Member Article

The three questions you should (and shouldn’t) be asking your estate agent

*Adore Properties MD, Jeremy O’Connor, looks at what you should be looking at when picking an estate agent. *

When it comes to picking the right person to sell your property there are several key considerations – here are our top questions to help decide which estate agents are right for you…and those to avoid at all costs.

What do you do when a property isn’t selling?

Of course, all estate agents like to promise they can sell your house but, realistically, the industry standard is only in three properties on the market will sell. With this in mind you want to question what your estate agent will do to help when you’re not getting the hits. For instance – staging new shots of the house, looking at the target audience, promoting on new platforms, gathering feedback from viewers and taking realistic action. All can help boost a property struggling to make a mark on buyers.

Can I see your portfolio?

Take some time to look at the other properties being sold by the agent and imagine yourself a buyer. Now ask yourself – does the price seems right? Do the house images look inviting? Do the listings have all the information you require, such as floor plans and energy certificates?

If you’re happy with how other listings look, the chances are you’re onto the right agent for you.

Who are you registered with?

From the Property Ombudsmen to the Consumer Codes Approval Scheme (CCAS), there are a number of trusted official codes of practice that reputable estate agents will follow. Not only does this guarantee they are up-to-date on the latest training and regulations but it also ensures that you have protection should anything go wrong during your dealings.

Questions not to ask

How big is your database?

This can sometimes be less a question and more a claim about the number of potential buyers estate agents have on their books. The number can sound impressive but the information you need will be buried further within. If an estate agent is selling based on their database ask them to specify some details further – for instance, how many of those buyers are in your area? How many are looking for your home (i.e Terraced or semi-detached, are they looking for a 2,3 or 7-bedroom home, do they want a garden or not?)

This will give you a better idea of the databases real value to you.

How many other homes are you selling?

Whilst it can be a sign of popularity, a lot of people will tell you to be wary of estate agents that seem to have a lot of properties on their books. The perception can be that these agencies won’t put in the same effort.

Realistically, the best way to rate an estate agent is not on size, but to look at what they’re doing for others - Do all the properties seem to be getting equal attention in the company’s marketing? What do their online reviews say, and what have been friends or families experience?

How long will it take to sell my home?

This question is often number one in people’s minds when they’re choosing at estate agent, but it can vary wildly – and not always in the way you expect. Rather than focus on time, focus on what an estate agent will guarantee to help you sell, for instance will they be realistic with you about price, will they help you present your home in the best light, will they bring knowledge about the local area to give you an idea of where your home fits in? All of this gives your property the best fighting chance of a successful, swift sale.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Adore Properties - Stockton .