Choosing an Estate Agency

Most property sales are conducted through an agent, whom the seller pays to represent them in the selling transaction. Ideally you should ask three agents to value your property and recommend the selling price. Personal recommendations are a good place to start, especially from someone who is sold property similar to yours - perhaps a former neighbour.

• Look at the sort of details your chosen agents produce for properties like yours.
• Ask each agency what they see as your home's main selling point, and get detailed information on how they plan to advertise it. How often will it appear in the local paper? Do they have a web site or do they supply details to a composite web sites such as http://www.propertyfinder.co.uk or http://www.fish4homes.co.uk?
• Look for an agency that demonstrates a good knowledge of the area and shows a genuine interest in handling your sale.
• Choose someone you get on with. A good relationship with the agent is important and will make it easier to sort out any problems that may arise.
• Consider using a smaller agency - they may depend more on your sale and make more effort than a large agency, which may have so many properties that they can't give yours their full attention.
• Remember that fees are negotiable and you should always try to arrange a lower fee, particularly when selling a desirable property.