Putting your house on the market and going through the whole sales process – let alone moving – is incredibly stressful. Luckily, your estate agent can help make everything easier, saving some stress and helping you get the best offer for your property.
Of course, this means that you want the right estate agent on the job, which is why you should ask some questions before getting things started. Here are six questions that it pays to ask your estate agent to make sure you choose the right one to sell your property.
How much is my property worth and why do you think it’s worth it?
It’s a bit of an unscrupulous tactic but some estate agents will overvalue your property in an attempt to win your business. This is why it’s a good idea to ask why your property is worth the amount f money they say it is, rather than only paying attention to the estimate.
Understanding what a valuation has been based on will help you compare different valuations to assess which estate agent is most accurate.
When it comes to selling, this can put you in a better position. Many people who put their properties on the market for an inflated price end up having to drop the selling price when they fail to attract an offer. This can increase your stress levels but also delay the sale, which isn’t ideal if you’re ready to move.
How much will you charge?
You need to know what the fees are for listing and selling your house so you know exactly what costs you need to cover. In most cases, estate agents charge a percentage fee of the agreed selling price. This can range from 0.75% and 3.5% depending on the contract you have in place.
It’s also important to ensure there are no hidden costs, as these can drastically increase the amount you are paying for services. You want to check whether the above fee includes things like your for sale sign, floor plan diagrams, photographs of your property, etc. No one wants to get a larger than anticipated bill after the sale.
What services do you provide?
Not only is it the job of an estate agent to sell your property, but they should also be making things a bit easier for you. This is why you need to know what services are included – especially if they are proposing a higher fee.
You may want to ask them:
- Whether they conduct viewings on your behalf and will these be done on evenings and weekends as well as through the week.
- What marketing materials are prepared for the sale of your property.
- Where your property will be listed and advertised.
- Whether they be providing an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) and if so how much it will cost.
Do I need to make alterations to the property?
It’s always a good idea to see if your estate agent has any tips for making your property look its best in order to attract buyers. They will have a wealth of experience and will be able to suggest low-cost changes that could help you get a faster sale and a better offer.
Getting a better understanding of what they’ll be emphasising when showing your property can also help ensure you make it easier for them. For example, if you have original features throughout the property, you may want to ensure these are on show and not hidden by clutter.
Your estate agent wants to ensure that you get the best offer so it’s worth listening to their advice.
Can you recommend a conveyancer?
It’s highly likely that as well as a lot of knowledge, your estate agent will have worked with a number of experts in your local area. This can mean that they are in a good position to recommend a great conveyancer to you.
This means it’s worth asking for a recommendation for a conveyancer they have had good experiences with. Of course, it’s still worth asking around and getting some quotes, but getting this inside knowledge is always helpful.
How can I contact you?
You want to know that you can reach your estate agent when you need to but also that they aren’t going to disturb you when you can’t take a call. You should ensure they’re aware of the days and times that you’re available but also what the best method of communication is – whether this is phone or email or if it changes depending on the time.
It’s also a good idea to get details on how you can get in contact in case of an emergency, as these don’t always happen during office hours. Having this communication set up can ensure you can get answers to any questions but also that your estate agent can keep you updated.
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