Estate agents #2 How to choose a good estate agent

Choosing an estate agent is an important decision to make when it comes to selling your home. While a good agent will help facilitate a quick and painless property transfer, a bad one can potentially break a sale. It's your agent's job to manage the whole process on your behalf - from conducting viewings to securing you the best price for your property.

But with the vast number of agents out there, it can be difficult to tell the quality agents from the dodgy dealers that give the industry a bad name...

Tips for choosing a good estate agent

1. Use word of mouth recommendations to find an estate agent with a good local reputation

2. Look for NAEA / OEA approved agents to avoid potentially dodgy outfits

3. Shop around and compare fees, and don't be afraid to negotiate on commission

4. Get valuations from at least three agents

5. Get your own online home valuation to compare with agent recommendations

6. Avoid the term ‘ready, willing and able purchaser' in a contract with an estate agent as this makes you liable to pay a fee even if you sell the property without their help

7. Ask exactly how they will market your property including which websites they advertise with, local newspapers, leaflets, publications and other forms of marketing

8. Agree a time limit for working with them, so if they don't deliver you can try alternative methods of selling

9. Seek advice and share your experiences with people in your local area

10. Ask an estate agent about their recent sales and successes

... These tips should help you in your quest for a good estate agent, but bear in mind their commissions will always be substantial. You may also want to consider selling your own home.

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