particularly in those crucial first few weeks.
Vital info:
Pros
- Moderate fees
- Local knowledge and office presence
- Negotiations handled for you
- Access to registered local buyers
Cons
- Generic marketing and average photography
- High stock volume, low personal focus
- Long contracts and tied-in fees
- Risk of overvaluation followed by price cuts
- National fall-through rate around 40%
The complete service agent
At Love Property, we take time to understand your home, your goals, and your position before we even begin. Every detail, from photography and layout to the tone of the listing, is crafted to help your property stand out to serious buyers.
We know viewings and offers can take time, especially when the market is uncertain. That’s why we review every listing weekly and send you an in-depth property report. It covers your home’s online performance, local market trends, and tailored suggestions to help generate fresh interest. You’re always kept informed and involved, never left wondering what’s happening.
Not every offer is the right one. Sometimes the best result is a reliable buyer who can actually proceed. From the first viewing, we meet and qualify every potential purchaser, showing them around personally and guiding them toward a realistic and secure offer.
Once an offer is agreed, our dedicated sales progression team manages the process right through to completion. They stay in close contact with buyers, solicitors, and lenders, keeping full control of the situation so your sale stays on track.
This steady, hands-on approach protects your price, your time, and your peace of mind, whatever the market is doing.
Vital info:
Pros
- Bespoke marketing to attract the right buyer, including professional photogrphy and social media content
- Weekly reports to keep you informed along the way
- Accompanied viewings with immediate feedback
- Experienced negotiation for stronger offers
- Full sales progression and aftercare
- Fewer clients mean more attention
Cons
- Fees may be higher
- You’ll need to hand over the reins and trust the process
- Some wait time before marketing begins
So which route suits you?
Selling a home is a journey, from house A to house B. The question is how you want to travel. Get in touch with our team for more information: 01748 834373