10 questions you should ask your estate agent
Selecting an estate agent is one of the most important decisions in your selling journey.
The right agent brings market knowledge, marketing expertise and negotiation skills that directly affect both your sale price and timeline. Before committing, ask these essential questions to ensure you’re making an informed choice.
1. What’s your experience selling properties like mine in this area?
Specific local experience matters enormously. An agent who regularly sells properties like yours in your area understands your target buyer demographic, knows comparable sale prices, and has established relationships with potential buyers and local agents. Ask for recent examples of similar properties they’ve sold and the outcomes achieved.
2. What’s your current market appraisal of my property and how did you reach this figure?
Detailed valuation methodology reveals agent expertise. They should reference recent comparable sales, current market conditions, your property’s specific features, and realistic timeframes. Be wary of significantly inflated valuations designed to win your business—these often lead to price reductions and extended selling periods.
3. What marketing strategy will you use for my property?
Comprehensive marketing plans should include professional photography, detailed floor plans, compelling property descriptions, online listings across major portals, social media promotion, email campaigns to registered buyers, and physical marketing materials. Understand what’s included in standard fees versus additional costs.
4. How will you communicate with me and how frequently?
Regular communication prevents anxiety and keeps you informed about viewing feedback, market changes, and buyer interest levels. Establish expectations about update frequency, preferred communication methods, and how quickly they’ll respond to your queries. Ask who your main point of contact will be.
5. What’s your fee structure and what exactly does it include?
Understand all costs completely before committing. Ask about commission rates, whether they’re fixed or percentage-based, payment timing, what happens if you withdraw from sale, and any additional charges for enhanced marketing, professional photography, or premium portal placement. Clarify whether fees are plus or inclusive of VAT.
6. How many viewings do you typically arrange before accepting an offer?
This reveals realistic expectations about your selling timeline and how effectively they qualify potential buyers before arranging viewings. Good agents pre-qualify viewers, ensuring those viewing your property have genuine interest and appropriate finances.
7. What’s your success rate for achieving asking price or above?
While market conditions affect this significantly, experienced agents with strong negotiation skills and effective marketing typically achieve prices closer to or exceeding asking price more frequently than less skilled competitors. Ask for specific statistics from recent months.
8. How do you handle negotiations and multiple offers?
Understanding their negotiation approach helps you assess their advocacy for your interests. Know how they encourage sealed bids in multiple offer situations, how they advise on accepting offers below asking price, and what strategies they use to maximise final sale prices.
9. Can you provide references from recent clients?
Speaking with previous clients offers invaluable insight into working relationships, communication effectiveness, problem-solving abilities, and overall satisfaction. Don’t hesitate to contact these references and ask detailed questions about their experiences.
10. What sets you apart from other agents I might consider?
This reveals what they consider their strengths and unique value proposition. Listen for specific examples of expertise, innovative marketing approaches, exceptional client service, or market knowledge rather than generic claims about being “the best” or “most experienced.”
Evaluating responses
Pay attention not just to answers themselves but how agents deliver them.
Do they listen to your concerns?
Do they provide specific examples rather than vague promises?
Do they demonstrate genuine knowledge of your area and property type?
Do they communicate clearly and professionally?
Trust your instincts alongside factual assessment. You’ll work closely with this agent for weeks or months, so compatibility and communication style matter just as much as expertise and results.
Contact us to discuss your selling needs and our approach.
This article was originally published by BriefYourMarket and is reproduced here with their permission.
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