A home purchase will likely be the most expensive financial transaction you make in your life. Whether it’s your first, next, or forever home, you need a dedicated estate agent by your side. Yet, many buyers end up working with the first agent they contact.
Here are some tips for choosing an estate agent in the UK.
Do Your Research
No two estate agents are the same. While they might share the same goal of guiding their clients through a sale, agents have different levels of experience and specialities. It’s up to you to conduct your search and start determining who could best fit your needs.
Experts recommend looking into an agent’s online presence before doing anything else. We’re talking about their website, social media accounts, and reviews from past clients on platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, Google, and Trustpilot. Though this info may not provide the entire picture, it at least gives you a snapshot of your potential agent.
Interview Multiple Agents
You’re ready to schedule meetings once you have a shortlist of candidates. It’s during this time that you’ll sit down with each agent and get a feel for each of them. Doing so can not only help you find the right agent but also eliminate those who aren’t a good match.
You’ll want to ask these estate agents several questions. For example, do they specialise in a specific type of property (e.g., flats, period homes, new builds)? Are they willing to provide contact information for past clients? Critically, ask if they are registered with a government-approved redress scheme (like The Property Ombudsman or Property Redress Scheme), as this is a legal requirement for residential estate agents in the UK. Also, ask if they are members of professional bodies like Propertymark or RICS, which indicate higher standards and adherence to codes of conduct.
Most agents have no problem scheduling an initial meeting and answering a few questions. However, some may be reluctant to do so and would rather rush you into the process. Our advice is to steer clear of these agents altogether.
Discuss Your Expectations
Estate agents wear many hats – researcher, negotiator, advisor, and often a calming presence during stressful times. You should expect your agent to go the extra mile. This could mean anything from handling a setback with the survey to putting in an offer well into the evening.
Ultimately, the agent you choose should be your advocate. This person must have your best interests in mind and do whatever possible to help you land your dream home or sell your current one for the best price. A proven agent will also take on any obstacles along the way and keep you on track with the process, liaising with solicitors and other parties.
Ask About Their Support
Put yourself in the shoes of someone who buys and sells homes for a living. They’re likely juggling meetings with clients, viewings, and mountains of paperwork, among other tasks. During the evening or on weekends, they could be catching up on work-related texts and emails.
These are busy people, and most of them have a support staff to keep things running smoothly. Don’t hesitate to ask about the customer service you’ll receive. The best agents provide each client with unmatched service, regardless of their schedule.
Trust Yourself
You’ve gone through the above steps and now have to choose an agent. The agents in consideration are savvy and mindful of your specific goals. Unfortunately, you can only choose one of them.
Our best piece of advice is to go with the person you trust the most. It doesn’t matter if they haven’t sold a record number of homes or won various awards (though these can be good indicators). What’s most important is they’re in your corner, and you’re comfortable with them guiding you through the ups and downs of the journey.
Signs of a Poor Estate Agent
Perhaps you’re wondering how to tell the difference between an excellent estate agent and a bad one. While some of the following may require some time to figure out, others will be evident from the beginning.
Poor Communication
This has to be the biggest pet peeve for aspiring homebuyers and sellers. In today’s digital age, you should expect to regularly hear from your agent by phone call, text, or email. An agent who fails to communicate effectively could lead to you missing out on the perfect home or a good offer.
Lack of Experience or Specialisation
You might know someone who serves as a “part-time” estate agent. Even though they might be registered with a redress scheme and have a few sales under their belt, they probably aren’t the right agent for the job if you need in-depth market knowledge or specialist advice. Do yourself a favour and narrow your search to agents who understand the ins and outs of your specific market and property type. While there’s no mandatory licensing or qualification for estate agents in the UK, experienced agents often hold professional qualifications or memberships.
Salesy Tactics and Hidden Fees
Your agent must match you with the right home or sell yours for the right price, not necessarily the priciest outcome for their commission. Some agents are more concerned about their commission than their clients’ preferences. You can eliminate a potential headache by reviewing your agent’s fees (which typically range from 1% to 3.5% plus VAT in the UK) before signing a contract. Always ensure the quoted fee includes VAT, as this is a requirement from The Property Ombudsman. Watch out for hidden charges for marketing, professional photography, or other services that should be part of the standard fee. Ensure the contract clearly outlines the type of agency agreement (e.g., sole agency, multi-agency) and its implications.
Start Your Homebuying Journey
Choosing an estate agent is just one piece of the homebuying or selling puzzle. You’ll also need to consider your financial readiness. For buyers, this means getting a mortgage in principle to understand your budget.
[Your Company Name/Service] can assist you with your mortgage needs. We offer various home loan options and can help you explore solutions for your financial situation.