Choosing an estate agent can have a direct effect on the price you achieve, the quality of your buyer and how smoothly the transaction progresses. The cheapest fee or highest valuation is not always the best indicator of service. A few well-chosen questions can tell you much more.
1. What evidence supports your valuation?
Ask the agent to explain recent comparable sales, current competition and local buyer demand. A valuation should be defendable, not simply designed to win the instruction.
2. Who is the likely buyer for my property?
A good agent should already be thinking about the audience: first-time buyer, family, investor, downsizer or landlord. That influences the photography, wording, portal strategy and conversations with registered applicants.
3. What will you do besides listing on a portal?
Property portals are important, but they are only one part of the campaign. Ask how enquiries are handled, whether suitable applicants are contacted directly, how viewings are followed up and how feedback is used.
4. Who will I actually speak to?
Clear communication matters. Find out whether you will have a named contact, how often you can expect updates and who handles the property once an offer has been agreed.
5. How do you qualify buyers?
An offer is stronger when the buyer’s position is understood. The agent should be able to explain whether a buyer has a property to sell, a mortgage agreement in principle, proof of funds where appropriate and a realistic timescale.
6. What happens after I accept an offer?
Sales progression is a major part of estate agency. Ask how the agent liaises with solicitors, mortgage advisers and other agents in the chain, and how frequently they chase updates.
7. What exactly is included in the fee, and which redress scheme do you belong to?
Make sure you understand the agency agreement, length of contract, notice period, marketing costs and any additional charges. Compare value and service, not just the headline percentage. You should also ask which government-approved redress scheme the agent belongs to – Mistoria Estate Agents is a member of ARLA Propertymark and The Property Ombudsman – since that gives you a free, independent route to escalate a complaint if something goes wrong.
The Mistoria view
The right agent should give you confidence because they understand the local market and have a clear plan, not because they promise the highest price. Choose the team you trust to manage the entire sale, from valuation to completion.
